Rural Leader Magazine NOVEMBER 2025

NOVEMBER 2025

CoverSTORY Story COVER

Move It Monday: A Free, Low-Cost Wellness Tool Third Annual Haircuts & Hams Men’s Wellness Clinic — pg.pg.11 16 Rooted in Rural Where Health Meets Resilience Brotherhood, GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2025 1

Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

About Us

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.

Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—

6 Barbershop Talks: Teen Edition — Building Youth Voices, One Conversation at a Time

15 Rural Leader Magazine Expands to YouTube: Real Stories, Rural Voices, Powerful Impact

9 How can Veteran business owners overcome financial challenges?

17 Make a holiday statement with charming poinsettias

10 Twenty Twenty Six Forty under 40 TriState Call for Nominations COVER STORY 11 Third Annual Haircuts & Hams Men’s Wellness Clinic — Where Health Meets Brotherhood

18 Third Annual Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition —A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Care 20 When access to care matters most: How CRNAs keep rural America safe and healthyt

Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief Contact Us ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at RuralLeaderMagazine@gmail.com— 2

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Editor’s Note

The Steady Heartbeat of Small Town Leadership

By Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Publisher Rural Leader Magazine

In every small town, there’s a rhythm — not loud or hurried, but steady and sure. It’s the sound of people who keep showing up. Year after year. Season after season. It’s the heartbeat of rural leadership, and it’s stronger than ever.

That heartbeat is what this issue of Rural Leader Magazine celebrates — the quiet doers, the bridge builders, the ones who keep the light on when things get dim. Rural leadership doesn’t always come with microphones or headlines. More often, it’s found in the consistency of those who show up, roll up their sleeves, and do the work that keeps communities whole.

You’ll see that heartbeat in the men who sat in the barber’s chair at the 3rd Annual Haircuts & Hams Men’s Wellness Clinic, taking steps to-

ward better health and brotherhood. You’ll hear it in the laughter of youth who gathered for the 2nd Annual Barbershop Talks: Teen Edition, learning that strength isn’t just physical — it’s the courage to speak, listen, and grow. And you’ll feel it in the warmth of the 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition, where families came together not just for candy, but for connection.

These stories remind us that small-town leadership isn’t an event — it’s a lifestyle. It’s the fire chief setting up safety cones before sunrise, the barber who turns his shop into a health clinic, the volunteers who decorate car trunks in October, and the organizations who keep believing in the collective “we.”

When I founded Rural Leader Magazine back in March 2014, my goal was simple: to prove that rural doesn’t mean forgotten. More than a decade later, that mission has only deepened. Month after month, we get to highlight people who are redefining what it means to lead, to serve, and to sustain hope in the places that built them.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your work matters — it does. Every partnership, every small act of service, every early morning or late-night idea you put into action moves the needle forward for your community.

Because small towns don’t thrive by chance. They thrive because people like you keep showing up — steady, strong, and full of heart.

So here’s to the rhythm of rural life — the steady heartbeat that keeps on giving, guiding, and growing.

Keep leading, keep believing, and keep building.

The work you do truly matters.

What you do matters. @RuralLeaderMag GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2025 3

What You Do Matters. In the image above, he’s just young, standing on tiptoe, gripping a paintbrush too big for his hand. The wall in front of him is dull gray—blank, forgotten. But with one bold stroke of blue, everything starts to change.

This isn’t just paint. It’s possibility.

In that small moment, he reminds us of something we too often forget: what you do matters.

The choices we make—especially the quiet ones, the unseen ones—have the power to shape the world around us.

Whether you’re raising a child, planting a garden, helping a neighbor, or showing up when it would be easier to walk away—every act of effort, care, and courage adds color to the world. It may not feel big. It may not look like much. But it matters.

So pick up the brush. Make your mark. Because someone, somewhere, is watching you create hope where there used to be gray.— Rural Leader Magazine

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Barbershop Talks: Teen Edition — Building Youth Voices, One Conversation at a Time Rural Leader Magazine Staff

Inside Unique Images Barbershop, the hum of clippers mixed with the rhythm of honest conversation. On October 13, Randolph County Family Connection (RCFC), Unique Images Barbershop, and South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany hosted the 2nd Annual Barbershop Talks: Teen Edition, an event designed to bridge generations and empower youth through open dialogue.

