Mary-Pat Hector

Biography

A transformative force in social justice, Mary-Pat Hector shattered records as Georgia's youngest woman and person of color to run for public office at just 19, after advising President Obama on criminal justice reform. The Atlanta native's meteoric rise from 12-year-old activist to CEO of Rise has mobilized over one million young people nationwide, galvanizing unprecedented student advocacy across American universities. Her groundbreaking initiatives have transformed food security at HBCUs, registered half a million Georgia voters, and revolutionized youth political engagement. A powerhouse on the boards of HeadCount.org and Facebook's State of Youth, Hector continues to reshape America's social and political landscape through fearless leadership.