Gayatri Agnew
Gayatri Agnew is a bundle of common sense, keen insights, paths less traveled and projects unimagined, all mighty successful. Currently the Corporate Philanthropy Director at Walmart Corporation in its headquarters town of Bentonville, Arkansas, Gayatri has already run for the state legislature for a seat that has never had a Democrat, a woman or a person of color – and set a new record for votes for all the above. In that race, she contested the prohibition of women using campaign funds for child care, and the courts gave political moms everywhere one of the first major court victories clearing the way for women candidates to hire safe sitters while they campaign. This last May, she launched a new approach to Mother’s Day – Mother’s Monday, the day after mom’s have been treated to their breakfast in bed...the day they have to go to work and be reminded of how little has changed for working moms. As an Indian American, she also has been an insistent advocate for more women of color on the front lines of politics: a job she considers another one of her five fulltime jobs.
Early in NWPC’s trainings around the world, Gayatri was one of the first young trainers to head into the Middle East after 911 to train Arab women to run for Parliaments, and the winner of many awards for her trail-blazing good ideas come true.
Fundraising: Tips from the Best Sources -- Our Endorsed Candidates
Gayatri Agnew is a bundle of common sense, keen insights, paths less traveled and projects unimagined, all mighty successful. Currently the Corporate Philanthropy Director at Walmart Corporation in its headquarters town of Bentonville, Arkansas, Gayatri has already run for the state legislature for a seat that has never had a Democrat, a woman or a person of color – and set a new record for votes for all the above. In that race, she contested the prohibition of women using campaign funds for child care, and the courts gave political moms everywhere one of the first major court victories clearing the way for women candidates to hire safe sitters while they campaign. This last May, she launched a new approach to Mother’s Day – Mother’s Monday, the day after mom’s have been treated to their breakfast in bed...the day they have to go to work and be reminded of how little has changed for working moms. As an Indian American, she also has been an insistent advocate for more women of color on the front lines of politics: a job she considers another one of her five fulltime jobs.
Early in NWPC’s trainings around the world, Gayatri was one of the first young trainers to head into the Middle East after 911 to train Arab women to run for Parliaments, and the winner of many awards for her trail-blazing good ideas come true.
Fundraising: Tips from the Best Sources -- Our Endorsed Candidates
Cathy Allen
Cathy Allen has recruited, trained and elected over a thousand women all over the world. One of the first international women political consultants, Cathy has dedicated her practice to helping women gain equal access to public office – not only in America, but in 49 countries worldwide. A reporter (formerly with New York Times), Cathy is a frequent TV political commentator. She serves as National Vice-President for Education and Training for the National Women’s Political Caucus creating training manuals, curriculum’s and campaign trend updates for women worldwide.
Cathy has done extensive research on the power and impact of a woman’s voice on her electability, plus other gender-driven differences such as women’s reticence to vote for other women. Her books on women and political participation are used as part of college curriculum’s throughout America. Cathy herself teaches political management and strategy at the University of Washington, and is an international speaker on women’s political progress in both elected office and the work place.
Born and educated in Massachusetts, she has a Master’s Degree from Harvard, and owns her Seattle-based company, the Connections Group. In her spare time, Cathy is a dedicated “beader” who makes high quality jewelry from beads she gathers from all over the world. Money made from sales, goes to train women to run for office.
Welcome
Your Voice of Authority/Zooming to an Exhausted Zoom World
Campaign Voter Contact/The Targeting Advantages
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Cathy Allen has recruited, trained and elected over a thousand women all over the world. One of the first international women political consultants, Cathy has dedicated her practice to helping women gain equal access to public office – not only in America, but in 49 countries worldwide. A reporter (formerly with New York Times), Cathy is a frequent TV political commentator. She serves as National Vice-President for Education and Training for the National Women’s Political Caucus creating training manuals, curriculum’s and campaign trend updates for women worldwide.
Cathy has done extensive research on the power and impact of a woman’s voice on her electability, plus other gender-driven differences such as women’s reticence to vote for other women. Her books on women and political participation are used as part of college curriculum’s throughout America. Cathy herself teaches political management and strategy at the University of Washington, and is an international speaker on women’s political progress in both elected office and the work place.
Born and educated in Massachusetts, she has a Master’s Degree from Harvard, and owns her Seattle-based company, the Connections Group. In her spare time, Cathy is a dedicated “beader” who makes high quality jewelry from beads she gathers from all over the world. Money made from sales, goes to train women to run for office.
