“Forge Bridged The Gap:” Debby’s Forge Story

Debby Torres was recruited to Forge through the 2022 Forge Leadership Summit in Columbus, Ohio. She quickly became a standout in our training for her natural intellect, poise, and ambition.

Debby reflected on her experience being a part of Forge:

“Through the Forge Leadership Network, so many doors of opportunity have opened for me. I felt called to go into politics but didn’t feel I had the social capital to get my foot in the door. After attending the Forge Summit and making connections there, I spent the next fall interning in Washington, D.C. My internship and being part of the Forge Academy allowed me to grow, gain real-world experience, challenge and expand my political philosophy, and form lifelong friendships.

“These friends, scattered across the country, have become a significant part of my life. I’ve flown to visit them, exchanged professional advice, and shared moments of prayer.”

These same friendships spurred Debby on, not only in her personal beliefs and views but in her career as well:

Today, I’m the Legislative Affairs Manager for the Oklahoma Governor’s Office. By the end of this year, I’ll have been in this role for two years. I started in an entry-level position, and I was connected to Forge around the same time. Forge bridged the gap, pairing me with a mentor and giving me invaluable experiences in state government that prepared me for this journey.’

As someone who desires to be a leader in the public square, an agent of positive change, and an advocate for truth and righteousness, Forge has been instrumental. As a first-generation American paving my way in public policy, the journey can feel lonely at times. But Forge has given me an incredible community of believers and inspiring stewards of what the Lord has given them. This community has renewed my hope in the fight for what is good and true and has encouraged me greatly.”

Debby with Forge Founders, Adam Josefczyk and Justin Powell, at the 2022-2023 Forge Mentorship Academy Graduation

Debby’s friendships through Forge will help what we at Forge call the “Staying Problem”; principled young conservatives get involved in politics but risk becoming disillusioned and disheartened by the number of bad actors in politics. Many young conservatives end up leaving politics because they don’t have the support they need to stay in the fight. Forge provided the network of community she needed to stay strong and principled in the political fight.

“Finding a Christian organization like Forge that equips and empowers young people to step boldly into politics has been transformative. Forge has helped me live out my faith in the public square and given me the tools and support to make a tangible impact while building a network of like-minded leaders who uplift and inspire me.” 

Like Debby, many more young people need the network and support that Forge provides. Your generosity enables us to connect, train, and equip young conservatives to stay in the fight for decades to come. Here’s to the future leaders who will save this nation that we love!

Sincerely,

Adam Josefczyk

Co-Founder & President

Forge Leadership Network

Adam is passionate about investing his future in the future of students who will become the next innovators in the marketplace, champions of free enterprise, inspiring educators, shapers of culture, and statesmen and stateswomen in government.

Joseph Backholm is Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing.