Meet our guest, Leah M. King.

She’s the President of the JPS Foundation, where she leads transformational fundraising efforts to support public healthcare in Tarrant County. Formerly CEO of United Way of Tarrant County, Leah is also an elected official, serving as president of the board of directors at the Tarrant Regional Water District. Her leadership spans nonprofit strategy, civic engagement, and public infrastructure. Leah lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Barry, and is a passionate advocate for systems that serve the people—and the power of showing up locally.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• 01:09 Welcome to The Great Noticing Podcast
• 01:16 Introducing Leah King: A Community Leader
• 02:23 The Importance of Voter Turnout
• 03:42 Local Elections and Civic Engagement
• 06:17 The Role of the Water District
• 07:29 Personal Anecdotes on Water Issues
• 09:18 The Impact of Leadership Decisions
• 16:35 Fort Worth: A Place Called Home
• 24:10 Water Conservation Tips and Initiatives
• 26:27 Reflecting on Historical Changes
• 27:35 The Impact of Polarization
• 29:51 Navigating Public Office
• 32:48 Balancing Personal and Public Life
• 35:01 Encouraging Community Engagement
• 42:29 The Path to Leadership
• 44:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Leah King breaks down why voter turnout in local elections is staggeringly low—and why that needs to change. She reveals how only 10% of eligible voters can end up making decisions for the entire population, and unpacks how that civic disengagement plays out in real life, from unprepared infrastructure to water access crises. Leah shares stories from her time in public office and invites listeners to understand the direct, tangible impact of policies made at the local level.

She also reflects on her own path into leadership, the unexpected joys and challenges of running for office, and how every woman—yes, even those juggling kids and careers—can find a role in shaping their communities. Whether it's joining a board or just showing up to vote, Leah makes a compelling case for everyday civic involvement....
Episode Hosts: Emily and MaryAnn
This episode of The Great Noticing is hosted by sisters Emily and MaryAnn, bringing you candid conversations about navigating motherhood, relationships, and life’s beautiful chaos. With Emily’s humor and MaryAnn’s practical advice, we’re here to help you laugh, reflect, and tackle the challenges of modern womanhood.

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