In this extra episode of the Rural Impact Michelle welcomes Cynthia Wallace, Executive Director of the non-profit, New Rural Project, which she co-founded in April 2021 to discuss the impacts of H.R.1, as well as the how Cynthia and The New Rural Project are amplifying the voices of rural young people and marginalized residents in North Carolina so that they are heard and seen, and they get electorally and civically engaged.

Before starting her non-profit, Cynthia spent over 25 years in financial services, retiring from Synchrony (formerly GE Capital) after 20 years spent there. She was the 2020 Democratic Nominee for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. Prior to running for public office, she was the Chair of the 9th Congressional District of the North Carolina Democratic Party. Cynthia was appointed in early 2021 to the NC State Banking Commission by Governor Cooper and serves on the boards of Democracy NC and the Levine Museum of the New South. 

Michelle and Cynthia discuss the challenges facing rural communities, particularly in light of recent legislative changes. She shares her background and the motivation behind founding New Rural Project, which aims to engage rural voters, especially those marginalized in the civic process. The discussion highlights innovative strategies for community engagement, including deep canvassing, barbershop conversations, and empowering young voices in politics. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of listening to community needs and the impact of grassroots activism on local policy. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to support rural advocacy efforts, become and stay engaged in local politics, and a warning about a rapid increase in voter suppression laws enacted across the U.S. in 2025. Show

Resources:

https://www.newruralproject.org/

https://votingrightslab.org/report/2025-legislative-sessions-to-date-key-election-policy-trends/