It’s become a meaningful tradition to start Veterans Day with meeting my dad for the Marion Hy-Vee Veterans Breakfast.
I’m grateful for his service and for all the veterans and active duty members in Marion who continue to shape this community with their leadership. Thank you all for your service.
I’m grateful for his service and for all the veterans and active duty members in Marion who continue to shape this community with their leadership. Thank you all for your service.
November 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
It’s become a meaningful tradition to start Veterans Day with meeting my dad for the Marion Hy-Vee Veterans Breakfast.
I’m grateful for his service and for all the veterans and active duty members in Marion who continue to shape this community with their leadership. Thank you all for your service.
I’m grateful for his service and for all the veterans and active duty members in Marion who continue to shape this community with their leadership. Thank you all for your service.
Update: My colleagues on the city council and I have given direction to move forward with this. City staff will provide more details about how we can maximize our impact, but we will be allocating between $10k to $20k.
Official vote will be at next council meetings later this month.
Official vote will be at next council meetings later this month.
The Marion City Council will discuss supporting local food pantries during this Thursday’s meeting.
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
Marion City Council to Discuss Support for Local Food Pantries
Added challenge of SNAP delays increases the need for residents during food pantries' busiest season.
open.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Update: My colleagues on the city council and I have given direction to move forward with this. City staff will provide more details about how we can maximize our impact, but we will be allocating between $10k to $20k.
Official vote will be at next council meetings later this month.
Official vote will be at next council meetings later this month.
The Marion City Council will discuss supporting local food pantries during this Thursday’s meeting.
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
Marion City Council to Discuss Support for Local Food Pantries
Added challenge of SNAP delays increases the need for residents during food pantries' busiest season.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM
The Marion City Council will discuss supporting local food pantries during this Thursday’s meeting.
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
With food pantries’ busiest months approaching plus the added challenge of SNAP delays, local pantry leaders have told me more families will need help.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I’m proud that Marion is stepping up alongside HACAP to support food pantries and families who could use a little extra help right now.
If you’re able, please consider donating whether you’re an individual, a business, or community group.
We can’t Reach Higher without lifting others.
If you’re able, please consider donating whether you’re an individual, a business, or community group.
We can’t Reach Higher without lifting others.
November 3, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I’m proud that Marion is stepping up alongside HACAP to support food pantries and families who could use a little extra help right now.
If you’re able, please consider donating whether you’re an individual, a business, or community group.
We can’t Reach Higher without lifting others.
If you’re able, please consider donating whether you’re an individual, a business, or community group.
We can’t Reach Higher without lifting others.
I wrote about Iowa: our land, history, identity, and a collective generational trauma rooted in stoic pride, productivity, and the stories we’ve told ourselves for a long time.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
What Iowa's Land is Trying to Tell Us
Two national stories about Iowa bring reflection on land, identity, pride, and the quiet burdens we’ve carried for generations and what it will take to heal.
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:27 AM
I wrote about Iowa: our land, history, identity, and a collective generational trauma rooted in stoic pride, productivity, and the stories we’ve told ourselves for a long time.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
My newest Substack post is live!
I interviewed Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director Erin Foster about what the Access Center is, the current mental health system situation in Iowa, and what we can do locally to help and support.
gagemiskimen.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
I interviewed Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director Erin Foster about what the Access Center is, the current mental health system situation in Iowa, and what we can do locally to help and support.
gagemiskimen.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
What is the Linn County Mental Health Access Center?
A conversation with Director Erin Foster about the Access Center, mental health in Iowa, and what we all can do to help
gagemiskimen.substack.com
July 11, 2025 at 3:51 PM
My newest Substack post is live!
I interviewed Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director Erin Foster about what the Access Center is, the current mental health system situation in Iowa, and what we can do locally to help and support.
gagemiskimen.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
I interviewed Linn County Mental Health Access Center Director Erin Foster about what the Access Center is, the current mental health system situation in Iowa, and what we can do locally to help and support.
gagemiskimen.substack.com/p/what-is-th...
Soon, 988 Decals will be on some of our Marion city vehicles.
I am extremely grateful to my fellow council members, city staff, and HOPEwalk CR for believing in and making this initiative happen.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I am extremely grateful to my fellow council members, city staff, and HOPEwalk CR for believing in and making this initiative happen.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
Small Decal, Big Message: Why Mental Health Access Matters in Iowa
988 Lifeline decals are coming to some Marion city vehicles
open.substack.com
July 8, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Soon, 988 Decals will be on some of our Marion city vehicles.
I am extremely grateful to my fellow council members, city staff, and HOPEwalk CR for believing in and making this initiative happen.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I am extremely grateful to my fellow council members, city staff, and HOPEwalk CR for believing in and making this initiative happen.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I wrote about the need for a bolder vision for Iowa.
