In 2021, women across the country have changed history by winning seats in elected office on various levels for the first time in history. A progressive pocket in Northeast Georgia, Clarke County, has been leading this charge for the last several years and continues to do so.

Currently, the county has an even split between male and female city commissioners and a heavily female board of education compared to male-dominant boards in all neighboring counties. The Western Judicial Circuit also elected its first-ever female district attorney last year.

University of Georgia journalism student Sydney Fordice sat down with women from Clarke County’s commission, board of education and district attorney’s office to hear their perspectives on what makes women leadership in the area unique and impactful.

Sydney Fordice is majoring in journalism at the University of Georgia.