Join us at Weston Ben State Park Bee Creek Center, 16600 Hwy 45 N, Weston, MO 64098.
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Come for the community and listen to leaders such as Ashley Aune and Jess Piper.

Ashley Aune

From marketing maven to the halls of power, Ashley Aune is alive with energy, determination, and passion for her community. A Kansas City resident representing parts of Platte County, Aune was tired of shouting into the void about the challenges facing Missouri families. Instead of just talking about problems, she decided to become part of the solution. First elected to the Missouri House in 2020, she quickly made her presence felt and was recently chosen by her Democratic colleagues to become the House Minority Leader for the 2025 legislative session.

Aune’s journey is rooted in her upbringing, where she learned the value of tenacity, empathy, and generosity from her parents. This foundation, combined with a successful career as a marketing agency owner, equipped her with a unique skillset to effect positive change. Her advocacy is driven by key issues that matter to everyday people: championing quality public education, fighting for affordable healthcare, and protecting workers’ rights. Aune also focuses on addressing gun violence and ensuring economic opportunity for all.

In her role as Minority Leader, Aune is set to be a prominent voice for her neighbors in Jefferson City, prioritizing people over politics and working tirelessly to give a voice to those who feel left behind. Her can-do attitude and collaborative spirit were evident early in her career when she was appointed to the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, where she helped make Missouri a more welcoming place for military families.

Raised in Kansas and with a degree from the University of Kansas, Aune is now a proud Kansas Citian who lives in the Northland with her husband and stepdaughter. Her story is a testament to what happens when someone decides to stop “weighing in” and start “doing”—all for the betterment of her community and the entire state.

Jess Piper

Jess Piper’s story is one of a rural American educator who found her voice and decided to turn her political frustrations into action. From a high school English teacher on a small Missouri farm, she has become a celebrated “dirt road Democrat” and a beacon for progressive organizers in rural communities.

Born and raised in rural America, Jess taught American Literature for 16 years, shaping young minds and living the quiet life of a rural mother. But after the 2016 election, she was stirred to action by the political landscape and a deep concern for the direction of her state and country.

In 2022, she made a spirited run for State Representative in northwest Missouri’s House District 1. Though ultimately unsuccessful, her campaign was a powerful statement that progressive values were not limited to urban areas. Through her campaign, and with a significant social media presence, she raised a substantial amount of money, mostly from small donations, demonstrating the potential for grassroots movements in red states.

Following her campaign, Jess channeled her organizing energy into a new role as the Executive Director for Blue Missouri, a grassroots organization that provides resources and support to Democratic candidates across the state. In this capacity, she is helping to build an infrastructure to ensure that no down-ballot race is left uncontested, a core part of her mission to bring progressive change to Missouri.

Jess also hosts a weekly podcast, “Dirt Road Democrat,” where she shares her insights and experiences from the heartland. Through her writing on Substack and her regular public speaking engagements, she continues to advocate for issues she is passionate about, including public education funding, the rights of women, and the specific needs of rural communities. Her message is one of hope and action, showing that ordinary people can make a difference and that a vibrant progressive community exists even on the quietest country roads.