We recently had the chance to connect with Akela Woodard and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Akela, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now starts with getting my kids ready for school and making sure we all get out the door on time, that’s always an adventure! From there, my days are usually filled with community work, meetings, and checking in on people who need support. Somewhere in between, I try to find a little quiet time to regroup and refocus. Life stays busy, but everything I do connects back to service and family. That’s what keeps me grounded and motivated.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! My name is Akela Woodard, and I’m a proud Community Outreach professional, business owner, wife, and mom. I work a regular 9-to-5 job focused on serving and connecting with the community, and I also run my own business, ANM Mediation Services, where I help people resolve conflicts and restore peace.
Balancing work, family, and business keeps me busy, but it also keeps me grounded. I know what it’s like to juggle responsibilities while still wanting to make a difference, and that’s exactly why I’m running for Justice of the Peace in my precinct!
For me, this role is about more than a title. It’s a responsibility to serve with fairness, compassion, and integrity. Every marriage I officiate, every dispute I hear, and every decision I make will reflect the values we share….respect, justice, and community.
I’m not a politician, I’m a neighbor, a mother, and a woman who believes that true justice starts with listening, understanding, and leading with heart. My goal is to bring that kind of leadership to the bench…”one that serves the people, not the system”.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandparents, both devoted servants of God, saw me clearly before I could see myself. They’ve always reminded me that my life has a purpose bigger than my fears and that “God doesn’t call the qualified…He qualifies the called”. Even when I doubted my own voice, they spoke life into me, prayed over me, and reminded me to stand tall, serve others, and never forget where I came from. Their strength, faith, and wisdom have carried me through so many seasons of my life.
Looking back, I realize they didn’t just see who I was, they saw who God was shaping me to become. Every time I step into a new space or take on a new challenge, I carry their lessons with me. They taught me that leadership isn’t about titles or attention….it’s about heart, humility, and showing up for people, even when it’s not easy.
Their work in the church and in the community has always been about faith in action…serving, loving, and lifting others up. That same spirit is what continues to guide me today. Shout out to Hubert & Burma Jean!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were moments I almost gave up , times when life felt heavy and the road ahead looked impossible. Between juggling family, responsibilities, and my own dreams, I’ve had days where I questioned if I was really making a difference. But each time, something or someone, reminded me why I started. Whether it was my kids looking up to me, my Big Mama’s voice in my heart, or just my faith kicking in, I found the strength to keep going.
Those moments taught me that purpose doesn’t come easy, but it’s always worth fighting for. That’s why I’m so passionate about serving my community , because I know what it feels like to push through when life tests you.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies people tell themselves in this industry is that you have to be a certain age or have decades of experience before you can lead or make a real difference. I don’t believe that. Leadership isn’t about age, it’s about vision, compassion, and courage. I’ve spent years serving my community, listening to people’s needs, and working to create change where it matters most.
Being younger means I bring fresh energy, a modern perspective, and a real connection to the next generation of voters and families. I’m proof that you can respect tradition while also being bold enough to push for progress.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people might misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not about titles or recognition, it’s about service. Some may see my drive and think it’s about ambition, but for me, it’s always been about impact. Every role I’ve taken, every community effort I’ve led, has come from a genuine desire to help people and create opportunities for others.
I don’t do this for attention or applause, I do it because I believe in my community and I want to leave things better than I found them. My legacy isn’t about being remembered for what I achieved, but for how I made people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.voteforakelawoodard.com
- Instagram: @voteakelawoodard
Image Credits
Salutetheshooter_
