Lessons from Councilmember Lourdes: Leadership, Activism, and Grace

What a time to be in the room! I had the privilege of hearing Councilmember?Lourdes Barroso de Padilla speak to our cohort about Political Activism. As the daughter of two Cuban immigrants, she shared the challenges her family faced when they first moved to America. Her younger sisters, who spoke no English, struggled in classrooms with nonexistent ESL programs. Their journey reminded me of how far we've come and how much further we still need to go in supporting immigrant families.

Councilmember Lourdes shared how her passion for public service began—inspired by her family's perseverance and connection to Columbus, with her dad opening one of Columbus's first Latino food stores. During the pandemic, she saw how the world was finally paying attention to issues of racial injustice sparked by George Floyd's death.

During the presentation, she asked us what political activism meant to us. Some responses were political activism is social justice in practice, and one said that "political activism is finding a social issue and shaking the table until something changes." The councilwoman added that activism can take many forms, from voting and supporting campaigns to placing yard signs. (Please vote for Issue #47.) However, political activism is different from being an activist. She is a true example of an activist, being the first Latina woman elected to the City Council. She not only fights for immigrants and migrant workers but also for children and women's pay equity. You can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lourdesforcolumbus?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

One of her most powerful lessons was about proximity—how being close to people's experiences opens our eyes to their struggles. Years ago, when she worked on the South Side of Columbus in a largely Appalachian community, she learned the importance of active listening and relationship-building. People can't tell you what policy they need. But they can tell you what their needs are. She knew she wanted to make a difference but admitted she didn't have all the answers initially. Her years volunteering for the Sanders and Obama campaigns gave her great insight, and the pandemic brought her clarity, pushing her to pursue her vision for change.

As the Chair of Transportation and Public Service, Councilmember Lourdes spoke passionately about mobility options and zoning reform in Columbus. She highlighted the need for updated infrastructure to support our most vulnerable citizens, ensure access to affordable transportation, and eliminate food deserts in urban areas. Her leadership is driving meaningful change, and she emphasized the importance of collaboration—whether through writing checks, standing in line, or helping to craft policies and laws that reflect the people's needs.

What struck me most was her reminder that no one can be "mathematically impossible to be 100% great in all things at once." As a mother, student, and community advocate, this message resonated deeply. She encouraged us to give ourselves grace and understand our pace, knowing sustainable change takes time.

Councilmember Lourdes's story left a lasting impact on me, and I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this experience through the YWCA Columbus Leadership for Social Change cohort. She reminded us that every community shares love, hope, and joy, no matter how different. Her words will continue to inspire me as I strive to make a difference in my community.