I love this state. I continue to choose to live here while many others my age continue to leave.
We need to be real, name what’s wrong, and fight to fix it.
Take a read and subscribe if you haven’t already: open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I love this state. I continue to choose to live here while many others my age continue to leave.
We need to be real, name what’s wrong, and fight to fix it.
Take a read and subscribe if you haven’t already: open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
June 30, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I wrote about the need for a bolder vision for Iowa.
I love this state. I continue to choose to live here while many others my age continue to leave.
We need to be real, name what’s wrong, and fight to fix it.
Take a read and subscribe if you haven’t already: open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I love this state. I continue to choose to live here while many others my age continue to leave.
We need to be real, name what’s wrong, and fight to fix it.
Take a read and subscribe if you haven’t already: open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
My first Substack post is live! Thank you to the Marion business owners that chatted with me about tariff impacts earlier this summer.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
Tariffs on Main Street: How National Policy Impacts Uptown Marion
Uptown Marion Business owners talk tariffs
open.substack.com
June 18, 2025 at 1:04 PM
My first Substack post is live! Thank you to the Marion business owners that chatted with me about tariff impacts earlier this summer.
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
open.substack.com/pub/gagemisk...
I don't understand why Dem elected officials keep watering down their language and shifting toward more moderate stances. The folks who already fully oppose you will still call you "communists" or "socialists." It doesn't matter how 'moderate' you sound.
June 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I don't understand why Dem elected officials keep watering down their language and shifting toward more moderate stances. The folks who already fully oppose you will still call you "communists" or "socialists." It doesn't matter how 'moderate' you sound.
Woke up to seeing this in the Gazette today!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to be able to make a small impact in the community by helping to normalize the 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
If this idea helps just one person who needs it, I think it's valuable.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to be able to make a small impact in the community by helping to normalize the 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
If this idea helps just one person who needs it, I think it's valuable.
May 12, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Woke up to seeing this in the Gazette today!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to be able to make a small impact in the community by helping to normalize the 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
If this idea helps just one person who needs it, I think it's valuable.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to be able to make a small impact in the community by helping to normalize the 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline.
If this idea helps just one person who needs it, I think it's valuable.
My friend sent me a recording of my speech from yesterday’s Love Conquers Hate rally in Uptown Marion.
Thank you again to all of the community members who showed up!
Thank you again to all of the community members who showed up!
May 5, 2025 at 2:26 PM
My friend sent me a recording of my speech from yesterday’s Love Conquers Hate rally in Uptown Marion.
Thank you again to all of the community members who showed up!
Thank you again to all of the community members who showed up!
I had the privilege of speaking in Uptown Marion today at the Love Conquers Hate Rally. Thank you to everyone who showed up for Community today.
You are Marion.
Keep showing up.
Lean on each other.
Lean on community.
And lead with love and authenticity.
You are Marion.
Keep showing up.
Lean on each other.
Lean on community.
And lead with love and authenticity.
May 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM
I had the privilege of speaking in Uptown Marion today at the Love Conquers Hate Rally. Thank you to everyone who showed up for Community today.
You are Marion.
Keep showing up.
Lean on each other.
Lean on community.
And lead with love and authenticity.
You are Marion.
Keep showing up.
Lean on each other.
Lean on community.
And lead with love and authenticity.
Cedar Rapids friends: you only have a couple days left to vote for Angel Ramirez in the April 29 special election for HD78!
It was a great afternoon to hear from IDP Chair Rita Hart and a bunch of our state legislators for the Angel’s GOTV Event!
It was a great afternoon to hear from IDP Chair Rita Hart and a bunch of our state legislators for the Angel’s GOTV Event!
April 28, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Cedar Rapids friends: you only have a couple days left to vote for Angel Ramirez in the April 29 special election for HD78!
It was a great afternoon to hear from IDP Chair Rita Hart and a bunch of our state legislators for the Angel’s GOTV Event!
It was a great afternoon to hear from IDP Chair Rita Hart and a bunch of our state legislators for the Angel’s GOTV Event!
Couple issues with this:
1. Individual communities should be allowed and able to determine how their city operates in this regard. Not state lawmakers.
2. More community involvement and transparency in government and public safety is always good
www.thegazette.com/state-govern...
1. Individual communities should be allowed and able to determine how their city operates in this regard. Not state lawmakers.
2. More community involvement and transparency in government and public safety is always good
www.thegazette.com/state-govern...
Citizen police review boards would be banned under bill approved by lawmakers
The proposal, which would abolish a board formed in Cedar Rapids after Black Lives Matter protests, needs only Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature to become law.
www.thegazette.com
April 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Couple issues with this:
1. Individual communities should be allowed and able to determine how their city operates in this regard. Not state lawmakers.