Welcome
Your Voice of Authority/Zooming to an Exhausted Zoom World
Campaign Voter Contact/The Targeting Advantages
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Coralee Auverson Brewer
Coralee became a NWPC certified trainer last year in St. Louis. After working in prepress/production for a daily newspaper for over 30 years she has seen the focus on messaging move from print to digital. When she first began doing publicity work for the local NWPC chapter in Spokane in the 90’s creating flyers and putting them up on every community bulletin board in town served as “social media”. The contact list was the snail mail address of every community calendar outlet in the region. Now with digital methods the free and very low cost digital opportunities are at our fingertips.
Now even more images are key. Statistics show that posts with images receive many more responses and reactions than just text. Voter’s attention spans are short, we need to grab them and hold them long enough for them to hear our message. We will talk about what makes a good visual image great.
Social Media/Technology: The Winning Edge
Messaging in a Zoom Time
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Coralee became a NWPC certified trainer last year in St. Louis. After working in prepress/production for a daily newspaper for over 30 years she has seen the focus on messaging move from print to digital. When she first began doing publicity work for the local NWPC chapter in Spokane in the 90’s creating flyers and putting them up on every community bulletin board in town served as “social media”. The contact list was the snail mail address of every community calendar outlet in the region. Now with digital methods the free and very low cost digital opportunities are at our fingertips.
Now even more images are key. Statistics show that posts with images receive many more responses and reactions than just text. Voter’s attention spans are short, we need to grab them and hold them long enough for them to hear our message. We will talk about what makes a good visual image great.
Social Media/Technology: The Winning Edge
Messaging in a Zoom Time
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Gina Belafonte
Gina Belafonte has spent her life in the arenas of entertainment and activism where her professional work thrives today. As the daughter of Julie and Harry Belafonte, whose impact in the fields of political activism, is considered among the most influential and progressive women in the world. Gina’s passions come as no surprise. Gina was the lead producer on the internationally acclaimed documentary film, SING YOUR SONG, exploring the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte that was selected as the opening film for the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. Most recently she is known as an actress and co producer for BlacKKKlansman (2018 – Academy Award Winning Screenplay).
After becoming a mother, Gina followed her early childhood environment by immersing herself in activism. She co-founded a non-for profit organization, The Gathering For Justice, a multi-cultural, multi-generational organization that focuses on youth incarceration and the criminalization of poverty. She currently sits on the Board of 2nd Call a community based organization designed to save lives, by reducing violence and assisting in the personal development of high risk individuals, proven offenders, ex-felons, parolees and others who society disregards and the internationally acclaimed Actors Gang Theatre founded by Tim Robbins.
Her other screen accomplishments include The Commish (1991) and Operation Splitsville (1998). Gina is currently the Executive Director of Sankofa.org, an organization founded by Harry Belafonte which educates, motivates and activates artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable change.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Gina Belafonte has spent her life in the arenas of entertainment and activism where her professional work thrives today. As the daughter of Julie and Harry Belafonte, whose impact in the fields of political activism, is considered among the most influential and progressive women in the world. Gina’s passions come as no surprise. Gina was the lead producer on the internationally acclaimed documentary film, SING YOUR SONG, exploring the extraordinary life and legacy of Harry Belafonte that was selected as the opening film for the Sundance Film Festival in 2011. Most recently she is known as an actress and co producer for BlacKKKlansman (2018 – Academy Award Winning Screenplay).
After becoming a mother, Gina followed her early childhood environment by immersing herself in activism. She co-founded a non-for profit organization, The Gathering For Justice, a multi-cultural, multi-generational organization that focuses on youth incarceration and the criminalization of poverty. She currently sits on the Board of 2nd Call a community based organization designed to save lives, by reducing violence and assisting in the personal development of high risk individuals, proven offenders, ex-felons, parolees and others who society disregards and the internationally acclaimed Actors Gang Theatre founded by Tim Robbins.
Her other screen accomplishments include The Commish (1991) and Operation Splitsville (1998). Gina is currently the Executive Director of Sankofa.org, an organization founded by Harry Belafonte which educates, motivates and activates artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable change.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Kara Briggs
Kara Briggs is one of the country’s longtime Native American women leaders and trainers (also NWPC-certified) who hails from the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe (whose name was the basis for the City of Seattle). Her roots began as a 17-year journalist award winner for both the Oregonian and then the Spokeman’s Review (Spokane, WA). One of the first to unite journalists of color throughout the country, she served as President of Unity: Journalists of Color and International President of Native American Journalist Association.
