Today we’d like to introduce you to Cimaya McCreary.
Hi Cimaya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Cimaya McCreary; with roots around the nation, my through line has been an unwavering desire to serve others. Twenty-three years ago, sometime in January, I was born in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Prince George’s County is five miles from Washington D.C., but folks maintain a strict identity from the nation’s capital and other towns like Baltimore. This P.G. County pride is embedded in the DNA of individuals from there – people like me.
Honks and the whistling Metro still strum in my mind. P.G. County is a special place where everyone is energized, cultured, and successful. Until 2022, it was the wealthiest Black-majority county in the United States. So, growing up, I orbited in the gravity of winners and quickly became obsessed with winning too.
Though I was close to “the best of the best” and places like The White House, my life lacked opulence. Frankly, my family struggled to survive. The idea of our own house – a home – was silly; we were almost homeless. We moved where we could afford, so we moved a lot. I witnessed my single mother be everywhere and everything at once; an act that deserved an Oscar. My sister’s strength, Nana’s grace, and Papa’s confidence calmed the storms. I studied them, to one day be a source of solace.
By age ten, we traded Maryland for Georgia – loud for quiet, initially unsettling but ultimately nice. Our way in? My mother marrying a serviceman stationed in Savannah. I anchored myself in school, eventually landing at Woodville Tompkins High School. While there, I sought opportunities to flex my experience and uplift others. This manifested in the Bank of America: Student Leadership Program, where I led a School Supply Drive for Gadsden Elementary School. This taste of public service informed my college interests.
Overall, I completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology at Oglethorpe University. My upbringing tugged me towards becoming a therapist or teacher. But, while in college, gained opportunities with the Department of Commerce and Office of Senator Jon Ossoff. These opportunities colored over plans I’d written for myself.
After graduating, I supported Inclusion and Belonging at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas. Then, I worked on the Harris Campaign. Truly, things I didn’t know I could do – until I did.
Now, I’m pursuing a Master’s of Science in International Policy at Kennesaw State University. Also, I’m a Policy Intern at a local nonprofit and participate in Angela Rye’s Professional Development Program. However, my heart belongs to the Young Democrats of Chatham County. As President, I use my lived experience and professional experience to promote diversity in politics, advocate for progressive policies, and collaborate with likeminded officials.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Phew! Much of my discomfort centers otherness and imposter syndrome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of Young Democrats of Chatham County (YDCC). When I first entered this organization, Tigerlily Harrington was President. She worked tirelessly to build community, increase voter turnout, and connect with elected officials. Her dedication to democracy inspired members to take action in our community. I am forever thankful for her commitment, guidance, and friendship.
As newly-elected President, my goal is to maintain YDCC’s presence and reach more folks. The work has already started! We’ve increased digital engagement on Instagram by 10.9k, expanded monthly meeting attendance, and cultivated unique community partnerships. For example, at YDCC’s February General Body Meeting, we highlighted local Black leaders like Zaylen Gates and Iyona Griffin. For March, we’ll be hosting Former U.S. House Candidate Patti Hewitt with the Young Democrats of Bryan County. I’ve been intentional in everything, in hopes that people feel seen and inspired to be the change.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Savannah allowed me to exhale. Here, I have the space to take up space and learn my voice. Instead of just having “a seat at the table”, I can bring more chairs and build a new table if folks get mad. For that, I’ll forever be indebted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngdems.chatham/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChathamYD/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cimaya
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cimayaslife/
