When Meagan Blackwell, a Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) for Precinct 4, first met Commissioner Lesley Briones at a groundbreaking ceremony for a drainage project, she heard the words that would forever shape her perspective on public service at the Precinct.
“I don’t care if these people know my name,” the Commissioner told her. “I want them to know what I can do for them.”
Mostly serving the Precinct’s Bear Creek area and elderly residents at the Thomas A. Glazier Senior Center, Meagan takes this mission to heart.
Love your neighbor as yourself
Meagan’s journey into public service has always been rooted in her faith.
Witnessing her mother dedicate herself to their church, and her army veteran father answer the ultimate call to service to his country, she was taught integral values: ones tied in selflessness, lending oneself to others, and treating everyone like she would want to be treated.
“Seeing people around me serve gave me the model to see what serving people truly is, and I know that in my faith, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves,” Meagan emphasized. “It is vital to have that as my foundation and as my root system when I go out into the community.”
Meagan tapped into the gravity of her own calling while attending college at the historic campus of Prairie View A&M University.
She found her voice as an advocate for Black women’s rights and voting rights; she started church groups and faith communities on campus. Even more so, she built spaces of empowerment to support the community. That passion never left her.
“I feel like as a kid, I’ve always known that I wanted to help people in any way, shape or form,” Meagan said. “So, when I had the opportunity to do that when I went [there], I really ignited my passion and learned what it truly means to engage and educate and inform people.”
Listening to empower communities
Part of being a CEC involves building relationships with community stakeholders, attending and planning events, and relaying the concerns of constituents.
For Meagan, her approach and philosophy to being a CEC are simple: make sure people feel seen, heard, and valued.
“People power works when people feel empowered,” she said. “And they can’t feel empowered if they aren’t being listened to. That’s my job − to not just hear them, but to take their concerns, their issues, their questions up the chain of command where something can be done if I can’t solve it right then and there.”
Meagan’s work takes her all over the Precinct, but it’s at the Glazier Senior Education Center where Meagan’s presence is most deeply felt.
“I’ve met people here who have lived in the community for over 30 years,” she said through a smile. “Their history, their stories — they’re so rich with life and experience...our seniors have shaped this community, and they deserve to have a say in what happens here.”
One of Meagan’s fondest memories is of and becoming friends with
“We’re both February women, and we connected right away,” Meagan laughed. “Moments like that are what makes this work so rewarding. It’s more than just ‘community engagement’—it’s building real relationships.”
By the people, for the people
As a conduit between the government and the people it serves, Meagan has the opportunity to put her heart into her work.
"Whether I’m tabling at an event, listening to someone’s concerns, or working with colleagues to solve problems, it’s all about ensuring the people of this precinct feel connected to the services we provide,” she explained.
Sometimes Meagan’s work is about offering a listening ear. She remembers when a senior came to her in distress after receiving an official letter she didn’t understand.
“She was so scared,” she recalled. “I didn’t know the answer right away either, but we sat down together and figured it out. It turned out the letter wasn’t even meant for her, but that fear was real. Helping her calm down and find clarity? That was so important to her, and me!”
Walking in a legacy of service
Being on the ground in the heart of the community is where Meagan sees firsthand the power of connection and collaboration, approaching every task, every person, with dedication, and empathy.
Her faith, and that first conversation she had with Commissioner Briones, affirms her dedication and heart for service.
"At the end of the day, it's not about titles or recognition," Meagan said. “It’s about helping people understand who’s working for them and how their government can make a difference in their lives...that’s the joy of it."