In recent years, she’s been the Tribal Liaison for WA State’s Department of Revenue for policy and outreach to 35 tribes, playing a guiding role in ushering in a new era of tribal-state agreements. Previously she worked as Co-Director of the American Indian Policy and Media Initiative on projects including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian through this innovative think tank based in the State Universities of New York. Currently, she has returned to the Sauk-SuiattleTribe as its Government Relations Director.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Messaging in a Zoom Time
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Kara Briggs is one of the country’s longtime Native American women leaders and trainers (also NWPC-certified) who hails from the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe (whose name was the basis for the City of Seattle). Her roots began as a 17-year journalist award winner for both the Oregonian and then the Spokeman’s Review (Spokane, WA). One of the first to unite journalists of color throughout the country, she served as President of Unity: Journalists of Color and International President of Native American Journalist Association.
In recent years, she’s been the Tribal Liaison for WA State’s Department of Revenue for policy and outreach to 35 tribes, playing a guiding role in ushering in a new era of tribal-state agreements. Previously she worked as Co-Director of the American Indian Policy and Media Initiative on projects including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian through this innovative think tank based in the State Universities of New York. Currently, she has returned to the Sauk-SuiattleTribe as its Government Relations Director.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Messaging in a Zoom Time
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Chelsea Byers
Chelsea Byers is a grassroots campaign trainer, nonviolent practitioner, political organizer, and direct-action trainer. She leads creative action support programs and develops tools and resources to support activists around the globe with Beautiful Trouble. In 2018, Chelsea was hired as the first organizer for the Everyone In campaign - a county-wide coalition effort to end homelessness in Los Angeles. She is a board member of the NWPC LA Westside chapter and serves on the NWPC California and NWPC National boards as well.
Chelsea is one of the first NWPC-certified trainers to train throughout the country. Her confidence and competence with high tech tools and tricks of the campaign trade amazes, calms and inspires all generations to engage more stress-free in technology.
Social Media/Technology: The Winning Edge
Best Practices/ Campaign Staff Training/Survival
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Chelsea Byers is a grassroots campaign trainer, nonviolent practitioner, political organizer, and direct-action trainer. She leads creative action support programs and develops tools and resources to support activists around the globe with Beautiful Trouble. In 2018, Chelsea was hired as the first organizer for the Everyone In campaign - a county-wide coalition effort to end homelessness in Los Angeles. She is a board member of the NWPC LA Westside chapter and serves on the NWPC California and NWPC National boards as well.
Chelsea is one of the first NWPC-certified trainers to train throughout the country. Her confidence and competence with high tech tools and tricks of the campaign trade amazes, calms and inspires all generations to engage more stress-free in technology.
Social Media/Technology: The Winning Edge
Best Practices/ Campaign Staff Training/Survival
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Linda Coberly
Linda Coberly is the managing partner of Winston & Strawn LLP's Chicago office—its oldest and largest—and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. She is a partner in the firm's Litigation Department and chairs its Appellate and Critical Motions Practice.
Linda focuses her practice on appeals and on critical motions that resolve complex lawsuits before trial. She is known for her strong business sense, clear briefs, and compelling oral advocacy. She counsels clients on appellate and strategic issues at all stages of litigation, from before trial through and including proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court. She has argued more than 50 appeals, spanning eight different federal courts of appeals and a variety of state appellate and supreme courts around the country.
Linda has extensive experience in class actions and fraud litigation—and, in particular, in defending issuers, auditors, and others in tort and securities fraud actions following allegations of fraud. These cases frequently implicate complex issues of pleading, class certification, agency law, damages, standing, and loss causation—as well as the doctrine of in pari delicto, which arises when a corporation, trustee, or receiver attempts to sue a third party based on a fraud committed by the corporation's own management. Linda speaks on these and related topics as a regular faculty member at the industry's leading conference for accountants' liability practitioners.
A significant portion of Linda's practice centers on advising and representing clients with regard to proceedings in the U.S. Supreme Court, drawing upon her experience as a law clerk to Justice Stephen G. Breyer on the Supreme Court and to Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg on the D.C. Circuit. She also frequently represents amici in important business cases before the Court.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Linda Coberly is the managing partner of Winston & Strawn LLP's Chicago office—its oldest and largest—and serves on the firm's Executive Committee. She is a partner in the firm's Litigation Department and chairs its Appellate and Critical Motions Practice.
Linda focuses her practice on appeals and on critical motions that resolve complex lawsuits before trial. She is known for her strong business sense, clear briefs, and compelling oral advocacy. She counsels clients on appellate and strategic issues at all stages of litigation, from before trial through and including proceedings before the U.S. Supreme Court. She has argued more than 50 appeals, spanning eight different federal courts of appeals and a variety of state appellate and supreme courts around the country.
Linda has extensive experience in class actions and fraud litigation—and, in particular, in defending issuers, auditors, and others in tort and securities fraud actions following allegations of fraud. These cases frequently implicate complex issues of pleading, class certification, agency law, damages, standing, and loss causation—as well as the doctrine of in pari delicto, which arises when a corporation, trustee, or receiver attempts to sue a third party based on a fraud committed by the corporation's own management. Linda speaks on these and related topics as a regular faculty member at the industry's leading conference for accountants' liability practitioners.
