Karen and Kat sit down with Akbar Ali, the youngest Democratic state representative in the nation, and a proud son of Gwinnett County.

At just 21, Rep. Ali shares his journey from community organizing and student activism to serving in the Georgia State House. He reflects on leading with integrity, protecting public education, lowering costs for families, and ensuring unheard voices are represented.

This episode is a powerful conversation about servant leadership, generational impact, and what it truly means to put community first.

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we reflect on the true meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, spotlighting the 5th Annual MLK Day Drive-Thru Food Giveaway held at Church on Main in Snellville, Georgia.The Food Giveaway is this Saturday, January 17th, starting at noon.We discuss how MLK’s call to service continues to live through grassroots efforts that meet real needs—feeding families, showing up for neighbors, and strengthening communities through compassion and action. This conversation highlights the importance of faith-based partnerships, volunteerism, and leadership rooted in love and justice.Karen and Cat also explore:Why service is a powerful form of advocacyHow community organizations and sponsors collaborate to create impactThe role of local leadership in sustaining year-round service—not just on MLK DayWhat it means to lead with purpose, humility, and consistencyThis episode is both a reflection and a call to action—encouraging listeners to find meaningful ways to serve, uplift, and build stronger communities in the spirit of Dr. King.✨ “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In this heartfelt update episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, your favorite duo returns with major announcements and a ton of gratitude for the community that continues to support their journey.

Karen and Cat share the incredible honor of being named the Gwinnett NAACP 2025 Voice of the Community Award recipients — a recognition that affirms their commitment to uplifting voices, sparking dialogue, and standing in the gap for equity and advocacy.

But that’s not all! Catherine Hardrick takes listeners behind the scenes of her latest milestone: being elected to the Snellville City Council, Post 5. She opens up about the campaign trail, what inspired her run, and her vision for fostering connection and progress in Snellville.

Together, Karen and Cat reflect on:

• What these achievements mean personally and professionally

• The community partnerships and supporters who made this possible

• How their platform will grow and evolve with these new responsibilities

• Why representation, visibility, and unity continue to guide their work

Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re joining the conversation today, this episode is filled with celebration, transparency, and heartfelt appreciation.

📌 Tune in, celebrate with us, and get inspired for the journey ahead.