On this episode of Faith in Elections, Adam Phillips talks with Jennifer Roberts, former mayor of Charlotte and advocate for trusted elections. Roberts discusses her work with the North Carolina Network for Free, Fair, and Safe Elections. She emphasizes the importance of building trust, promoting community engagement, and combating misinformation. Roberts also shares insights from a recent trip to Northern Ireland, where she learned about the role of faith communities in peacebuilding during "The Troubles." Drawing parallels to U.S. political polarization, she advocates for faith leaders to encourage peaceful civic engagement and underscores the critical role of accurate information and community involvement in upholding democracy.

Guest Bio: Jennifer Roberts, former Mayor of Charlotte, co-leads the North Carolina Network for Free, Fair, and Safe Elections alongside former NC Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr. This cross-partisan initiative, supported by The Carter Center, is dedicated to fostering peaceful political engagement and bolstering confidence in the electoral process. Before her mayoral term, Roberts served four terms as a Mecklenburg County Commissioner and later led the Communities Program on Climate Solutions for ecoAmerica, a national nonprofit. She remains a dedicated advocate for education, equality, inclusion, and environmental protection. 

Roberts’ diverse background includes experience as a high school math teacher and a diplomat for the U.S. State Department, with postings in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. She holds advanced degrees from the University of Toronto and the Johns Hopkins School of International Affairs. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Award and Equality North Carolina’s Ally of the Year.

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