A significant portion of Linda's practice centers on advising and representing clients with regard to proceedings in the U.S. Supreme Court, drawing upon her experience as a law clerk to Justice Stephen G. Breyer on the Supreme Court and to Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg on the D.C. Circuit. She also frequently represents amici in important business cases before the Court.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Martha Escutia
Martha M. Escutia, former California State Senator, was appointed Vice President, State Government Relations and Special Counsel effective June 1, 2020. Her position was modified after serving as Vice President for USC Government Relations since May 1, 2013. In her current role, she is the interface between Government policy initiatives coming out of Washington, Sacramento and Los Angeles and the USC Office of General Counsel.
Immediately prior to joining USC, Ms. Escutia was a partner at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, a law and consulting firm she co-founded, that provides strategic, legal, legislative, regulatory, and policy advice to a wide array of clients. She was also a partner at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips from 2007 to 2010.
Ms. Escutia was a member of the California State Senate from 1998 to 2006 and a member of the California State Assembly from 1992 to 1998. She was the first woman Chair of both the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees.
She has served as a guest lecturer at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and as an adjunct professor in the political science department at East Los Angeles Community College. Recently, she was appointed by Speaker Anthony Rendon to the California High Speed Rail Authority. In addition, she currently serves on the Board of the California Emerging Technology Fund, a $100 million fund aimed at bridging the digital divide. She has also served on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Board of Trustees and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Ms. Escutia received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Science from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Martha M. Escutia, former California State Senator, was appointed Vice President, State Government Relations and Special Counsel effective June 1, 2020. Her position was modified after serving as Vice President for USC Government Relations since May 1, 2013. In her current role, she is the interface between Government policy initiatives coming out of Washington, Sacramento and Los Angeles and the USC Office of General Counsel.
Immediately prior to joining USC, Ms. Escutia was a partner at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, a law and consulting firm she co-founded, that provides strategic, legal, legislative, regulatory, and policy advice to a wide array of clients. She was also a partner at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips from 2007 to 2010.
Ms. Escutia was a member of the California State Senate from 1998 to 2006 and a member of the California State Assembly from 1992 to 1998. She was the first woman Chair of both the Assembly and Senate Judiciary Committees.
She has served as a guest lecturer at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and as an adjunct professor in the political science department at East Los Angeles Community College. Recently, she was appointed by Speaker Anthony Rendon to the California High Speed Rail Authority. In addition, she currently serves on the Board of the California Emerging Technology Fund, a $100 million fund aimed at bridging the digital divide. She has also served on the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Board of Trustees and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Ms. Escutia received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Science from the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Carmen Estrada Schaye
Carmen is a life-long activist in the enfranchisement of all peoples. She is the current National Vice President of Diversity for the National Women’s Political Caucus and President of the NWPC California South Bay Chapter of NWPC. One of the first certified trainers of NWPC, she is responsible for the increasing emphasis on diversity, intersectionality and LGBTQ rights. She publishes the “It Takes a Woman” series for National Women’s Political Caucus.
Dr. Schaye serves as Commissioner for Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative whose mission is to establish Los Angeles County as a leader in creating opportunities and improving outcomes for all women and girls.
Carmen is an assistant Professor at Cal State University. During her long career in academia she taught several courses in Women’s History and Cultural Diversity. She also served as a college Dean of Academic Affairs, Community Relations & Diversity where she chaired the college curriculum committee and received commendations for innovative curriculum development. She is a businesswoman and owns Historic Homes Restoration, a company dedicated to the restoration of Historic homes throughout the United States.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Carmen is a life-long activist in the enfranchisement of all peoples. She is the current National Vice President of Diversity for the National Women’s Political Caucus and President of the NWPC California South Bay Chapter of NWPC. One of the first certified trainers of NWPC, she is responsible for the increasing emphasis on diversity, intersectionality and LGBTQ rights. She publishes the “It Takes a Woman” series for National Women’s Political Caucus.
Dr. Schaye serves as Commissioner for Los Angeles County Women and Girls Initiative whose mission is to establish Los Angeles County as a leader in creating opportunities and improving outcomes for all women and girls.
Carmen is an assistant Professor at Cal State University. During her long career in academia she taught several courses in Women’s History and Cultural Diversity. She also served as a college Dean of Academic Affairs, Community Relations & Diversity where she chaired the college curriculum committee and received commendations for innovative curriculum development. She is a businesswoman and owns Historic Homes Restoration, a company dedicated to the restoration of Historic homes throughout the United States.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Rulisa Galloway-Perry
Rulisa Galloway-Perry is a Higher Ed pro in top management for over 25 years. She currently works at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, as the Academic Advising Director and Senior Co-Curricular Administrator in the Department of Africana Studies. Prior to her current position, she served as Chief of Staff for twelve years under the previous President, Jeremy Travis.
