On Thursday, December 9th, the Millennial Action Project (MAP) held its fourth annual Rising Star Awards. The award recognizes bipartisan legislators from our State Future Caucus Network (SFCN) who have embodied MAP's mission to transcend political polarization through their public service. It took place at the Colada Shop, located in the District Wharf in Washington, D.C.
During this event we were honored to be joined by MAP board member Nick Maschari, Congressional Future Caucus Co-chair Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (virtually), our awardees, and more. Watch the full livestream below.
Pictured left to right: Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Kansas), Rep. Devin Carney (R-Connecticut), Layla Zaidane, Rep. Jamie Scott (D-Arkansas), Rep. Brandon Woodard (D-Kansas)
During the ceremony, MAP celebrated its 2021 Rising Stars, Rep. Jamie Scott (D-AK) and Rep. Devin Carney (R-CT). The awardees went above and beyond this year to build relationships with their colleagues across the aisle and partnering with each other in producing crucial pieces of legislation.
"Despite the polarization that seems to be overplayed in the news, I firmly believe there is so much more that unites us politically than divides us, particularly among younger generations. I hope more young people get involved in public service; it's amazing what you can accomplish when you put your name on a ballot or actively support a cause or organization.” - Rep. Devin Carney
“I am deeply honored to be chosen by the Millennial Action Project. I love that we share the mission to find common ground… It is my mission every year to see who I have nothing in common with.. I say “I’m going to go work on a bill with you and it’s going to be something meaningful.” - Rep. Jamie Scott
This year, MAP also presented the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award, in honor of the late Cherisse Eatmon. The award recognizes an outstanding caucus for their exemplary leadership and political bridge-building. MAP proudly presented the award to the Kansas Future Caucus, which is led by Representatives Tory Marie Arnberger-Blew, Rui Xu, Brandon Woodard, and Nick Hoheisel.
“MAP was one of the first organizations that made me feel like I was prepared to be a legislator… And so jumping in from there, going into a renewable energy learning network to learn about policy, and all of the resources that they offer us, prepare us to be some of the most effective people in our state legislative body.” - Rep. Brandon Woodard
Pictured left to right: Liz Crampton of Politico, Rep. Devin Carney (R-Connecticut), Rep. Brandon Woodard (D-Kansas), Rep. Jamie Scott (D-Arkansas), Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Kansas)
Next, the awardees participated in a lively panel discussion led by Politico state policy reporter Liz Crampton.
To end this incredible day, Layla Zaidane gave her thanks and rallied legislators for our call to action: to activate young leaders to bridge the partisan divide and transform American politics.
Watch the full livestream below, and check out more photos from the event on MAP’s Facebook page!