MARCH 2025
Cover Story
Finding Strength in Words: MarÃa’s Rare Kidney Disease Story, pg. 11 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MARCH 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.— 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 editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us info@ruralleadermag.com editor@ruralleadermag.com ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com
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RuralLeaderMag.com | MARCH 2025
6 Make mental health a priority in 2025: five ways to stay focused beyond resolutions 7 How to build and support muscle this World Protein Day and beyond COVER STORY 11 Finding Strength in Words: MarÃa’s Rare Kidney Disease Story
14 Lets Read Mucogee Community Fundraiser 15 Retiring well: 68% of Americans say it’s living a little by affording experiences that bring joy 16 FREE CACTS Elder Abuse Training 18 Move It Monday One Mile Walk Spring Kickoff
12 Self-flying AI drones are transforming warehouses and optimizing inventory management
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 info@RuralLeaderMag.com—
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MARCH 2025 3