She is the picture of a self-starting organizer, thorough from big picture to small details, with success she can quantify in evaluations and better education.
Rulisa takes responsibility for making Higher Ed work, helping it evolve to fit growing needs, all including the financial planning and review. She is the go-to energy that has worked with other Campus and University offices to oversee complex, high-priority projects, such as chairing key committees and their communications. Rulisa has served as a member, Past President of NYC Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), and currently serves on the Board of NWPC.
Fundraising: Tips from the Best Sources -- Our Endorsed Candidates
Rulisa Galloway-Perry is a Higher Ed pro in top management for over 25 years. She currently works at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, as the Academic Advising Director and Senior Co-Curricular Administrator in the Department of Africana Studies. Prior to her current position, she served as Chief of Staff for twelve years under the previous President, Jeremy Travis.
She is the picture of a self-starting organizer, thorough from big picture to small details, with success she can quantify in evaluations and better education.
Rulisa takes responsibility for making Higher Ed work, helping it evolve to fit growing needs, all including the financial planning and review. She is the go-to energy that has worked with other Campus and University offices to oversee complex, high-priority projects, such as chairing key committees and their communications. Rulisa has served as a member, Past President of NYC Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), and currently serves on the Board of NWPC.
Fundraising: Tips from the Best Sources -- Our Endorsed Candidates
Emiliana Guereca
Emiliana Guereca is an activist, feminist, entrepreneur and President of Women’s March Foundation, which she founded in 2016. She is the driving force behind the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 official Women’s Marches in Los Angeles. Emiliana’s most recent endeavor includes launching Women’s March Action, the 501(c)4 political arm of Women’s March Foundation. She’s proud to serve her Latin community and has also built roots in the Jewish community, as she raises her family in the Jewish faith. Emiliana has been awarded the National Women's Political Caucus: Women of Courage Award 2019, the State of California: Pioneer Women of 2017 Award, the HOPE: Latina of the Year Award 2017, among many others.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Emiliana Guereca is an activist, feminist, entrepreneur and President of Women’s March Foundation, which she founded in 2016. She is the driving force behind the 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 official Women’s Marches in Los Angeles. Emiliana’s most recent endeavor includes launching Women’s March Action, the 501(c)4 political arm of Women’s March Foundation. She’s proud to serve her Latin community and has also built roots in the Jewish community, as she raises her family in the Jewish faith. Emiliana has been awarded the National Women's Political Caucus: Women of Courage Award 2019, the State of California: Pioneer Women of 2017 Award, the HOPE: Latina of the Year Award 2017, among many others.
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Racial and Ethnic Diversity : Women of Color Campaigning in the Era of Social Justice/ Effects of Systemic Racism
Bettina Hager
Bettina Hager is the DC Director and COO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality. She previously served as the co-Chair of the Equal Rights Amendment Task Force of the National Council of Women’s Organizations and has been helping lead the movement for constitutional equality since 2012. Bettina has conducted focused lobby training workshops across the country on the issue of constitutional equality and oversaw the creation of a widely used ERA advocacy packet with information on how to contact elected officials, reach out to media and encourage constituency outreach. She has organized and moderated briefings on the Equal Rights Amendment in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Bettina also writes for The Hill as an opinion contributor on gender issues. In 2018, she was named one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women’s News. Prior to joining the ERA Coalition, she worked as Programs Director and Interim Executive Director at the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), advocating for the necessity of women’s political participation at all levels of government. Bettina graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Biology and concentration in Women’s Studies.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Bettina Hager is the DC Director and COO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women’s Equality. She previously served as the co-Chair of the Equal Rights Amendment Task Force of the National Council of Women’s Organizations and has been helping lead the movement for constitutional equality since 2012. Bettina has conducted focused lobby training workshops across the country on the issue of constitutional equality and oversaw the creation of a widely used ERA advocacy packet with information on how to contact elected officials, reach out to media and encourage constituency outreach. She has organized and moderated briefings on the Equal Rights Amendment in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Bettina also writes for The Hill as an opinion contributor on gender issues. In 2018, she was named one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women’s News. Prior to joining the ERA Coalition, she worked as Programs Director and Interim Executive Director at the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), advocating for the necessity of women’s political participation at all levels of government. Bettina graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Biology and concentration in Women’s Studies.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Sue Hammell
Sue Hammell made world history when she led the campaign(despite grumbles from many male party officials) and passed a revolutionary party rule mandating that every time a white male in her party retired, gave up his seat, passed away or moved, the seat would have to be taken by a woman, First Nation member, LGTBQ or other minority, until the party (the National Democratic Party of British Columbia) reached parity with its members. That was 20 years ago – when she retired from her decade and a half Parliamentary service, the party’s percentage of women had gone from 16% to 46%. In 15 years, Sue was able to do what no other party in the world has done: leveled the playing field for women to be elected.
