The Woman Behind the Title: Lashunda Scales on Faith, Family, and Leadership | EP146

She grew up on Section 8, dropped out of college at 19, and almost lost her life. Today she makes the laws. Commissioner LaShunda Scales' story has never been told like this.   EPISODE DESCRIPTION  Jefferson County Commissioner LaShunda Scales — known in her district as 'Mama Scales' — sits down with host Jessica S. Smith for the most personal conversation of her career. She opens up about growing up in West End Birmingham, being raised by a single mother across multiple schools, dropping out of college, a near-death experience at 19, and the moment she surrendered her life to God. From marrying young and going back to school in her 30s with kids in tow, to earning her way into Harvard Kennedy School and building a PR firm that counted TD Jakes, Magic Johnson, and Burger King as clients — this is the story behind the fight. She also breaks down her #SheWorks mantra, why she invests heavily in workforce development for women, and what it really means to be a woman of God in a male-dominated political arena. If you've ever been told you started too late, came from the wrong place, or don't fit the mold — this episode is yours.   WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE Growing up in West End Birmingham on Section 8 and food stampsA near-death experience at 19 and a life-changing encounter with GodGoing back to school as a mom in her 30s — and how a storm led to a scholarshipFrom Jeff State to Harvard Kennedy School: the non-traditional path to excellenceBuilding a PR firm from $500 with TD Jakes as her first clientWhy she's known as 'Mama Scales' — and what she does when cameras aren't watchingThe #SheWorks movement and her message to women entrepreneurs ABOUT THE GUEST  LaShunda Scales is a Jefferson County Commissioner representing District 6 in Birmingham, Alabama. A minister, entrepreneur, and lifelong West Side Birmingham native, she is known for her faith-driven advocacy for children, women, and underserved communities. She holds certifications from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and is the founder of a PR firm whose clients have included TD Jakes, Magic Johnson, and the Burger King Corporation. Connect with Commissioner Scales: Instagram / Facebook: @lashundascales (search Jefferson County Commissioner LaShunda Scales)  ABOUT JESS ASK THE PODCAST  Jess Ask The Podcast is where influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives come to decompress, get real, and just ask the questions that matter. Host Jessica S. Smith creates space for honest conversations about faith, purpose, personal growth, and the real journey behind success. Produced by BGTV Studios. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.   JOIN THE SAFE SPACE — PATREON COMMUNITY  The Safe Space is a Patreon-only community for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Biblical wisdom. Real accountability. People who get it. ➡️ Join here: patreon.com/JessAsk   SUPPORT THE PODCAST  ✔ Sow a love seed via Cash App: $jessaskthepodcast ✔ Share this episode with someone who needs it ✔ Subscribe, like & comment — it helps us reach more people   PODCAST CREDITS Host: Jessica S. Smith | jessicassmith.com | @thejessicassmithProducer: Desiree Danielle | desireedanielle.com | @desireedanie11e Music: King Chosen | @kingchosen46 Network: BGTV Studios | bgtvstudios.com   HASHTAGS  #JessAsk #SheWorks #LaShundaScales #FaithAndPurpose #WomenInPoliticsJess Ask The Podcast is the safe space where transparency meets transformation. Host Jessica S. Smith creates space for honest conversations about faith, purpose, personal growth, and the real journey behind success.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.  JOIN THE SAFE SPACE — PATREON COMMUNITY  The Safe Space is a Patreon-only community for creators who feel unseen, misunderstood, or ready to give up. Biblical wisdom. Real accountability. People who get it.➡️ Join here: patreon.com/JessAsk  SUPPORT THE PODCAST  ✔ Sow a love seed via Cash App: $jessaskthepodcast✔ Share this episode with someone who needs it✔ Subscribe, like & comment — it helps us reach more people  PODCAST CREDITS  Host: Jessica S. Smith | jessicassmith.com | @thejessicassmithProducer: Desiree Danielle | desireedanielle.com | @desireedanie11eMusic: King Chosen | @kingchosen46Network: BGTV Studios | bgtvstudios.com