Community Spotlight: Carolyn Bolton

The America’s Future community is filled with active and inspirational young leaders across the country. In this new series, we’ll be catching up with them and getting a sneak peak into what they’re up to. Today, we’re checking in with AF Writing Fellows Program alumni, Carolyn Bolton.

Carolyn Bolton, Writing Fellows Program – Fall 2019
Senior Content Specialist, A Public Affairs Firm

What piece are you most proud of writing?
I’m most proud of writing and placing “Let Kobe’s death be a reminder. Employers must give their staff time to grieve,” encouraging business owners to make their bereavement-leave policies more inclusive and robust. Going into 2020, I had no idea just how relevant that column would be for the millions of Americans now grieving the loss of loved ones taken before their time.

What topic do you wish more people were writing about?
Our world is wildly different from the one our parents and grandparents came of age in. The cost of living is higher and societal expectations far greater, and there are many people who simply don’t fit the typical, bureaucratic mold. So, naturally, they’re at greater risk of falling through the cracks.

Two out of five children today are born to separate households yet only one parent at a time is allowed to reap the federal tax advantages. One in four women born in the ’90s will likely never have children — and not because that’s the life she wants for herself.

Women are forced to delay motherhood or forego certain entitlements and employee benefits — only to be denied coverage for essential services like cryopreservation and in-vitro fertilization when they are ready or effectively permitted to have a family…

…and that’s if a woman’s employer even offers paid maternity leave. In many ways, it’s more difficult than ever for Americans to partner up and maintain strong family ties — and, too often, contributing members of society aren’t allowed to tap into the very safety net they pay into.
These are the issues I wish more people were talking about.

In what way has AF been helpful in advancing your career?
The people I’ve met through America’s Future motivate and inspire me to keep pressing on in my own career and scholarly journey. Every semester, the writing fellows simply blow me away with their expertise and I’m so grateful for the challenge and community that AF provides its members.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” When I first moved to DC a decade ago, I worked as an opinion journalist and my mentality was, “Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed therefore I must push, Push, PUSH to make the world a better place.” WRONG! Relax. Work hard. If something is meant to be, it’ll be. But, above all, always strive to treat people with kindness and respect. That’s the best legacy anybody can leave behind.