Dear friend, 

The month of April brings together two meaningful themes: Service and possibility.

As we observe National Volunteer Month alongside the National Month of Hope, we're reminded that change begins with people who choose to show up.

Across the country, women volunteer in ways that strengthen our civic life and advance our country — improving their communities, organizing on behalf of causes they believe in, and stepping into roles that shape public policy.

While this work may not always feel visible or that it gets the recognition it deserves, it is nonetheless foundational to a healthy democracy. Hope isn't just a feeling — it's something we build through action. And it grows with every woman who uses her voice, supports another, or steps forward to lead.

This month, we celebrate both what women are doing today and what's possible tomorrow. Let's keep turning hope into action!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

WPLN continues to travel the country helping to organize and train women to lead. This month, we held a leadership training in the Rio Grande Valley for the first time!

At our Women's Political Leadership Training in McAllen, TX, our expert speakers discussed all the necessary tools for success, from building and establishing your leadership presence to using effective communications to get your message out.

We also offered breakout sessions and leadership spotlight panels; access to exhibitors and vendors; and free professional headshots!

The newest episode of our Tips from the Trail podcast is out!

Former Colorado state representative Rose Pugliese joins us to discuss her remarkable journey from grassroots activist to legislative leader. 

Rose shares her experience running for office as a mother, including campaigning while pregnant and navigating the realities of leadership as a single mom.

Sandra Benitez

Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative

As the Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, Sandra has a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and campaign roles: She previously served as the Director of Government Affairs and Policy at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as the Director of Hispanic Initiatives for the Republican National Committee.. 

Learn more about Sandra: She was a featured speaker at both our 2025 and 2024 National Summits and recently shared her story of the American Dream!

... A woman just orbited the moon for the first time ever!

NASA Mission Specialist Christina Koch's career as an astronaut is full of female firsts and broken records:

• She set a record in 2019 for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, with 328 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
• She was a part of NASA's first all-female spacewalks.
• And as a member of the Artemis II mission in April 2026, she became the first woman in history to orbit the moon!

And since we know you're busy, here are our top picks for other "must reads" this month!

• For the woman who knows "women's issues" include the economy, Axios reports that women now currently outnumber men in the workforce.
• For the woman who knows history isn't only what happened but also whose stories get told, the Rotunda of the National Archives recently added the 19th Amendment to its display of the "Charters of Freedom," the nation's founding documents.
• For the woman who wants to Remember the Ladies, check out our monthly feature on key moments in women's representation and rights in the past during the month of April.

If you have a good recommendation for next month,

let us know!

MAY 4 | New Tips From the Trail podcast episode! Hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, Tips from the Trail explores the path to political office, from the decision to run, to election day. Tune in for a new episode!

JUNE 4-5, 2026 | WPLN's Fifth National Summit: Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Philadelphia on June 4 and 5! Your ticket purchase supports WPLN and gives you the opportunity to gain the strategies and confidence you need to lead. Get your ticket today!

Support WPLN programs and resources by making a contribution today!

Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is a non-profit organization organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law.