30 Under 30: Civic Leaders

Some people were born to perform, others were born to create. Some people were born to build empires, and some were born to nurture others. But some, it seems, were born to fight. They fight stereotypes, the status quo, injustice, discrimination, complacency, inadequacy, hunger, and poverty. They fight for themselves, their communities, their country, and their generation. They fight to improve our way of life, but know that the fight is long. They fight for our rights, our freedom to exercise them, and the ability to change them. They fight for their voice to be heard even when it seems that no one is listening. They fight to make the world a better place by starting right here at home. And no one does it better than these 30 natural-born fighters. In partnership with the National Conference on Citizenship, we scoured the country to find the most prolific civic leaders 30 years old and younger. Some have goals of one day becoming President, others work to prepare future generations to take command, but all of them lead by example and fight to ensure that this country and its citizens are the best they can be.

Name: Mathias Harter
Age: 26
Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Position: Mayor
Organization: City of La Crosse
Website: cityoflacrosse.org

Mathias Harter has accomplished a tremendous amount in his 26 years. In addition to graduating from college and working as a business development coordinator shortly after, Harter served as a naval aircrewman, rescue swimmer, and Navy SEAL trainee until 2008. Upon his return, Harter threw himself into leading a successful campaign for community-centered reform in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was elected and sworn in as Mayor in 2009 — at the age of 24. As Mayor of La Crosse, Harter has reduced spending within City Hall and eliminated a tax increase, among many other accomplishments.
 
What part of American politics are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of the fact that any and all American citizens have the right and opportunity to serve fellow neighbors while holding a public office.”

What three characteristics should a successful leader have and why?
“Humility — a leader’s job is to serve, just as it is in any job. Confidence — a leader must have the fortitude to serve the public and not be unfairly influenced by any special interest that does not serve the public. Humor — a leadership position will wear a person down if they don’t have a sense of humor.”

If you could meet one political figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“I would like to meet Abe Lincoln. He is one of the most remarkable figures of American leadership.”

How would you advise a young person who’s interested in becoming more involved in politics?
“Waste no time getting into the political field if you are confident that’s what you want to do.”

What challenges do you face trying to engage your constituents?
“It is always a necessity and challenge to sympathize with the many varying concerns of a large number and broad base of constituents.”

What’s your favorite line from a historical political speech and why?
“’Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ by John F. Kennedy. It is the essence of charity and civic service.”

Name: Mary Yonkman
Age: 27
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Position: Chief Strategy Officer
Organization: The Mission Continues
Website: missioncontinues.org

Mary Yonkman’s early experiences planted a deep-seeded sense of personal responsibility. Yonkman grew up talking about civics around the dinner table. At 8 years old, she even shadowed the mayor of her hometown. A career in service seemed a logical progression of events. At The Mission Continues, Yonkman helps ensure that service members come home to not only an undying appreciation, but also leadership opportunities to continue to serve their nation if they wish. Yonkman diligently works to inform the American public that veterans are still very much needed community members.

What cause are you most passionate about?
“I am most passionate about ensuring the veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan come home to communities that value their ethic of service and see them as civic assets, not charity cases. For the 2.5 million men and women who have bravely served since 9/11, we must welcome them home, not just with a ‘thank you,’ but with a ‘we still need you.’”

What three characteristics should a successful leader have and why?
“Humility, because it's the greatest enabler to people trusting you to lead them well. Authenticity, because the moment you lose it, your reasons for leading and ability to create impact diminish dramatically. And being a good listener, because there are always smarter people in the room or someone with an idea you need to hear.”

If you could meet one political figure, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
“Michelle Obama. I have tremendous respect for her commitment to military families and her own balance as a working mom.”

How would you advise a young person who’s interested in becoming more involved in politics?
“I think the greatest challenge for a young person who is interested in getting involved is getting good information. In a world full of spin, it's difficult to find truths upon which you can base your political views and values. The first thing you have to make a serious endeavor of is getting good information. The second piece of advice I might offer is that there isn't a single route to politics, go where your skills lead you, and constantly think about how you can engage to make a positive impact.”

What challenges do you face trying to engage constituents?
“The greatest challenges for The Mission Continues comes from the fact that less than 1 percent of Americans serve in the military, so most Americans will never share a meal with these men and women, or have a meaningful conversation with them. What this means is that they base their opinions on what they see in the media — a storyline that focuses on veterans’ suicide, family instability, and unemployment — rather than the skill sets and ethic of service they bring to the communities they return home to.”