KATHY L. SYKES

Jackson, Mississippi 

Community Advocate | Former State Legislator | Public Policy & Equity Leader | Voting Rights Consultant 

Dedicated community organizer and public-policy advocate with extensive experience in civic engagement, legislative service, and grassroots leadership. Known for strong work in voting rights, community empowerment, health equity, and local governance in Jackson, Mississippi. Frequently engaged by media and community organizations for expertise on state-local policy issues, public-health needs, and civil-rights history. Proven record of mobilizing residents, shaping public dialogue, and promoting equitable solutions for underserved communities.

Areas of Expertise

• Community Organizing & Empowerment

• State & Local Government Policy

• Voting Rights & Civic Participation

• Health Equity & Medicaid Expansion Advocacy

• Criminal Justice & Court Reform

• Public Speaking & Media Engagement

• Grassroots Coalition Building

• Event Planning & Community Outreach

Professional Experience

Community Advocate & Civic Organizer

Jackson, Mississippi

-Serves on Board of Directors for MIRA/ MS Immigrants Rights Alliance

-MS At-Large Board Member League of Women Voters

-Board of Directors Grove Park Baseball Association

-Silver Life Member NAACP 

Leads local efforts related to voting rights, neighborhood empowerment, and public-policy education. Serves as a frequently quoted source in major Mississippi media on issues including state intervention in Jackson courts, policing, and municipal governance.

Organizes and speaks at community forums, civil-rights commemorations, town halls, and policy panels.

Provides guidance to grassroots groups on strategy, mobilization, and legislative awareness.

State Legislator, Mississippi House of Representatives

(2015-2019)

• Represented Jackson-area constituents in the Mississippi House.

• Advocated for equitable public-health funding, Medicaid expansion, and improved access to services for low-income and rural communities.

• Supported legislation advancing civil rights, fair taxation, and community stability.

• Collaborated with local leaders, nonprofits, and residents to address systemic inequities.

Public Engagement & Media Presence

• Regularly interviewed or quoted in local news outlets on policy topics affecting Jackson residents.

• Participant in community podcasts, radio discussions, and public-issue roundtables.

• Recognized locally as a trusted and accessible leader on civic education and policy analysis.

Community Involvement

• Organizer of community meetings events 

• Active participant in public-health and Medicaid-expansion advocacy campaigns.

• Engaged in coalitions addressing criminal-justice reform, voting access, and local economic concerns.

Core Strengths

• Relationship-building across diverse communities

• Strong written and verbal communication

• Policy analysis and public education

• Values-driven leadership

• Conflict resolution and facilitation