Lena has always been driven by the call to help improve living conditions for people and the planet. Coming from one of the poorest counties in the state of Missouri, she realizes how important building a community is for making a change. After a run for state representative in 2016 in one of the harshest political climates in the country, Samford went on to work for the Missouri Democratic Party. In her role there, she worked to help candidates in rural Missouri run effective political campaigns. Shortly after her time ended at the MDP, Samford still felt there was more work to do. She realized that the best way we can help others was to take care of ourselves.

During this time of self-discovery, she earned a Master's of Education in Information Science and Learning Technology from the University of Missouri Columbia. This degree helped her to bridge the gap between our ever-growing online spaces and the wellness of people. Like many millennials, she shifted her focus to the climate crisis and our role in living more sustainably, as well as navigating the meaning of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.

Using media to educate and inspire, Samford takes pride in sharing her journey towards a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. She is the host of Hometown: Earth, a podcast centered on building a community of local and global neighbors striving to impact the world positively. Hometown: Earth breaks down topics surrounding the three pillars of sustainability while highlighting change-makers along the way. On her website, you can find blog topics surrounding mental health awareness and mindset shifting, vegan recipes, and sustainable living. She believes that creating a sustainable lifestyle for individuals is vital in creating sustainability for the planet. She knows that it just takes one spark to light a fire. Whether your community is big or small, you can make a difference. Her style is approachable, upbeat, and always human.

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