00:10 - We're joined by Ryan Leckie.

00:11 - You've been serving as emcee for today's event.

00:14 - Can you talk a little bit about how you got involved?

00:16 - Yeah, I'm here for the whole weekend,

00:17 - so I actually got to know really the driving force behind this event,

00:20 - the executive director of America to Cassandra Coleman.

00:24 - Probably about 15 years ago, I worked in morning television for 21 years.

00:29 - So Cassandra and I met at 4 a.m.

00:32 - one time on a morning show, live shot

00:33 - as she was doing one of her many projects to make such an impact in the community.

00:37 - And she reached out to me.

00:39 - I knew she was working on this project

00:40 - as it was a ramping up, and I said, Keep me posted.

00:42 - I said, I want to be a part of this. How do I help?

00:44 - Because I think what's so important is to show America.

00:48 - Pennsylvania's leading the charge for this. Right.

00:50 - And we're bringing Republicans and Democrats together.

00:53 - Thought provoking conversation and just incredible leaders.

00:56 - For someone that isn't here in person, how would you describe the atmosphere?

01:00 - I think what's amazing, because you have people

01:02 - from both sides of the aisle, right?

01:04 - There is a sense of unity here, though, because everybody's on the same mission to

01:07 - say, how do we better

01:09 - learn from

01:11 - each other and how do we make, you know, America even better?

01:14 - Right. So we're not only talking about Pennsylvania. So that is a big focus.

01:16 - What people can take away that Pennsylvania does really well.

01:19 - But it's really learning from other states.

01:21 - And collaboration is key.

01:23 - And innovation.

01:24 - So today is about ideation, innovation, sharing great ideas

01:28 - and really leaning on each other

01:29 - to say ultimately, how do we do better for the people who put us in office?

01:33 - Is there any portion of this weekend that you see as a highlight

01:35 - or that you're really particularly excited to see?

01:38 - Yeah. my gosh.

01:39 - Even just the kickoff event with some of the entertainment

01:42 - and the governor's coming together and it's almost like a reunion,

01:46 - right, for political leaders and to so many people alike.

01:49 - But I'm really excited for the gala

01:51 - and the evening and just to have a great time and really

01:55 - to bring everything together at an event that is all about driving America forward.

01:59 - Ryan Leckey, thank you for joining us. Thank you.