Meet
Mara
Mara Ruffin Blackmon is a dedicated community advocate and public servant who believes effective leadership starts with being present and engaged.
Mara’s approach to leadership is grounded in listening to residents, understanding local needs, and working tirelessly to bring resources and solutions back to the district. She believes the Alabama State House should be accessible, responsive, and focused on improving quality of life for every community it serves.
Her commitment is simple and clear: to show up, to work, and to deliver meaningful results for District 57.
Mara Ruffin Blackmon is a lifelong Jefferson County resident, business owner, and community leader who has spent her career building opportunities for families, supporting young people, and strengthening neighborhoods across District 57.
A Brighton native, Mara understands firsthand the challenges families face when systems don’t work the way they should. That experience shaped her commitment to service and her belief that government should help people before they reach a breaking point — not after.
Mara is the owner of multiple small businesses in Bessemer and Birmingham, including Bistro on 19th, Everyday Sunshine Childcare Center, and Giggles and Wiggles Academy. Through her work as an entrepreneur, she has created jobs, managed budgets responsibly, and learned what it takes to keep doors open even when times are hard. She brings that same practical, accountable approach to public service.
In 2015, Mara founded the Latch & Live Foundation to help rebuild lives and support families facing homelessness and economic hardship. Under her leadership, the foundation has provided food, housing assistance, educational support, and community programming, including the establishment of the House of Hope in Bessemer. Her work has shown her that lasting change comes from stable systems — not one-time fixes.
Mara is a strong advocate for education, youth development, and senior engagement. She has funded scholarships, supported classroom initiatives, honored educators, and created programs that help young people and seniors stay connected, supported, and engaged. In 2023, she founded Senior Circle to provide fellowship and resources for older adults.
She holds a nursing degree and studied political science at Miles College, giving her a unique understanding of both healthcare challenges and public policy. Mara currently serves as Vice Finance Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Party and is active in numerous civic and community organizations throughout the district.
Mara is a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and believes deeply in service, accountability, and follow-through. She is running for the Alabama House of Representatives to bring a builder’s mindset to Montgomery — focused on prevention, stable investment, and making sure programs actually work for the people they are meant to serve.