Keywords: Democracy, Activism, Community Partnerships, DEI, Higher Education. Félix Maradiaga is an academic, political activist, and former presidential candidate from Nicaragua. His numerous accolades include various academic appointments, government positions, founding co-director of the ⁠Civil Society Leadership Institute⁠, and a nomination for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Steve Parks is a Professor in the Writing and Rhetoric Program, Department of English, University of Virginia. He is the founder of the University of Virginia’s Democratic Futures Project. His new book is, “‘The Wrong Side of Privilege.’ Advocacy, Community, and Politics: The Collected Essays of Stephen J. Parks, 2000-2020”. Visit thebigrhetoricalpodcast.weebly.com and follow @thebigrhet.Visit thebigrhetoricalpodcast.weebly.com and follow @thebigrhet.