Why I Wrote This Book
This book isn’t just about what happened to me, it’s about what can happen to anyone who dares to lead. Leadership will stretch you and test you in ways you never expected, yet it also has a way of revealing strength you didn’t know you had.
I didn’t set out to write the perfect story or even a lengthy one! I set out to write an honest one. My hope is that by sharing my journey, the lessons I learned can shine a little light on your own path, helping you face challenges with courage, integrity, and resilience.
Advance Praise From Leaders Who Know:
Dr. K. Michelle Green, DDS,
Mother, Leader & Board-Certified Dentist
“As a mother and professional who has faced more than a few storms, I know that prevailing isn’t optional. It is a must. Mayor Maldon’s story is a reminder that real leadership is tested in the fire, not the spotlight. This book is honest, timely, and powerful.”
Jill D. Sege, Esq., Attorney,
ASL Interpreter & Community
“Think globally, act locally. This adage has never been truer. This country will rise or fall in our local governments. Mayor Maldon’s exposé of what happens in a bustling small town in the Washington, DC area is a mirror for what’s possible nationwide—one town at a time. A guide for what to do (and what not to do) to make the difference this country so urgently needs.”
Advocate
Meet The Author
Shawn M. Maldon, M.Ed, NIC
Maldon made history at 32 as the youngest elected mayor of Capitol Heights, Maryland. His journey through leadership, loyalty, and loss taught him lessons that reach far beyond politics.
Today, Maldon draws on those experiences as an educator, interpreter, and entrepreneur to help others navigate challenges with clarity, resilience, and faith. His story is more than a memoir, it’s the foundation for his work in guiding leaders, organizations, and communities toward lasting impact.
