How DeLand Is Shaping Its Youth: Interview with Community Advocate Megan Cloudman

In this inspiring episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Megan Cloudman, a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and longtime DeLand resident. Together, they explore what it truly means to empower the next generation, how youth leadership builds stronger communities, and why adults must intentionally create space for teens to step into meaningful roles.Megan shares powerful stories—from high school float-building that brought 65+ students together, to service projects that sparked confidence and belonging in unexpected kids. She also opens up about her family’s deep roots in DeLand, her husband’s journey to becoming mayor, and how their household’s commitment to service has shaped countless young lives.If you care about youth empowerment, community building, leadership development, DeLand involvement, or fostering opportunities for teens, this is an episode you won’t forget.🔍 Topics Covered✅ Why youth empowerment is essential in every community✅ How DeLand families can involve kids in leadership✅ The impact of service projects on confidence & belonging✅ The role of parents and community leaders in youth development✅ How extracurricular activities shape identity✅ The importance of modeling servant leadership✅ Real stories of teens stepping up in powerful ways✅ How the Cloudman family’s involvement influences the community⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Community talent & playful intro00:16 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real00:41 – Introducing guest Megan Cloudman00:59 – How Bee & Megan first met01:22 – Their long-term connection through school, business & horses01:43 – Who Megan is: family, passion, roots in DeLand02:14 – Raising teens in a community-focused environment02:49 – Life at the Cloudman house: horses, dogs, routines03:51 – How the family first got involved in DeLand04:19 – Service dogs & community engagement05:10 – How Chris Cloudman running for mayor affected their family05:40 – Youth involvement during the mayoral campaign06:20 – Megan stepping into philanthropic work06:46 – Homecoming float-building: a story of unity07:50 – How over 65 kids got involved08:13 – Why teens want to be part of something08:54 – Neighborhood Center toy drive & student involvement09:50 – The impact of kids handing gifts directly10:55 – Why leadership opportunities matter11:16 – How DeLand High’s leadership class works12:53 – Expanding youth involvement beyond SGA13:35 – Inviting youth into community organizations14:34 – Role of family-oriented clubs like Rotary Sunset15:24 – Teaching kids real community service through hands-on work16:01 – Why adults must model the behavior we want to see17:02 – A powerful example: student who engineered the float18:23 – Watching a teen’s confidence explode19:20 – Transportation challenges & how adults can help20:01 – Lightning Round: defining community20:20 – If DeLand had a mascot…21:11 – Local spots where Megan feels most connected22:26 – Dream home in three words23:23 – Favorite candy bar23:39 – Closing thoughts on shaping youth + community legacy