This month, we’ve witnessed history being made with the appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. As we at ReflectUS are dedicated to expanding opportunities for women to pursue all levels of political leadership and influence, we are beyond excited to bear witness to our nation’s first African American, woman Supreme Court justice. We salute the many organizations, associations and individuals that made this historic moment possible. We also give a special acknowledgement to ReflectUS Coalition member Higher Heights who has been at the forefront of Black women’s political leadership and was particularly instrumental in the support provided to Justice Jackson. Read our press release on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's appointment here.
Among all the events I enjoyed that commemorated Women’s History Month, one of my favorites was attending the White House’s Women’s History Month celebration at the invitation of President Joseph Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. We celebrated the significant role women have played and continue to play in strengthening our democracy and democratic institutions. It was truly inspiring to be in a room with lawmakers, advocates, and leaders of all backgrounds who share the same passion for women’s advancement and empowerment.
This month, I’m excited to share with you that the work of our National Working Group has led to the creation of a Sub National Working Group on Collective Barriers. This working group, co-chaired by Cynthia Richie Terrell, ReflectUS Board Member and CEO of RepresentWomen, and Jean Sinzdak, Associate Director for Center for American Women and Politics, will help spearhead the ReflectUS “Appointments Campaign”, a national campaign targeting boards and commissions at the state level. Through these collective efforts, we aim to increase the number of women appointed to state boards and commissions across the country.
I am also delighted to announce the launch of our ground-breaking, cutting-edge program - She’s Ready. The She’s Ready Program is a pilot program between ReflectUS and Coalition member She Should Run to provide women individualized support on their political leadership journey. As women move through She Should Run's suite of programs to the point of declaration, ReflectUS will provide support by creating a customized political leadership plan, connecting them to other national, state and local resources and conducting periodic check-ins. As studies demonstrate, there is a period of time between when women decide to enter political leadership and when they actually declare their candidacy or apply for an appointment. She’s Ready will help to ensure we do not lose this important pipeline during this intervening time.
Finally, please join me in congratulating our inaugural cohort of the “It Begins Here” fellows on completing the year-long fellowship program! Congratulations - Zena Amran, Nelly Cuenca, Jessica Dunn, Sarah Evans, Prisma Garcia, Ara Grimaldo, Miriam Laeky, Karem Montemayor, Lauren Rangel, Mya Scott, Shelby Taylor, and Fiama Villagrana-Ocasio! We have been privileged to see each of you grow as leaders in your communities and can’t wait to see what you do next!
Onward!
Tiffany Gardner, ReflectUS CEO
It is conference season and IGNITE is thrilled to announce the return of their national conference series, Young Women Run 2022: We Break Barriers.
IGNITE is convening in cities across America - in person - to empower you to flex your political power. Young Women Run includes political skills training, policy discussions, roundtable lunch discussions with elected women, and keynote addresses from prominent political leaders.
Select conferences include an IGNITE the Capitol Advocacy Day, which includes training in advocacy and the legislative process. You’ll learn how, when, and where you can step into the policymaking process and champion causes impacting you and your community.
Learn more about each role and apply today by visiting our website!
This issue brief discusses the cycle of incumbency that protects men’s political power and why it must be dismantled to eliminate the roadblocks preventing women from serving in elected office.
Boards and Commissions Guides have been updated and now include new information about seeking appointments and how we can help you navigate the appointment process.
As a member of the ReflectUS Giving Circle, you will be invited to exclusive events, receive a VIP newsletter from the CEO, gain early access to the ReflectUS Annual Report and ReflectUS Publications, and last but not least, receive cool ReflectUS swag!
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ReflectUS would greatly benefit from your support!
Your donation will not only help us accelerate political leadership of, by, and for all women, but will also help in bringing our nation closer to a truly respective democracy where all voices are heard.
ReflectUS is looking for interns! Currently, opportunities exist in marketing, communications, programs, and development. For more information and to apply visitreflect.us/internships/.
This event will be a hybrid event, it is open to all women and non-members of the ReflectUS TX Leadership Council. In person space is limited, please register to attend.
We will enjoy a half-hour of networking and then hear from our guest speaker Peggy Venable at the Texas Appointments Office with the Office of Texas Governor, Greg Abbott. Then we will spend some time reviewing and completing applications for State level appointments. Please bring your resume and a laptop, this will be a working meeting.
The ReflectUS Texas Leadership Council is a cross-partisan group of diverse women interested in political leadership. Many are running for or currently serving in an elected position or serving in or seeking a Board or Commission appointment. The goal of the Leadership Council is to provide a network of support for all Texas women in their political journeys, while working across racial, ethnic, geographic, and ideological spectrums to accomplish this goal. The council members are volunteers and represent various organizations and networks that serve diverse communities in the state.
If you would like to join the ReflectUS TX Leadership Council, email ruth@reflect.usto receive more information.
This event is being hosted by ReflectUS, in collaboration with the Texas Woman's University, Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy.
ReflectUS is a national, cross partisan coalition that accelerates and maximizes the collective impact of Coalition members, people, and organizations working to expand political leadership of, by, and for all women.
Read ReflectUS Coalition members APAICS and Higher Heights most recent Op-Ed, Beyond Historic Firsts: Confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and Empowering Women! This Op-Ed was written by APAICS President and CEO Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke & Higher Heights Leadership Fund President and CEO, Glynda Carr.
Check out this op-ed by ReflectUS Texas Program Manager, Ruth Assi and Steer Fort Worth President, Erika Ramos published by The Fort Worth Star Telegram. Read all about how redistricting provides the perfect opportunity for emerging and diverse leaders to rise!
ReflectUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, cross-partisan coalition that accelerates and maximizes the collective impact of Coalition members, people, and organizations working to expand political leadership of, by, and for all women. Learn More
