In this inspiring episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Megan Cloudman, a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and longtime DeLand resident. Together, they explore what it truly means to empower the next generation, how youth leadership builds stronger communities, and why adults must intentionally create space for teens to step into meaningful roles.

Megan shares powerful stories—from high school float-building that brought 65+ students together, to service projects that sparked confidence and belonging in unexpected kids. She also opens up about her family’s deep roots in DeLand, her husband’s journey to becoming mayor, and how their household’s commitment to service has shaped countless young lives.

If you care about youth empowerment, community building, leadership development, DeLand involvement, or fostering opportunities for teens, this is an episode you won’t forget.

🔍 Topics Covered

✅ Why youth empowerment is essential in every community

✅ How DeLand families can involve kids in leadership

✅ The impact of service projects on confidence & belonging

✅ The role of parents and community leaders in youth development

✅ How extracurricular activities shape identity

✅ The importance of modeling servant leadership

✅ Real stories of teens stepping up in powerful ways

✅ How the Cloudman family’s involvement influences the community

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Community talent & playful intro

00:16 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real

00:41 – Introducing guest Megan Cloudman

00:59 – How Bee & Megan first met

01:22 – Their long-term connection through school, business & horses

01:43 – Who Megan is: family, passion, roots in DeLand

02:14 – Raising teens in a community-focused environment

02:49 – Life at the Cloudman house: horses, dogs, routines

03:51 – How the family first got involved in DeLand

04:19 – Service dogs & community engagement

05:10 – How Chris Cloudman running for mayor affected their family

05:40 – Youth involvement during the mayoral campaign

06:20 – Megan stepping into philanthropic work

06:46 – Homecoming float-building: a story of unity

07:50 – How over 65 kids got involved

08:13 – Why teens want to be part of something

08:54 – Neighborhood Center toy drive & student involvement

09:50 – The impact of kids handing gifts directly

10:55 – Why leadership opportunities matter

11:16 – How DeLand High’s leadership class works

12:53 – Expanding youth involvement beyond SGA

13:35 – Inviting youth into community organizations

14:34 – Role of family-oriented clubs like Rotary Sunset

15:24 – Teaching kids real community service through hands-on work

16:01 – Why adults must model the behavior we want to see

17:02 – A powerful example: student who engineered the float

18:23 – Watching a teen’s confidence explode

19:20 – Transportation challenges & how adults can help

20:01 – Lightning Round: defining community

20:20 – If DeLand had a mascot…

21:11 – Local spots where Megan feels most connected

22:26 – Dream home in three words

23:23 – Favorite candy bar

23:39 – Closing thoughts on shaping youth + community legacy