Running Start

This past weekend, we were proud to team up with a longtime partner of ours,?Running Start, a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for political office, and Xceleader on their?HBCU Women's Leadership Summit?in DC - bringing together 80 trailblazing Gen Z women from HBCUs nationwide to strengthen their leadership skills and elevate their voices in politics, advocacy, and community development. When we planned on being a part of this event a while back, knowing it would take place a week after the election, we knew it was going to be timely no matter what--what we didn't know is that it would come to take on even greater weight in the wake?of an election where already fewer women ran for office than in 2020, and VP Harris's loss could have a chilling effect on women, and women of color, wanting to run in the future. Her Campus was proud to be the media partner at this event, amplifying the event and its content across our platforms to spread its mission that much further, with HC's beyond-inspiring 22 Under 22 winner and community member Ssanyu Lukoma on-site attending and covering the event.? At Her Campus Media we will be continuing our work with Running Start in 2025 as we look to lean into ongoing ways to drive impact and ensure the next generation of women is ready to continue making their voices heard and ascending to positions of decision-making, power, and influence. Thank you to Susannah Wellford, Jessica Kelly, & Serena Saunders for your partnership!

Regardless of who you were rooting for this election, the reality is that women at all levels of politics in the US remain underrepresented. We know our work is cut out for us. As we have done for the past 17 years, Running Start will continue building a pipeline for young changemakers across the country, and supporting them along the way. They need your encouragement, hope, and support. Join us at runningstart.org. While it looks like the number of women in Congress will decrease next year, there will be a new record number of women Governors, a record number of Black women Senators, and the country's first openly trans Congresswoman, our friend Sarah McBride.

If you plan to run for office in the future, a first step is to register to vote, and vote in every election. Make your voice heard today!

The theme of this year's International Day of the Girl is “Girls’ Vision for the Future." Programs like Running Start, National Democratic Institute (NDI) & Women Win 's DISRUPTHER show girls across the world how to put their vision into action: https://lnkd.in/gSYmXbUE

Today, on the International Day of the Girl, read about DISRUPTHER, a collaboration between Running Start, National Democratic Institute (NDI) & Women Win that gives girls across the world the tools to lead in politics: https://lnkd.in/gSYmXbUE

What does authenticity have to do with good leadership? HBCU Women's Leadership Summit alums Chanelle, Armani, and Alexis share their thoughts from the 2023 Summit.

Finally! A conference that includes young people in the conversation! Thank you Athens Democracy Forum for bringing so many young voices to Athens. None yet from Running Start but I hope in the future! Especially enjoying two bright stars from DC: Nikki Keating and Lauren Perl

Read alum Bridget Flynn's reflections on how Running Start helped her overcome feelings of self doubt and be confident in her ability to grow as a leader: https://lnkd.in/ecK8ixdT

You can't be what you can't see. 2023 HBCU Women's Leadership Summit alum Ke'Mya Sutton feels more confident when she has role models she can relate to. Who are your political role models?