Telling our stories

As we work to expand opportunities for progressive women to launch careers in politics, it’s so important that we center authentic storytelling at the heart of our work.

Because our mission doesn’t end with our fellowship participants alone — it’s about structural change that opens opportunity to all.

Storytelling raises our collective voices about the barriers that women, people of color and LGBTQ indviduals face as staff in the political arena, helps us build community, and creates momentum for change that ripples beyond just one organization or one program.

So here’s our commitment to you: We will keep telling our stories. We will keep centering the voices of women of color and LGBTQ+ women in everything we do. We will keep strengthening our partnerships and collaboration to work alongside other progressive leaders and organizations. Together, we can change hearts and minds, break down barriers to entry, and forge more inclusive spaces in politics and government.

In this clip from our launch event, Shaniqua McClendon, Political Director for Crooked Media, hosts a panel discussion about the barriers women of color face getting started in politics. Panelists Mayra Valadez and Shetarrah Byfield share their experiences in launching their political careers and the contributions they are making to the political landscape.

If you’d like to share your story with us or connect with our team, you can reach us at [email protected].