Jessica Hoke joined the LWV of Greeley-Weld Cos. in 2018, looking for community and intellectually stimulating activities after losing two loved ones. As a teenager, Jessica’s stepdad taught her the importance of voting, saying that he didn’t care and didn’t want to know how she voted – the important thing is that she voted in the first place. So when she saw a bulletin for her local League’s Annual Meeting in her local paper, she decided to go.
“They were so welcoming, and over the next few months I continued to learn as much as I could about the LWV. The more I learned, the more I liked. From voter education to advocacy, I felt their mission aligned well with things I felt strongly about. So, I joined.”
Jessica has mentored youth as a leader in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, has learned how to skydive, has taught herself Spanish and how to play guitar, has worked her way up a locally-owned community bank where she has been employed for the last 20+ years, and has overcome the effects of domestic violence and abuse; all of which has made her the accomplished woman she is today.
Being a League member has allowed Jessica to encourage more people to vote and provide them with unbiased, trusted information about policy issues. “I still remember the first voter I registered and how excited we both were,” she recalled. “And I hope I never forget the way I feel when I’m at a Naturalization Ceremony, witnessing people become my fellow citizens and then exercising their new rights by registering to vote.”
Jessica wants to see women supporting women, welcoming and celebrating each other’s diversity and using their voices to take action with the same grit and resilience of all who have come before them. She wishes to see the League remain strong and grow in numbers, as well as for all voters to stay engaged and continue to protect their democracy.
“Vote! Stay informed! Always keep learning! Be aware of where your information is coming from, listen to people you disagree with, and share your enthusiasm.”
And that community Jessica was looking for? She says she’s found it in the League.