Check Out Renage Garrison’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renage Garrison.

Hi Renage, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story has taken a few different turns, and the most exciting part is that it’s still being written. I was born and raised in the Antelope Valley and still call it home to this day. My educational background is in clinical psychology, and I remain committed to becoming a therapist and mental health specialist. Mental health is my first love, and I am especially passionate about advocating for it within the Black community. There is still important work to be done to break down stigmas and increase awareness about the value of mental health care, and I am dedicated to being part of that change.

Today, I work at Edwards Air Force Base. I have a deep respect for our military and veteran communities and the sacrifices they make to protect our freedoms. My connection to military service is deeply personal; I come from a family of service members, including my father, cousins, aunts, and uncles. One of my uncles paid the ultimate price, losing his life while serving our country. Because of this, supporting our military and veterans will always remain close to my heart.

This journey has led me to my current endeavor: running for City Council. While mental health remains my passion, I recognized a broader need within our political landscape. Our communities deserve leaders who serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion. For far too long, many people have felt disillusioned by politics. I believe meaningful change begins when good people step forward to serve.

With that conviction, I made the difficult decision to pause my graduate studies and run for local office. I believe the greatest impact is made at home, and I am committed to serving the community that shaped me. Along the way, I was told I didn’t have enough money, influence, or connections to succeed. But I’ve always been motivated by challenges, especially when someone tells me what I can’t do. So I decided to run because I saw the need for representation and believed my voice could make a difference.

I firmly believe our leadership should reflect the diversity of our community, not just culturally, but ethnically, financially, and intellectually. Diversity of thought ensures that everyone feels heard, seen, and represented. After all, a city is not made up of a single perspective, but of many voices and lived experiences.

Regardless of the election outcome, I am committed to continuing my work in service to Lancaster. As Congressman John Lewis once encouraged, I intend to get into some “good trouble” in 2026, standing up for what is right and advocating for positive change. One quote that has inspired me throughout this journey comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” In that, he wasn’t talking about titles or power, but about responsibility, the responsibility we all share to see problems and not look away.

This is me choosing not to look away. This is me stepping forward to use my gifts and talents to serve my community. I believe we have the power to create meaningful change, but it will take all of us to make it happen.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road, far from it. But at this stage in my life, I can honestly say I’m grateful for the struggles. At the time, they were painful and often confusing. Now, I can look back and recognize the growth that emerged from every obstacle and adversity, and for that, I am deeply thankful.

I spent much of my youth feeling uncertain about my purpose. I was consistently identified as someone with leadership potential, people would tell me I was destined for greatness, but I didn’t know what “greatness” looked like or how to achieve it. I didn’t yet understand how to step into the calling others seemed to see in me.

For 16 years, I worked in the nonprofit sector, where I was passionate about serving others. However, I often felt underutilized and underappreciated. During that time, I struggled with feelings of stagnation, discouragement, and even depression. I knew I was meant for more but wasn’t sure how to move forward.

Over the past three years, my life has transformed dramatically. I transitioned back into aerospace and began working at a military installation, where I was selected to attend a prestigious military leadership school, an opportunity not many civilians get. Just six months into this new chapter of my life, and with no prior military background, I was chosen to lead the class composed of both civilians and military personnel. Someone saw something in me and believed I could rise to the occasion, and that experience reaffirmed my own belief in what was possible.

Now, just three years after feeling lost and stagnant, I am running for elected office. Seeing my name on the ballot was a powerful and humbling moment; a testament to what can happen when you walk through the doors God opens rather than limiting yourself to the ones you try to force open.

Along the way, I faced significant discouragement. Some people close to me questioned my ability, saying, “Who even knows you? No one will vote for you.” Others pointed out that I didn’t have the financial resources or political connections of my opponents. At times, I even questioned myself. But those doubts ultimately strengthened my resolve.

When I saw my name on that ballot, I realized that the impossible had become possible. It was proof that faith, perseverance, and courage can carry you farther than fear ever could.

This is nowhere near the end of my story, it’s only the beginning! I am excited to see where this journey leads. My experiences have taught me that setbacks can become stepping stones, and that purpose often emerges through perseverance. For anyone who feels stuck or uncertain, my story stands as a reminder: it’s never too late to step into your calling.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I was in high school, I interned at Northrop Grumman, one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the country. Two weeks after graduating, I was offered a full-time position, where I worked for three years. From there, I transitioned into the nonprofit sector, dedicating 16 years to serving in the faith-based community.

Three years ago, I returned to my roots in aerospace and now work at Edwards Air Force Base. Each chapter of my journey has shaped who I am today and ultimately led me to step into the political arena as a candidate for public office.

My academic foundation, and first love, is in the mental health field. I hold a degree in clinical psychology and paused my graduate studies to run for office because I saw a pressing need. There is a call for integrity to make a comeback in our political spaces, and for transparency and honesty to be restored. I grew weary of choosing the lesser of two evils; because the lesser of two evils is still evil. We have the power to change that by electing leaders who are truthful, compassionate, and committed to serving with honor.

For me, this is not about politics, it’s about people. It’s not about red or blue, left or right, liberal or conservative. It’s about treating others with dignity and seeing one another through the lens of our shared humanity rather than our differences. When we lead with compassion and integrity, we create stronger, more united communities.

One of my greatest influences was my mentor, Brenda Tatum, God rest her soul. She taught me never to let fear stop me from doing what is right. She encouraged me to walk toward challenges, especially when they serve the greater good, and to stand boldly in truth no matter the opposition. Her guidance continues to shape my leadership and my commitment to service.

What sets me apart is the breadth of my experience spanning aerospace, nonprofit leadership, mental health advocacy, and public service combined with an unwavering dedication to integrity, transparency, and compassion. I am most proud of a life devoted to uplifting others and standing firm in my values.

My journey is still being written, and I am excited to see where it leads. To anyone who feels stagnant or believes they have missed their purpose, I offer this reminder: it is never too late. Get involved. Make your voice heard. Stand for what is right. Together, we can create meaningful change.

Because we can…but it will take all of us.

We are better together.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Every journey begins with a moment of courage…the decision to step forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain. My story is rooted in that choice: to lead with purpose, to serve with integrity, and to believe that meaningful change is always possible when people come together.

I have learned that true leadership isn’t about titles or recognition; it’s about listening, showing up, and lifting others along the way. It’s about standing firm in your values while remaining open to growth. The challenges we face, whether personal or collective, are not roadblocks, but opportunities to rise, innovate, and create a future that reflects our highest ideals.

What inspires me most is the resilience of everyday people. I see strength in individuals who work tirelessly for their families, advocate for their communities, and refuse to give up on their dreams. Their determination reminds me that progress is built not by a single voice, but by a chorus of voices united by hope and shared purpose.

My mission is simple: to empower others, foster connection, and help build a future where opportunity is accessible to all. I believe that when we invest in people, we invest in possibility. When we choose collaboration over division, we create lasting impact. And when we lead with compassion and courage, we inspire others to do the same.

If there is one message I hope to leave with readers, it is this: never underestimate the power of your voice or the difference you can make. Change begins with belief…belief in yourself, in your community, and in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are unstoppable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.renagegarrison.com
• Instagram: @renagegarrison
• Facebook: @renagegarrison

Image Credits
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