Sixteen teens—ages twelve and up—joined fourteen caring adults for a meaningful exchange centered on this year’s Red Ribbon Week theme: “Life is a Puzzle... Solve It Drug Free.” Together, they tackled tough topics like peer pressure, decision-making, and staying true to one’s values in a culture that often glamorizes the opposite. The relaxed, familiar setting of the barbershop allowed young people to drop their guard and speak their truth while mentors offered encouragement, wisdom, and real-world perspective.

What makes Barbershop Talks so impactful is its setting. The barbershop has long been a cornerstone of community life—a place where conversations about sports, politics, and everyday struggles naturally happen.

Turning that trusted space into a platform for youth development and prevention work brings both comfort and credibility to the message.

The evening blended meaningful discussion with creative expression as participants joined a TikTok Challenge to promote drug-free awareness. Laughter filled the shop as music played and young people recorded short videos highlighting positive choices, friendship, and self-respect. The challenge reminded everyone that prevention can be powerful—and fun.

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Congratulations to the winners who stood out with creativity and heart:

1st Place – Xavier Graddy ($100)

2nd Place – Amarion Howard ($75)

3rd Place – Ahmarion Reynolds ($50)

Community partners and organizers praised the young participants for their confidence and honesty. “Barbershop Talks is more than a program—it’s a movement,” said organizers. “It gives our young people a voice, our adults a platform to pour back, and our community a reason to gather in hope.”

Since its start, Barbershop Talks has become a model for how small towns can tackle big issues—by using familiar spaces and trusted relationships to spark dialogue and drive change. For many participants, it was their first time sitting in a circle with adults who truly listened without judgment. For others, it was a chance to share lessons learned from experience and to remind youth that every decision shapes a piece of life’s larger puzzle.

As the conversations drew to a close, one theme echoed through the shop: connection changes everything.

When a community invests in its youth—not just through programs, but through presence—it builds more than awareness. It builds future leaders.—

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How can Veteran business owners overcome financial challenges?

For many Servicemembers transitioning out of the military, owning their own business is their second act. Take Aaron Gipson, for example. During his time in the military, he began cutting his fellow Marines’ hair using his footlocker as his “barber bench.”

Not long after he exited the military, he got his cosmetology degree and instructor’s license and opened his first salon in Jacksonville, Florida, his hometown. Today, Gipson’s salon, which he coowns with his wife, LaVonia, is thriving - thanks to a combination of hard work, business acumen and a trusted financial partner that understands his needs.

“If we’re not behind the chair, we’re still working on marketing, inventory, accounts and trying to figure out how to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry in which trends come and go,” said Gipson.

Gipson is just one of many Veteran business owner success stories. Veterans are the majority owners of 1.6 million firms that employ 3.3 million workers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Though just 7% of the population, Veterans comprise 14% of the nation’s franchise owners.

Barriers to business However, for many Vetrepreneurs, launching and growing businesses can be challenging. Finance is a

key barrier. According to a 2022 national survey by Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Veterans cited lack of access to capital (37%) and financing (35%) as their biggest financial barrier to entrepreneurship. Without funding, small-business owners can struggle to hire staff, stock inventory or invest in marketing, limiting their ability to scale their ventures.

“There’s no handbook for starting a business, and it’s rarely a straightforward path,” said Will Scott, vice president of business solutions at Navy Federal Credit Union. “But Veterans have developed skills in the military like leadership, resourcefulness and hard work, which make them great business owners across sectors ranging from government contracting and other professional services to construction to health care. In the face of adversity, they know how to pivot and make the best of those situations - and we’re here to help them grow.”

Supporting Vetrepreneurs one business at a time Overcoming Veterans’ unique financial challenges requires a tailored approach. That’s why Navy Federal Business Solutions provides products and services specifically designed to help Vetrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.

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designed with Veterans in mind, such as business checking, business credit cards and traditional business loans with competitive rates and terms for qualified borrowers.

The Navy Federal Business Solutions team goes above and beyond by connecting business owners with resources that will help them access funding and grow. Such resources include Service to CEO, an entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs run by The Rosie Network, the Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business program and VetFran, an organization that helps Veterans become franchisees.

Thanks to these business services, the Gipsons were able to refinance the building that houses their salon, cover the cost of tuition at two colleges and

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save for their future. When asked about their business success, they credit their positive relationship with Navy Federal Business Solutions for helping them achieve financial security.

“It gave us the impetus to keep moving and not stop,” said Gipson.

