Women & Politics Institute

What an honor to?graduate in?the?20th class of the Women & Politics Institute's?WeLead program with this incredible?group of leaders! We prepared to run for?office or run campaigns throughout the unique hope, challenges, and wake of the 2024?election cycle. Let me just say - we need these women in office now more than ever. As many of you heard?from me, one of the core skills we strengthened in the program was fundraising. And thanks to so many of you, Her Seat at the Table (the fearless Devon, Bailey, and Josselin - and myself) was the highest raising team and were awarded?Top Fundraisers. Together, we raised more than 400% of our original goal towards supporting the next generation of women running for office. Thanks to Julie's and Betsy's stewardship, we learned from and with truly?incredible women from across the political?spectrum, and I can't wait to see what WeLead2025 do with the skills and confidence we built together. If you are still reading, I hope that you will apply when the 2026 cohort applications open shortly. Let me know how I can support?you and?your application!

On Friday, I graduated from the WeLead program.?This program?provided passionate and driven women with tools to excel in public service and political leadership, at no cost. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and a focus on bipartisan collaboration, WeLead prepared us to be the next generation of American leaders. Betsy Fischer Martin?and Julie Russell?thank you for bringing more women into the power circle. Christina Henderson?thank you for encouraging us to color outside the lines. I am ready to lead and most importantly, I have the tools to win. Women & Politics Institute

Honored to be a WeLead Graduate! This past Friday, I had the privilege of graduating from American University’s Women & Politics Institute as part of the WeLead Class of 2025, this year marking 20 years of this incredible program! WeLead is dedicated to closing the gender gap in political leadership, equipping young professional women with the skills and confidence to run for office, manage campaigns, and lead in the political arena. Over the past six months, I’ve gained insights into communications, fundraising, campaign management, and more, all while connecting with a powerful network of WeLead alumni. A huge thank you to Blaike Bibbs for recommending me, and to Julie Russell and the amazing team at WeLead for their dedication and support. I’m beyond grateful for this experience and I can’t wait to pay it forward!

Last night, I had the honor of graduating from the WeLead Women & Politics Institute at American University — an empowering program dedicated to preparing women to run for office and lead with impact. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, I am incredibly grateful to stand alongside so many inspiring women who are already making a difference in their communities and beyond. A heartfelt thank you to Julie Russell and all the wonderful women involved for providing me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to one day lead myself. Women everywhere are rising, and together, we’re unstoppable. #internationalwomensmonth #womenrun #womeninpolitics #politics #empoweredwomenempowerwomen

I graduated today from the WeLead Program at American University! I'm so grateful to be a part of the 2025 cohort. I've learned so much over the past few months and am incredibly thankful for this experience! #WeLead2025 Jocelyn GarayJulie Russell