We can’t always influence decisions made at the highest levels of government, but we can influence the people around us.

Global displacement is currently at its highest level ever recorded, which is why I try to help refugees in my community. If the refugee population were a country, it would be the world’s 24th largest. What can local communities do to assist in this crisis, and if someone is interested in volunteering, where would you recommend they start? GGM: Not to get too deeply into politics, but with your background in government service and your work with a non-profit that serves the refugee youth of Nashville, it must pain you to see the refugee crisis throughout the world today.

When I first moved to Nashville, I actually worked as a policy advisor for Governor Bill Haslam for a few years before I was able to sustain myself as a touring artist and fiddle player, songwriter, and session player. It wasn’t until after graduating from Harvard with a Master’s degree that I made my own pilgrimage to Music City to chase my dreams. Unlike a lot of people who move to Nashville as a teenager to chase their music dreams, I went to college and grad school first, and I lived and worked abroad in France twice along the way. WW: I grew up in Peachtree City, GA, the daughter of two school teachers. Can you tell us a little about yourself before we delve into your musical background? GGM: Reading your bio, you have quite an impressive background.

Single stringed instrument