Greater Youngstown Diaspora Tales

Every so often, I like to highlight a successful expatriate. The idea is that talent often moves out before it moves up. Remember what this Youngstown native said, "If you're not willing to move, then your number of possible employers is very small." Consider the Jim Madigan story:

"I'm a person who doesn't have a lot of money," he said, "I'm a person who grew up pretty low class."

Madigan, who grew up in the rust-belt town of Niles, Ohio, moved to Chicago after college to attend University of Chicago Law School, where he graduated in 2000. He currently teaches there as an adjunct lecturer.

Madigan is seeking a state senate seat in Illinois. What is it about Niles that lends itself to producing politicians? Obviously, Madigan hasn't forgotten his roots and he represents a networking opportunity for the Steel Valley. His success in Illinois should be a source of hometown pride.