Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of stories profiling the legislators who represent southwest Mississippi.

NATCHEZ — Melanie Sojourner had many role models in her life that showed her the importance of serving the community in public office.

Sojourner’s grandfather, Boyd Sojourner, served as an Adams County supervisor for more than 20 years, and her great-grandfather, Albert Sojourner, began his service in the Mississippi House of Representatives in 1916.

Being surrounded by family members who always strived to serve others made Sojourner’s decision to serve in the Mississippi Senate that much easier.

“Whether it was my grandfather, great-grandfather or even my mom and dad serving in organizations in the community, I saw how rewarding it was to give back and serve others,” Sojourner said. “When I’m doing that, it feels like I’m doing exactly what I was put on this Earth to do.”

Sojourner, who was born in Centreville and was reared in the Kingston area, is serving her third year in the Mississippi Senate after being elected in 2012.

A 1986 graduate of Adams County Christian School, Sojourner went on to receive her association of science degree from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson and her bachelor of science degree in animal science with a minor in speech communications from Louisiana State University.

Sojourner worked for the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association in Jackson in the membership department for several years before eventually moving to Denver to work for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

During her time at NCBA, Sojourner worked with a team of industry leaders to successfully manage the first confirmed case of mad cow disease in the United States without even seeing a drop in consumer demand or beef.

The time she spent at both organizations allowed Sojourner to realize the importance of giving each resident a voice in their community.

“Meeting those families across the state and country and listening to their needs was such a great experience,” Sojourner said. “Being able to listen to their thoughts and ideas and then take those back to our groups to get things done was a huge inspiration for me and something I carry with me every single day.”

Sojourner eventually moved back to Kingston and worked for Mississippi State University as a southwest district area 4-H associate, as well as starting a small commercial cow/calf operation.

Sojourner said she decided to run for Senate District 37 in hopes of helping the citizens of Adams, Amite, Franklin and Pike counties have their voices heard in Jackson.

“I’m humbled every day that people would give me this chance to work on their behalf,” Sojourner said. “I’m always going to try my best to champion the citizens’ desires and represent the will of the people.”