| November showed, once again, what it looks like when our community refuses to stay silent. Hundreds came together for last week's “No Border Patrol in NC!” rally, raising our voices and standing in solidarity with our friends and neighbors. As the year winds down and the days get shorter, choosing to show up for one another matters even more. Read on for opportunities to gather this month, and stay tuned for ways we can keep growing our collective capacity to care for each other! |
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Space is limited Please RSVP. |
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EMILY HUDSON by Emily Hudson |
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I come from a long line of helpers and believers in public service. My dad is a retired police officer, my mom was a nurse, my grandmother was a teacher, and my stepdad — a physician— helped launch George McGovern’s presidential campaign while he was in college. My family has always been made up of steadfast voters and supporters of democracy. Caring for people and caring about our countrywere the quiet values woven into my upbringing.
I earned my CNA in high school, later studied pre-med at UT Knoxville and UNC Asheville, and spent nearly three decades working as a medical assistant, earning mycertification along the way, most of that in primary care. I wasn’t politically active then — I thought helping people one-on-one was enough. But over time, as I saw rights threatened, families struggling, andcommunities ignored by their own representatives, I realized that staying “out of politics” wasn’t neutral. It was looking away.
My activism began simply by listening: attending meetings, showingup for town halls, and learning how decisions were made. Over time, I found myself drawn toward work centered on community, women’s voices, and public health.
One moment that crystallized things for me happenedduring a recent trip to Washington, D.C., where I took a photo in front of the White House dressed as a suffragette — not as a costume, but as a reminder of the women who fought before us. I was a little scared wearingit that day; the National Guard was out in D.C., and the atmosphere felt tense. But courage doesn’t always feel comfortable. Since debuting that suffragette outfit at a town hall last March, I’ve worn it to everyrally since — and it’s always a hit, especially among older women. Some have even stopped me to say they themselves fought for reproductive rights in the years leading up to Roe v. Wade. Those moments remind methat visibility matters. That courage inspires courage. That showing up counts.
Today, I’m channeling all of that — my medical background, community involvement, and passion for women’s health— into building my plant-based food coaching business, helping women feel safer, healthier, more supported, and more connected to their own agency. My work is about persistence rather than perfection, and about creatingsmall changes that ripple into families and communities.
Outside of advocacy and coaching, I find joy in creative expression — from wearing themed outfits for musicals to experimenting with plant-based recipesin the kitchen. I love spending time with family and friends, connecting with the Facebook food group community I started during the pandemic, Argentine tango, and disc golf. And in my little cottage in Hendersonville, I basicallyplay Snow White — taking care of the wild animals that surround me, as well as my cat, Scout. Whether I’m supporting women in their health journeys or tending to the creatures around my home, I try to bring a littlelightness, humor, and hope wherever I go.
I don’t have all the answers, but I know this: silence has never protected us. Sisterhood has. Community has. Speaking up has. And now that I understand what’sat stake, I’m committed to using my voice, my work, and my presence to help build a North Carolina where everyone feels safe, supported, and seen.
I’m honored that the Progressive Alliance nominatedme for this spotlight, and grateful for the work they’re doing to strengthen democracy and build community across Western North Carolina. I’m proud to stand alongside them. |
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OUR MISSION: The Progressive Alliance of Henderson County (PAHC) compassionately advocates for justice, dignity, inclusion and sustainable, healthy communities for all. OUR VISION: To connect residents of Henderson County and vicinity through grassroots civic engagement, education, outreach and volunteerism. Visit our website for more photos, events, and links to like-minded groups. |
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The PAHC core leadership group (currently Betsy Alger, Chris Berg, Nancy & Neil Brown, Sheila Clendenning, Padma Dyvine, Laura Miklowitz, Andy Myers, and Paul Weichselbaum) working together diligently to strengthen our impact, has created mission and vision statements for the group.
Please speak to any of us if you can offer your ideas and time about the future of Henderson County. |
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Copyright © *2019-2025* *Progressive Alliance of Henderson County* |
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