Arizona state Rep. Lorena Austin finds their calling in service to the community

Rep. Lorena Austin from Legislative District 9 shows their sleeve tattoo artwork. These tattoos tell different stories related to Austin's legacy; two of them showcase the faces of their nana and great-grandma, who both share the name Margarita.

Lorena Austin's great-grandparents who lived in Pinal County in the 1860s.

Lorena Austin's Tata, Albert "Beto" Austin, in his work truck at Albert's Market in Mesa in the 1950s.

Lorena Austin, a candidate for Arizona House District 9, addresses the crowd and calls on them to vote for abortion rights candidates during an abortion rights rally at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix on Sept. 24, 2022.

Lorena Austin speaks and advocates for abortion access at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2022.

Lorena Austin speaks and advocates for abortion access at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2022.

Lorena Austin speaks and advocates for abortion access at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2022.

Arizona state Rep. Lorena Austin hugs state Sen. Rosanna Gabaldón in Phoenix on May 1, 2024, after the vote to repeal the 1864 Abortion ban in the Senate Chambers.

Lorena Austin (right) holds a bag as Emily Melser pours oats into it on June 10, 2020, at República Empanada in Mesa. Owner Marco Meraz has been using the restaurant as a donation collection center and coordinating weekly deliveries of supplies to the Navajo Nation, which has one of the highest infection rates of COVID-19 in the country.

Moises Mejia (left) holds a bag as Lorena Austin pours rice into it on June 10, 2020, at República Empanada in Mesa. Owner Marco Meraz has been using the restaurant as a donation collection center and coordinating weekly deliveries of supplies to the Navajo Nation, which has one of the highest infection rates of COVID-19 in the country.

Moises Mejia (left) holds a bag as Lorena Austin pours rice into it on June 10, 2020, at República Empanada in Mesa. Owner Marco Meraz has been using the restaurant as a donation collection center and coordinating weekly deliveries of supplies to the Navajo Nation, which has one of the highest infection rates of COVID-19 in the country.

Lorena Austin organizes donations on June 10, 2020, at República Empanada in Mesa. Owner Marco Meraz has been using the restaurant as a donation collection center and coordinating weekly deliveries of supplies to the Navajo Nation, which has one of the highest infection rates of COVID-19 in the country.

Lorena Austin (left) and Moises Mejia package coffee filters on June 10, 2020, at República Empanada in Mesa. Owner Marco Meraz has been using the restaurant as a donation collection center and coordinating weekly deliveries of supplies to the Navajo Nation, which has one of the highest infection rates of COVID-19 in the country.