An international trainer for the National Democratic Institute, this Canadian is the only non-American who has trained and been certified as a NWPC trainer. She lives on Denman Island, off Vancouver Island in BC, Canada, and will be joining us on image, voice and self-confidence tips.
Your Voice of Authority/Zooming to an Exhausted Zoom World
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Sue Hammell made world history when she led the campaign(despite grumbles from many male party officials) and passed a revolutionary party rule mandating that every time a white male in her party retired, gave up his seat, passed away or moved, the seat would have to be taken by a woman, First Nation member, LGTBQ or other minority, until the party (the National Democratic Party of British Columbia) reached parity with its members. That was 20 years ago – when she retired from her decade and a half Parliamentary service, the party’s percentage of women had gone from 16% to 46%. In 15 years, Sue was able to do what no other party in the world has done: leveled the playing field for women to be elected.
An international trainer for the National Democratic Institute, this Canadian is the only non-American who has trained and been certified as a NWPC trainer. She lives on Denman Island, off Vancouver Island in BC, Canada, and will be joining us on image, voice and self-confidence tips.
Your Voice of Authority/Zooming to an Exhausted Zoom World
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Carol Jenkins
Carol Jenkins is co-President and CEO of the ERA Coalition/Fund for Women’s Equality. Carol is an award-winning writer, producer and media consultant. She is a sought-after speaker and writer on issues relating to the media, specifically the participation of women and people of color; women’s participation in the political and economic structures in the US; and the health of women in developing countries, particularly on the African continent. She was founding president of The Women’s Media Center, a national non-profit and serves as chair of AMREF USA, an African health organization.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Carol Jenkins is co-President and CEO of the ERA Coalition/Fund for Women’s Equality. Carol is an award-winning writer, producer and media consultant. She is a sought-after speaker and writer on issues relating to the media, specifically the participation of women and people of color; women’s participation in the political and economic structures in the US; and the health of women in developing countries, particularly on the African continent. She was founding president of The Women’s Media Center, a national non-profit and serves as chair of AMREF USA, an African health organization.
Panel Discussion - ERA Update
Rose Kapolczynski
Rose Kapolczynski is the head of the largest political professional organization in the country: President of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), one of the few women to hold that post in its 51 year old history. Best known for managing all four of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s Senate campaigns, Rose Kapolczynski is a nationally recognized political strategist and campaign manager. She was named the “Most Valuable Player in a Democratic Campaign” for her work managing Senator Boxer’s 2010 campaign. Rose directed the $30 million campaign operation and team of consultants, turning a tossup into a ten-point victory.
Rose has also managed several campaigns in the Pacific Northwest, where she now runs her business from one the most beautiful places on earth: San Juan Island, WA. A great speaker and strategist, Rose is now working with states who have defied President Trump’s attacks on voting by mail, and helped greatly expand their “absentee”, vote-by-mail and early voting capacities. A member of NWPC, she is also a frequent guest on the country’s leading political media shows.
Campaign Voter Contact/The Targeting Advantages
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Rose Kapolczynski is the head of the largest political professional organization in the country: President of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), one of the few women to hold that post in its 51 year old history. Best known for managing all four of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s Senate campaigns, Rose Kapolczynski is a nationally recognized political strategist and campaign manager. She was named the “Most Valuable Player in a Democratic Campaign” for her work managing Senator Boxer’s 2010 campaign. Rose directed the $30 million campaign operation and team of consultants, turning a tossup into a ten-point victory.
Rose has also managed several campaigns in the Pacific Northwest, where she now runs her business from one the most beautiful places on earth: San Juan Island, WA. A great speaker and strategist, Rose is now working with states who have defied President Trump’s attacks on voting by mail, and helped greatly expand their “absentee”, vote-by-mail and early voting capacities. A member of NWPC, she is also a frequent guest on the country’s leading political media shows.
Campaign Voter Contact/The Targeting Advantages
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Donna Lent
Donna Lent, a member of NWPC for 25 years, was elected to an unprecedented third term as President at the NWPC Biennial Convention in 2019. When she was elected, NWPC was (like most women’s groups), just recovering from the first major recession. Through her persistence and personal drive, Donna prioritized rebuilding a national network from a handful of states, to the statewide network which has doubled under her tenure. She reduced the National office overhead by 62%, quietly rebuilt the board to its now 50% women of color, and is a favorite of press wherever she goes. She’s one of our best certified trainers, former First Vice President of the National Board, Vice President of Political Planning, and former President of the New York State Caucus. Donna was one of the principals spearheading the three year effort to create the NY State Choice Party – a counter to the NY State Right to Life Party.