To learn more about how Navy Federal Business Solutions supports Veteran business owners, visit NavyFederal.org. Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.—

COVER STORY

3rd Annual Haircuts & Hams Men’s Wellness Clinic — Where Health Meets Brotherhood “A fresh cut, a health check, and a community united in care.”

Rural Leader Magazine Staff

On a cool Saturday morning in Cuthbert, the familiar buzz of clippers at Unique Images Barbershop carried a deeper purpose. On November 1st, the chairs weren’t just filled with men waiting for fades—they were filled with neighbors taking charge of their health.

Hosted by Randolph County Family Connection (RCFC) and Unique Images Barbershop, the 3rd Annual Haircuts & Hams Men’s Wellness Clinic brought together partners, sponsors, and volunteers for a powerful day of service, screenings, and brotherhood. The goal: screen 125 men, ages 18 and up, for blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol.

The community responded in full force—130 men pre-registered, and an impressive 105 received on-

site screenings, each walking away with vital health information, a fresh haircut, and a holiday ham to take home.

Partnership in Action This year’s clinic was powered by generous sponsors and dedicated local support.

The Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University proudly served as the Platinum Sponsor, providing leadership and resources that helped make the event possible. Piggly Wiggly joined as the Gold Sponsor, ensuring the morning was filled with refreshments and hometown hospitality.

Health screenings were conducted by the Randolph County Health Department and Albany Area Primary Health Care’s Edison Medical Clinic, whose GetRuralLeaderMag.com | NOVEMBER 2025 11

medical teams worked tirelessly to serve every participant.

Vendor participation came from the Morehouse School of Medicine Clinical Research Department and the South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany, both providing education, giveaways, and youth engagement resources.

The Cuthbert Fire Department also played an important support role—assisting with event setup, safety coordination, and helping maintain the warm, welcoming environment that makes community events like this possible. Their presence reinforced the spirit of teamwork and care that defines Cuthbert.

Together, these partners transformed the barbershop into a hub of wellness, camaraderie, and compassion.

Health, Hope, and a Fresh Start “This event is about more than a haircut—it’s about healing, hope, and brotherhood,” said Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Executive Director of Randolph County Family Connection. “When men come together in a trusted space, it changes the way they think about health. It’s familiar, it’s comfortable, and it reminds them that taking care of themselves is a form of leadership.”

Throughout the day, participants received not just screenings, but encouragement. Conversations 12

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flowed easily—about stress, work, and wellness— while volunteers and health professionals offered guidance and support.

For Freddrick B. Cannon, owner of Unique Images Barbershop, the clinic reflects the very heartbeat of his business and community.

“The barbershop has always been a place where men can talk openly and feel safe,” Cannon said. “We see this clinic as an extension of that tradition. We’re not just cutting hair—we’re cutting through barriers.

Every man who sits in these chairs should know his health matters.”

A Model for Rural Wellness Now in its third year, Haircuts & Hams has become a model for how rural communities can bring healthcare to the people—meeting them where they are and removing barriers of cost, distance, and stigma.

The event’s success stems from collaboration, consistency, and care. By turning an everyday barbershop into a health access point, RCFC and its partners are proving that small towns can lead in big ways when it comes to men’s health.

Changing Lives, One Cut at a Time When the last ham was handed out and the final haircut finished, the air was filled with laughter, gratitude, and brotherhood. Some men discovered new

motivation to follow up with their doctors; others simply felt seen, supported, and proud to be part of something positive.

“This is what community health looks like in action,” said Dr. Murphy. “When we create spaces that feel familiar, we create change that feels possible.”

What’s Next for Men’s Health in Randolph County Building on the momentum of this year’s clinic, RCFC will continue advancing its Cardiovascular Health Initiative with a follow-up meeting on Thursday, November 13th at 11 AM at Albany Technical

College–RC Learning Center in Cuthbert, facilitated

by Marla Oros of the Mosaic Group.

That conversation will help identify ongoing needs and shape future interventions aimed at improving heart health for local men. As Randolph County continues this work, one thing remains clear—when communities come together in care, the impact reaches far beyond the barbershop.—

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Rural Leader Magazine Expands to YouTube: Real Stories, Rural Voices, Powerful Impact

By Rural Leader Magazine Staff are bold, true, and accessible.”

In a world overflowing with digital noise, Rural Leader Magazine is carving out a bold and necessary The Rural Leader YouTube Channel will feature exclusive interviews, leadership highlights, on-lospace—this time, on YouTube.

