At least a half dozen people called in to 833-244-5382 and requested her, so here she is: Rhode Island Sen. Cynthia Mendes talks about how she grew up never seeing people like her in office, and didn't think politics was a meaningful way to make change -- until a few years ago, when a friend asked her to run for office herself. Along with a network of other progressive folks in the Rhode Island Political Coop, Cynthia ran and won against a more conservative incumbent. Since then, she's found again and again that the things she thought disqualified her actually make her even more powerful.   To support Cynthia, make a donation now: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cynthia4ri   You can also follow her on Twitter or other platforms: @Cynthia_Mendes_   Produced by Dear Media.