Before entering public service, Donna enjoyed a successful career as a Law Office Manager and small business owner. In 2001, Donna left the private sector and joined an NYS Assemblywoman as the Chief of Staff, where she played a crucial role in the passage of important legislation protecting and expanding women’s rights. After serving the constituents of the Third Assembly District, she was appointed Chief Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Brookhaven in 2010. Donna is currently the elected Town Clerk of Brookhaven, NY, a role she assumed in 2013 with 60% of the vote and elected to a second four-year term in 2017.
Welcome
Wrap Up Session
Business Meeting
Donna Lent, a member of NWPC for 25 years, was elected to an unprecedented third term as President at the NWPC Biennial Convention in 2019. When she was elected, NWPC was (like most women’s groups), just recovering from the first major recession. Through her persistence and personal drive, Donna prioritized rebuilding a national network from a handful of states, to the statewide network which has doubled under her tenure. She reduced the National office overhead by 62%, quietly rebuilt the board to its now 50% women of color, and is a favorite of press wherever she goes. She’s one of our best certified trainers, former First Vice President of the National Board, Vice President of Political Planning, and former President of the New York State Caucus. Donna was one of the principals spearheading the three year effort to create the NY State Choice Party – a counter to the NY State Right to Life Party.
Before entering public service, Donna enjoyed a successful career as a Law Office Manager and small business owner. In 2001, Donna left the private sector and joined an NYS Assemblywoman as the Chief of Staff, where she played a crucial role in the passage of important legislation protecting and expanding women’s rights. After serving the constituents of the Third Assembly District, she was appointed Chief Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Brookhaven in 2010. Donna is currently the elected Town Clerk of Brookhaven, NY, a role she assumed in 2013 with 60% of the vote and elected to a second four-year term in 2017.
Welcome
Wrap Up Session
Business Meeting
Dawn Lott
Dawn Lott currently serves as NWPC’s Vice-President of Development and VP of NWPC Long Island/ New York. As an attorney, she concentrates on civil rights & corporate/commercial litigation, matrimonial, employment and labor. Presently, Dawn is the Executive Director for the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission overseeing the investigation of discrimination claims filed pursuant to local, state and federal anti-discrimination laws. In this capacity, she also conducts community outreach and education for the County’s underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Dawn is ever-active in distinguished groups representing the fight for what’s right; she’s Corresponding Secretary for the Women’s Bars Association of the State of New York; current member and Past President of the Amistad Black Bar Association of Long Island; 2nd Vice Chair of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, member of the Board of Directors for the Long Island Head Start; and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
To the national NWPC, she’s a cool, calm and collected leader amidst an ever-moving, multiplying task-listing, and strong-minded women’s community. This national meeting would not have happened without Dawn’s stepping up to lead us be here.
Welcome
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Dawn Lott currently serves as NWPC’s Vice-President of Development and VP of NWPC Long Island/ New York. As an attorney, she concentrates on civil rights & corporate/commercial litigation, matrimonial, employment and labor. Presently, Dawn is the Executive Director for the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission overseeing the investigation of discrimination claims filed pursuant to local, state and federal anti-discrimination laws. In this capacity, she also conducts community outreach and education for the County’s underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Dawn is ever-active in distinguished groups representing the fight for what’s right; she’s Corresponding Secretary for the Women’s Bars Association of the State of New York; current member and Past President of the Amistad Black Bar Association of Long Island; 2nd Vice Chair of the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, member of the Board of Directors for the Long Island Head Start; and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
To the national NWPC, she’s a cool, calm and collected leader amidst an ever-moving, multiplying task-listing, and strong-minded women’s community. This national meeting would not have happened without Dawn’s stepping up to lead us be here.
Welcome
Diversity & Today’s Women Campaigns
Deidre Malone
Deidre Malone is the President/CEO of The Carter Malone Group, LLC (CMG), a public relations and government relations firm headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with an office in Jackson, Ms. Before opening the agency in May 2003, Malone served as Vice President of Marketing Development for ALSAC, fundraising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she served first as its Public Relations Director. She served as a news producer for WMC-TV Action News 5.