Led by Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD, Editor and vi- cation event coverage, and real-time conversations sionary behind the publication, the new Rural Leader around rural health, education, entrepreneurship, and civic change.

YouTube Channel brings the magazine’s guiding Premier episodes drop January 2026, kicking off message—“What You Do Matters”—to life through powerful visuals, authentic interviews, and real com- a powerful video series that promises to inform, inspire, and ignite action. munity voices.

For over a decade, Rural Leader Magazine has Whether you're a local leader, a lifelong learner, or someone seeking substance in your scroll, this chanchronicled the resilience, innovation, and everyday leadership that define rural communities across the nel offers a front-row seat to what’s real—and what’s working—in rural America.

South. From Alabama’s backroads to Georgia’s fields With Dr. Murphy at the helm, viewers can expect and Florida’s front porches, the magazine has spotdepth, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to lighted the unsung heroes who are doing the work, telling the stories that matter most. day in and day out.

Now, those stories are going from the printed page Subscribe now and be the first to catch the premiere. Because rural voices deserve to be seen—and to the screen.

“This isn’t just a channel. It’s a platform for possiheard. — YouTube | Rural Leader Magazine. Like. bility,” says Dr. Murphy. “Rural people deserve to see themselves and their impact reflected in ways that Subscribe. Share. January 2026 is just the beginning.

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Make a holiday statement with charming poinsettias

Decorating your home for the holidays is the perfect opportunity to bring in rich colors and natural texture. That is why displaying poinsettias remains a top seasonal favorite in floral decor.

While poinsettias are mostly seen in their traditional deep red or crisp white, you can make a statement with your holiday floral design by choosing from today’s fun and unexpected colors, patterns and shapes.

Here are some of the latest poinsettia options that will wow your holiday guests well into the new year, from the garden experts at Ball Horticultural Company.

Color helps you customize your decor New color options mean you can choose from poinsettia hues that best complement your home furnishings, holiday decorations and personal style.

Just peachy: You’re bound to turn heads with the truly unique, eye-catching Peach Glow poinsettia.

This lovely soft peach tone is beautifully offset by dark green leaves, perfect for a table centerpiece or as a host gift over the holidays.

Light up any room: The unexpected sunny yellow color of Lemon Glow poinsettia brightens up the shorter days of winter, adding a cheerful pop of color to the season.

Embrace autumn colors: The Skyâ„¢ Orange poinsettia reveals a striking starry pattern, enhanced by its speckled deep orange color. It’s a fun choice for Thanksgiving tablescapes or festive room decor throughout the holidays.

many of the newer options play with the shape and texture of their leaves and blooms, offering even more visual interest and variety.

Starry days and nights: If you love the festive starlike look of the Skyâ„¢ Orange poinsettia, explore other colors in the same eye-catching pattern, such as Skyâ„¢ Fantasy, a red speckled poinsettia that shines in any holiday display.

Southern favorite: The Christmas Beautyâ„¢ series is known to be long-lasting for many weeks of enjoyment. The Christmas Beautyâ„¢ Prince poinsettia features a subtle mottled red color and smaller, slightly rounded foliage, offering a classic yet refined look for an elegant tablescape.

Not a creature was stirring: For a fun and playful shape that may especially appeal to the youngest members of your household, the Christmas Mouse® poinsettia features charming rounded leaves that resemble little mouse ears. Available in pink or red, this whimsical plant is sure to bring smiles and stand out as a festive centerpiece.

No matter which colors or shapes you choose for your holiday floral displays, you’ll find plenty of different options in the latest poinsettia varieties to enhance your home throughout the winter months.

You can purchase these and other poinsettia varieties for your holiday decor, or as gifts, at your local garden centers and floral retailers. Visit Ball Horticultural to learn more.—

Shape brings new life to tradition While still clearly recognizable as poinsettias,

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3rd Annual Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition — A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Care Rural Leader Magazine Staff

If you happened to drive past Unique Images Barbershop on Halloween night, you might have thought the entire town showed up—and you wouldn’t have been far off. Children darted between colorfully decorated car trunks, music pulsed through the air, and laughter spilled out into the street as families came together for one of Randolph County’s most anticipated fall traditions: the 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition.

Hosted by Randolph County Family Connection (RCFC) in partnership with Unique Images Barbershop, the event once again turned a simple parking lot into a hub of joy, wellness, and community spirit.

