Charles Allen knew he wanted to be a “helper” ever since he was a young child growing up in Alabama. His early aspirations to be a doctor evolved into a broader understanding of what it means to help others - but he has maintained his dedication to social justice and service. Charles has served as Washington DC’s Ward 6 Council-member since 2014 and today, he finds himself bringing together his public health expertise, commitment to social justice, and political savvy to help lead the city’s recover from COVID-19.

Martha Pope began her career as a middle school art teacher at the same school she attended. But after moving to DC and becoming a receptionist for Senator Gary Hart, she set off on a path that would lead her to make an impact far beyond her hometown.

The US Capitol grounds have been the backdrop to over 200 years of memories of DC residents and visitors alike. These grounds, with the grey cobblestones, wide expanse of grass, and the Capitol majestically towering above, are where we gathered with our friends and family, rode our bikes up and down the giant hill, and stood at the marble steps, in awe of the power of the great white building. As Rosemary Freeman expressed in her story, it’s our stories that make this place sacred. This special episode, “Stories of an Unfenced Capitol” features the voices of more than 20 people who shared their memories of the Capitol grounds with us. Their stories show the importance of an unfenced Capitol to our community, our city and our country.

Craig Wallace couldn’t have imagined where he would be today—a renowned DC Shakespearean actor. As a teen, Craig was uncertain of his identity, but a chance decision in high school uncovered a hidden talent and directed him onto his career path. Craig found his true life’s work when he performed in a Shakespearean play for the first time and, struggling to speak and understand the language, set off on a quest to do just that.

Dr. Jennifer Cartland has dedicated her career to serving children. Inspired by her own second-grade teacher, Dr. Cartland discovered her mission at an early age. She always knew that she was going to be a teacher, and while she remained in the realm of education, Dr. Cartland’s career has evolved and led her to support students in more ways than she ever could have imagined as a young child.

KK Ottesen has always held a fascination with people’s stories. In this interview of an interviewer, we explore what it means to “follow your bliss” and how KK grew her childhood curiosity into her life’s work. Featured regularly in the Washington Post Magazine’s Just Asking column and the author of two books, KK uses her talents as a writer and a photographer to explore the essence of humanity.