LaFawn Pinkney-Mealing

LaFawn Pinkney-Mealing earned a high school diploma from Glenn Hills High School and a graduate degree from Brenau University in 2015. Her career experience includes working as a human resources professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am running for Georgia State Representative to be a catalyst for real change. My lived experience, professional leadership capacity and heart for service uniquely qualify me to represent District 130 in the Georgia General Assembly.

I am no stranger to poverty, housing instability, underemployment, non-traditional education pathways or the impacts of the criminal justice system. I will help shape policies that will 1) enhance our state's economy to ensure families live well, 2) strengthen education and welfare systems that protect our children and 3) create real second chance opportunities for individuals who are ready to rebuild their lives after making one wrong decision.

The constituents in District 130 and in Georgia deserve to thrive, not just survive and barely get by.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a strong supporter of public education and early literacy because education is one of the most powerful tools we have to break cycles of poverty, expand opportunity, and strengthen our economy.

Early literacy is especially critical. Children who are not reading on grade level by third grade are statistically more likely to struggle academically long term. Investing early gives students the foundation they need to succeed in school, in the workforce, and in life.

I support fully resourced public schools, strong teacher support, and early literacy investments that ensure every child — regardless of zip code or family income — has a fair opportunity to succeed.Georgia’s economy is growing, but too many working families are still struggling to keep up with the cost of housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. I believe people who work full time should be able to afford to live with stability and dignity.

I support working toward raising the minimum wage in Georgia in a way that strengthens families, supports workforce participation, and keeps our economy competitive.I believe strongly in second-chance policies because public safety and opportunity are not opposing ideas — they are connected.

When individuals who have served their time cannot access housing or employment, we increase the likelihood of instability and repeat system involvement. When people can work, support their families, and live with stability, communities are safer.

Second-chance policies are not about avoiding accountability. They are about recognizing that accountability should not mean a lifetime of barriers to stability. I support policies that create pathways to employment, workforce training, and housing access for individuals who are working to rebuild their lives while maintaining strong public safety protections.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about public policies that help families build stability and long-term opportunity. That includes housing stability, strong public education and early literacy, workforce access, and second-chance pathways. I am especially driven by policies that protect children, support working families, and create economic systems where full-time work leads to real stability.