Malone plays an active role in Memphis: previously-elected to the Shelby County Commission, she made history becoming the first African American woman to chair the Shelby County Commission and the first female to chair the budget committee. Malone ran for Mayor of Shelby County becoming the first woman to win a major party nomination for Mayor. Malone is now 1st Vice President of the National Women’s Political Caucus, past President of the Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus and former Vice President of the Shelby County Democratic Party, Past President of the NAACP Memphis Branch, Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis, and is a trustee at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She not only knows about negative ads, she’s had to respond to them as a candidate and as a crisis management expert to her clients.
Dealing with the 2020 Negative Ads
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Deidre Malone is the President/CEO of The Carter Malone Group, LLC (CMG), a public relations and government relations firm headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with an office in Jackson, Ms. Before opening the agency in May 2003, Malone served as Vice President of Marketing Development for ALSAC, fundraising arm of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she served first as its Public Relations Director. She served as a news producer for WMC-TV Action News 5.
Malone plays an active role in Memphis: previously-elected to the Shelby County Commission, she made history becoming the first African American woman to chair the Shelby County Commission and the first female to chair the budget committee. Malone ran for Mayor of Shelby County becoming the first woman to win a major party nomination for Mayor. Malone is now 1st Vice President of the National Women’s Political Caucus, past President of the Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus and former Vice President of the Shelby County Democratic Party, Past President of the NAACP Memphis Branch, Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis, and is a trustee at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. She not only knows about negative ads, she’s had to respond to them as a candidate and as a crisis management expert to her clients.
Dealing with the 2020 Negative Ads
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Paula Owen Willmarth
Paula is a retired Social Worker and lives in Kansas City MO with her 3 cats. She claims to be a political junkie as she is always involved in local, state and national politics and campaigns. She serves as the Democratic State Committee woman for Missouri’s 34th Senatorial District; and is currently involved in several state races in MO. She is proud to be a part of the “Women for Biden” effort that is currently underway and was elected as a Biden delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
She currently serves as NWPC VP for Political Planning and Appointments and is immediate past President of MOWPC. She has been affiliated with her state and local caucuses for many years, serving both as President. She also serves as Chair of the NWPC Political Planning Committee where national candidates are recommended for NWPC endorsement. Paula says this is her most exciting work because she comes in contact with so many national candidates and their campaigns. She has previously served as VP of Communications, NWPC. Paula also serves on the Board of the NWPC Foundation.
She has held positions of leadership in both her state and local caucus and she has served on the NWPC Board of Directors for 8 years.
Fundraiser Reception
Paula is a retired Social Worker and lives in Kansas City MO with her 3 cats. She claims to be a political junkie as she is always involved in local, state and national politics and campaigns. She serves as the Democratic State Committee woman for Missouri’s 34th Senatorial District; and is currently involved in several state races in MO. She is proud to be a part of the “Women for Biden” effort that is currently underway and was elected as a Biden delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
She currently serves as NWPC VP for Political Planning and Appointments and is immediate past President of MOWPC. She has been affiliated with her state and local caucuses for many years, serving both as President. She also serves as Chair of the NWPC Political Planning Committee where national candidates are recommended for NWPC endorsement. Paula says this is her most exciting work because she comes in contact with so many national candidates and their campaigns. She has previously served as VP of Communications, NWPC. Paula also serves on the Board of the NWPC Foundation.
She has held positions of leadership in both her state and local caucus and she has served on the NWPC Board of Directors for 8 years.
Fundraiser Reception
Adrienne Pakis-Gillon
Adrienne Pakis-Gillon is currently President of the Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus and certified NWPC trainer, who has been successfully re-building the state caucus after its national dips during recessions. She’s also a member of the Tennessee State Democratic Party Executive Committee and Vice President of the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument board. Adrienne has been a strong and persistent women’s advocate, commemorating the historic role that Tennessee played in the passage the 19th amendment allowing women to vote.
Chosen as a Tennessee delegate to three Democratic National Conventions, Adrienne is a former member of the Mississippi State University College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. She holds a BA in Political Science from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. She’s seen enough political negative ads that she could write a book on what NOT to do!
Dealing with the 2020 Negative Ads
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers
Adrienne Pakis-Gillon is currently President of the Tennessee Women’s Political Caucus and certified NWPC trainer, who has been successfully re-building the state caucus after its national dips during recessions. She’s also a member of the Tennessee State Democratic Party Executive Committee and Vice President of the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument board. Adrienne has been a strong and persistent women’s advocate, commemorating the historic role that Tennessee played in the passage the 19th amendment allowing women to vote.
Chosen as a Tennessee delegate to three Democratic National Conventions, Adrienne is a former member of the Mississippi State University College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. She holds a BA in Political Science from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the University of Georgia. She’s seen enough political negative ads that she could write a book on what NOT to do!
Dealing with the 2020 Negative Ads
Open Microphone: Questions and Answers to our Trainers