Local leadership is the engine of change and comes from every corner of the country — from major metropolitan areas to the smallest rural towns. As the Senior Regional Specialist for the National League of Cities (NLC) supporting members in the South region, I have the privilege of connecting with leaders, hearing their stories on community impact and the challenges they face and learning more about their unique leadership journeys. This blog feature proudly spotlights Mayor Stacie Mitchell-Gweah of Stamps, Arkansas, whose hard work exemplifies the kind of bold, equity-driven leadership that creates lasting impact in our cities, towns and villages.
In 2021, after years of building her professional and civic career beyond her hometown, Mayor Mitchell-Gweah made a deliberate choice to return to Stamps, Arkansas, to run for her first elected office as mayor. Driven by a deep connection to a once-thriving community, she came back with a clear vision: to reignite the town’s spirit through bold leadership, fresh ideas and an unshakable conviction that even the smallest towns can rise to become models of innovation and equity.
Mayor Mitchell-Gweah was recently named a 2025 Fellow in the E Pluribus Unum Local Elected Cohort VI, a distinguished leadership program that brings together local elected officials across the South who are advancing inclusive, innovative policy solutions in their communities. She is one of just a handful of leaders selected nationwide, and her accomplishment is both a personal achievement and a powerful moment of recognition for the rural community she serves.
As Mayor of Stamps — a historically significant town in Lafayette County — Mayor Mitchell-Gweah has worked tirelessly to address disparities in mental health, improve maternal health outcomes, combat food insecurities, strengthen elder care and create long-term pathways for youth development and economic mobility. Her leadership is guided by a simple and powerful principle: rural communities should not be expected to compromise on quality of life.
Through forward-thinking partnerships and innovation in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art and Math (STREAM) education and food justice, Mayor Mitchell-Gweah is proving that even the smallest towns can create spaces for impactful, people-centered policy. Her work is already having a measurable impact on the lives of her constituents, and now, she is sharing those lessons across the South region and the country.
As she steps into this new fellowship, Mayor Mitchell-Gweah is also expanding her role as a civic leader beyond City Hall. She’s engaging broader audiences as a speaker, collaborator and thought partner, sharing her insights on rural innovation, mental health equality, maternal health, public service and her experiences as a Black woman in leadership. Her story helps reshape the narrative around rural leadership and demonstrates the meaningful change rural leaders are driving in their communities.
As an active member of NLC, Mayor Mitchell-Gweah’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible when local leaders embrace opportunities for growth. NLC supports local elected officials like Mayor Mitchell-Gweah through peer networks, leadership development programs and access to national platforms that amplify their impact.
Mayor Mitchell–Gweah’s story is a call to action for local elected officials everywhere to step up, speak out and lead with purpose. Whether you’re from the capital city or a town of 1,000, your leadership matters — and NLC is here to help you grow it. Mayor Mitchell-Gweah is not only serving her community, but she is also paving the way for others to lead with integrity, drive innovation and deliver meaningful impact in communities across the country. When leaders like Mayor Mitchell-Gweah rise, entire communities rise with them.
Apply for NLC Leadership
We hope Mayor Mitchell-Gweah’s story inspires more elected officials to take the next step in their leadership journey. Explore leadership roles with NLC and apply today.
About the Author
