Allison was selected as part of the program’s Class of 2026, joining scholars from across the country for six months of intensive leadership training. The program included sessions at multiple presidential libraries and centers, where participants studied real-world decision-making and crisis leadership alongside historians, policy experts, and the presidents themselves.

During the program, Allison met with former President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, as well as former President Bill Clinton.

Allison, who has been a prominent community voice in East Palestine since the February 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment, said the experience reinforced her commitment to advocacy work. She is the founder of the Disaster Voices Institute, an organization focused on amplifying the voices of disaster-affected communities, and continues to serve as community advocate and researcher for the East Palestine Train Derailment Health Research Program through the University of Kentucky.

“I walked away from this program with a clearer sense of who I am and what I’m here to do,” Allison said. “It’s been an honor to represent East Palestine in a room with leaders from across the country, and I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned back home.”

East Palestine advocate Misti Allison is pictured with former President Bill Clinton. Allison recently completed the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. (Submitted photo)

Allison has testified before Congress twice regarding the derailment and serves on the Columbiana County Board of Health.