2. More community involvement and transparency in government and public safety is always good
www.thegazette.com/state-govern...
1. Individual communities should be allowed and able to determine how their city operates in this regard. Not state lawmakers.
2. More community involvement and transparency in government and public safety is always good
www.thegazette.com/state-govern...
I just wanted to make it known right now that I am not running for Governor in the Nov. 3, 2026 election as I do not turn 30 until Nov 4, 2026 😔 sorry to disappoint yall
Shocked by this news:
Governor Kim Reynolds will not seek a third term in 2026.
www.thegazette.com/article/iowa...
Governor Kim Reynolds will not seek a third term in 2026.
www.thegazette.com/article/iowa...
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says she will not seek another term
Reynolds, 65, has been governor since 2017, when Gov. Terry Branstad stepped down after being named U.S. ambassador to China by President Donald Trump.
www.thegazette.com
April 11, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I just wanted to make it known right now that I am not running for Governor in the Nov. 3, 2026 election as I do not turn 30 until Nov 4, 2026 😔 sorry to disappoint yall
get me to gods country
April 1, 2025 at 1:35 PM
get me to gods country
the world gets quieter when you stop needing to be loud.
March 30, 2025 at 8:53 PM
the world gets quieter when you stop needing to be loud.
Since we’re renaming bodies of water, I am thrilled to announce the Marion River, which flows directly through the heart of our beautiful Linn County.
Thank you Google for updating maps already!
Thank you Google for updating maps already!
February 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Since we’re renaming bodies of water, I am thrilled to announce the Marion River, which flows directly through the heart of our beautiful Linn County.
Thank you Google for updating maps already!
Thank you Google for updating maps already!
Spent yesterday meeting with legislators and advocating for foster families: more money directly to families and educating on our trial therapeutic foster care program.
We can’t control everything in the world, but I will always do everything I can to advocate for these children in Iowa.
We can’t control everything in the world, but I will always do everything I can to advocate for these children in Iowa.
January 29, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Spent yesterday meeting with legislators and advocating for foster families: more money directly to families and educating on our trial therapeutic foster care program.
We can’t control everything in the world, but I will always do everything I can to advocate for these children in Iowa.
We can’t control everything in the world, but I will always do everything I can to advocate for these children in Iowa.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” -MLK Jr.
History has shown us that the road to progress is never linear, but it is unstoppable.
History has shown us that the road to progress is never linear, but it is unstoppable.
January 22, 2025 at 12:24 PM
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” -MLK Jr.
History has shown us that the road to progress is never linear, but it is unstoppable.
History has shown us that the road to progress is never linear, but it is unstoppable.
Today was so heartwarming and awesome.
Four Oaks hosted hundreds of children in foster care and their families at the American Legion in Marion for our Operation Santa party!
Each kiddo received gifts from their wishlists, visited with Santa, decorated cookies, did crafts, and drank hot cocoa.
Four Oaks hosted hundreds of children in foster care and their families at the American Legion in Marion for our Operation Santa party!
Each kiddo received gifts from their wishlists, visited with Santa, decorated cookies, did crafts, and drank hot cocoa.
December 8, 2024 at 9:50 PM
Today was so heartwarming and awesome.
Four Oaks hosted hundreds of children in foster care and their families at the American Legion in Marion for our Operation Santa party!
Each kiddo received gifts from their wishlists, visited with Santa, decorated cookies, did crafts, and drank hot cocoa.
Four Oaks hosted hundreds of children in foster care and their families at the American Legion in Marion for our Operation Santa party!
Each kiddo received gifts from their wishlists, visited with Santa, decorated cookies, did crafts, and drank hot cocoa.
Update: around $16,000 has been raised within the last couple of weeks for 350+ gifts for all of the kiddos. 🎁
We have some great community partners in Linn County and this work doesn’t get done without them.
Community matters.
We have some great community partners in Linn County and this work doesn’t get done without them.
Community matters.
A bright spot for the rest of the year in Iowa. I’ve been pouring my energy into this great initiative for Four Oaks with Foster Squad, hosting 20+ holiday parties around Iowa for foster families.
Helping lead the Linn County party has been amazing. We have 350+ kids and families coming. 🥲
Helping lead the Linn County party has been amazing. We have 350+ kids and families coming. 🥲
November 20, 2024 at 8:44 PM
Update: around $16,000 has been raised within the last couple of weeks for 350+ gifts for all of the kiddos. 🎁
We have some great community partners in Linn County and this work doesn’t get done without them.
Community matters.
We have some great community partners in Linn County and this work doesn’t get done without them.
Community matters.