When her eldest son became a victim of gun violence, Nicole Gardner knew she needed to make a change. She left behind family and friends and the Boston neighborhoods she’d called home and moved with her children to California.

But gun violence knows no zip code. A few years after settling in her new community in Marin County, her daughter Ronique was killed in a drive by shooting. 

Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Nicole joined Moms Demand Action, a national grassroots organization that works to end the epidemic of gun violence through pushing for gun safety measures, political action, and community education. It was there that Nicole honed her public speaking skills and no works to brings her energy and experience to making our communities safe for us all.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• What issues inspire you to get involved in your community?
• Where can you find others who share your concerns?
• Nicole reminds us that everyone is dealing with something we know nothing about. How might this change the way we approach the people you meet each day?

You can listen to Nicole’s episode here.

To learn more about Moms Demand Action, click here.

To learn more about Robert Maggio, the composer of "Where Love is Love," our theme music, please check out his website.

To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website.

To learn more about the inspiration for this podcast, please check out Suzanne's memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago

Follow Suzanne on Social Media

• Instagram @suzannemaggio_author
• Facebook @ Suzanne Maggio author
• Twitter @ bottomofninth