Grace Heffington, one of the National Leaders Collective’s (NLC) leaders of the month, is a Thaddeus Stevens Fellow and homeschool senior from Virginia. Learn more about Heffington’s activism, in her own words, below.  

Life begins at conception, and every life is valuable and worthy of dignity, which is why the youth generation needs to continue to stand against abortion at every stage of pregnancy. Besides, if we don’t speak up, who will? As Christians, God calls us to be a voice for those who do not have one.  

The National Leaders Collective was the first leadership program I’ve participated in, and it has been a fantastic experience. My Regional Coordinator nominated me last February for the Thaddeus Stevens Fellowship. After consideration, I decided to apply to learn the skills, strength, and education to speak up for Life and act.   

Being actively involved in the pro-life movement gave me the confidence to lead my Students for Life of America (SFLA) group members and those in my community to fight for Life. This experience taught me how to communicate more clearly and effectively, which has helped me in every aspect of my life.   

My pro-life group and I have been blessed to accomplish many important and inspiring activities. In December of 2024, we donated eight handmade baby blankets, eight beanies, and eight sets of booties to the local Pregnancy Help Center (PHC)! Making these baby items with my group was such a fulfilling opportunity. Another exciting thing I led was a diaper drive at my church. After various meetings with my pastor, we worked within four weeks, where the congregation donated diapers. We donated over 2,509 diapers to the local PHC at the end of the four weeks.   

I also hosted a gala fundraiser where the president and CEO of Christian Freedom International, Wendy Wright, shared a beautiful message with our 30 guests. We solicited donations from several other local businesses, including a bakery that generously gave three dozen cupcakes. From carefully selected decor and dozens of homemade desserts to distributing flyers around the community and endless social media advertising, the support, thought, and love that went into the gala was apparent to those who attended. We opened the event with live music performed by talented singer/ songwriter and Northern Virginia resident Daniel Heffington, who traveled to share his gifts.   

My experience in this program truly has been the highlight of my senior year. I have learned so much about being a strong leader and met many fellow pro-life leaders who are now my good friends. I’m looking forward to the pro-life journey ahead!   

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