I met Kristin Foster a few years back when we both worked for non-profit organizations with different roles, but the same purpose of making Arkansas better for its people. I remember her fiery red hair, tattoos, and matching personality. She was so smart, articulate, and fearless she intimidated me.

I was new to the space of activism and just starting to figure it out. Kristin was way ahead. I could tell by the way she talked that she had been paying attention a lot longer than I had to Arkansas politics, and had discernment and savvy about navigating it that I lacked. I instantly liked her. And I hoped I could catch up.

Her organization was Get Loud, Arkansas!, founded by legendary Sen. Joyce Elliott. She also intimidated me, but I deeply admired her work. She had a magical quality that seemed to draw people. Tireless enthusiasm and hopefulness. I liked to watch her speak on the Senate floor because she said things I was thinking but in a bold, elegant way. Sometimes her MAGA colleagues would tune her out, but she kept at it with dignity. Her courage and grace made them look like spineless nothings. To stay with the lion metaphor I first heard John Brummett use to describe her, Joyce was a lioness among that bunch of silly hyenas we have in the Legislature.

I learned at this meeting that she and Kristin were a great team. Joyce was the public face of Get........

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