Joi McAtee - Faith, Justice, and the Fight for Democracy

Host Denis Nowlan speaks with Joi McAtee, a trustee of Initiatives of Change UK, joining from Louisville, Kentucky. Joi brings a transatlantic perspective and a remarkable blend of leadership, conviction, and compassion.

A former Executive Director at Louisville Metro Government, she is now a PhD researcher and graduate instructor at the University of Louisville, as well as a candidate for State Representative for Kentucky’s 43rd District.

In this inspiring conversation, Joi reflects on her journey from public service to politics, her commitment to equity and youth empowerment, and her grounding in Christian faith. She discusses:

• The urgent fight against authoritarianism and threats to democracy in the United States

• How faith informs her activism and leadership

• Lessons from sport, orienteering, and public life about resilience and purpose

• Her call to “be who you needed when you were a kid” in mentoring young people

• The deep connection between love of God and love of neighbour and how that shapes her response to racism, injustice, and division

• The story of how a chaotic first trip to Caux, Switzerland led to her enduring involvement with Initiatives of Change.

Through humility, humour, and hope, Joi reminds us that personal transformation and social justice are inseparable, and that courage, faith, and love can move even the heaviest arcs of history toward justice.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and find more episodes at iofc.org.uk.