More than 400 children and families attended this year’s celebration, which blended Halloween fun with a deeper purpose—connecting families with valuable community resources. Each trunk told its own story, decked out with lights, themed décor, and overflowing bowls of candy. Kids twirled in costumes that ranged from superheroes to hometown heroes, while adults mingled with local partners, collecting health information, youth program flyers, and a healthy dose of hometown pride.

What makes Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition so special is its mission. Designed as both a safe Halloween alternative and a community engagement event, it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds under one shared vision: to celebrate, connect, and care.

“This event is about more than candy—it’s about care, trust, and belonging,” said Dr. Kuanita E. Murphy, Executive Director of Randolph County Family Connection. “When families come together in spaces like this—where joy and information meet—it builds unity and reinforces that we’re all part of something larger than ourselves.”

And that unity was visible everywhere—from the volunteers passing out treats to the local businesses donating prizes and refreshments. Representatives from Mercer University and Morehouse School of Medicine shared educational materials on health and wellness, while South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany brought 18

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South Georgia Starz Academy of Albany participated as a vendor for Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition

Trunk or Treat Participants and Freddrick B. Cannon, Owner, Unique Images (Right) their signature youth energy and mentorship spirit.

Even grocery partner Piggly Wiggly joined the fun, ensuring families had both festive snacks and friendly faces to greet them.

As the night continued, music gave way to heartfelt conversation and countless snapshots that captured more than costumes—they captured connection. Trunk or Treat: Barbershop Edition has become a testament to what collaboration can accomplish in small-town Georgia. Now in its third year, it’s no longer just an event—it’s a legacy in the making.

Parents, partners, and participants alike echoed the same feeling: pride. Pride in their community.

Pride in seeing local youth shine. Pride in knowing that in Randolph County, people don’t just talk about togetherness—they live it.

When the final song played and the lights dimmed, families walked away with full treat bags and fuller hearts. The laughter that lingered in the cool autumn air spoke of something enduring: hope, connection, and the reminder that small towns are often where the biggest magic happens.

What’s Next for Barbershop Talks 360 The momentum continues this season as RCFC, Unique Images Barbershop, and South Georgia Starz Academy prepare to host the Annual Barbershop Talks Community Dinner on Tuesday, December 3rd at 6 PM at Unique Images Barbershop.

The dinner will bring together youth, families, mentors, and community leaders for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and joy For more information, write to rcfcinc.org@gmail. com or call 229-732-3796.—

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When access to care matters most: How CRNAs keep rural America safe and healthy In small towns and rural communities across the United States, access to health care can mean the difference between life and death. On National Rural Health Day (Nov. 20), the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognizes the dedicated health professionals who serve these regions - and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who are often the key to ensuring safe, timely care close to home.

“On average, rural trauma victims must travel twice as far as urban residents to reach the nearest hospital,” said Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA, president of AANA. “Because of this and other health disparities, nearly 60% of trauma deaths occur in rural America - even though only 20% of Americans live there. CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the anesthesia and pain management care they need when and where they need it most.”

What is a CRNA? CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia and pain management. They deliver care before, during, and after surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical procedures.

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CRNAs are highly trained clinicians who provide the full range of anesthesia services in every type of health care setting - from large hospitals to rural critical access facilities.

The Health Care Challenges Facing Rural America Rural areas face a variety of health care barriers including hospital closures, workforce shortages, and long travel distances to care.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs more than one-third of veterans with service-connected disabilities live in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also notes that rural communities have a higher proportion of older adults, many of whom live with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.

Without local CRNAs, many of these patients would have to travel hours for essential surgical or anesthesia care. When emergencies happen, those hours can make all the difference.

CRNAs: The Lifeline of Rural Health Care CRNAs safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics each year and represent over 80% of anesthesia providers in rural U.S. counties, according to AANA. In many small hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia

providers, supporting critical services like obstetrics, surgery, trauma stabilization, and pain management.

Their presence keeps lifesaving care within reach, helping rural hospitals stay open and their communities healthy, resilient, and self-sufficient.

“Working as a CRNA in rural settings shows just how critical our role is in medicine,” Molter said.

“When we can practice to the full extent of our education and training, we help bridge health care gaps and deliver care to people who need it most. It’s why

we celebrate and advocate for CRNAs who keep rural America safe and strong.”

Learn More To learn more about the essential role of CRNAs in rural and other health care settings - or to explore how to become a CRNA - visit AANA.com.—

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