Dear friend, 

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year filled with meaningful connections, thoughtful conversations, and continued momentum for women in public service and seeking public office. This month, we released our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting those major milestones and the impact we've achieved together. I invite you to read the report for stories and moments from the year—and discover what's ahead in 2026.

One of my favorite moments this season was our Profiles in Leadership Reception, where members of our network gathered to connect and reflect on leadership and public service. Evenings like this underscore the importance of bringing women together to learn from one another and build lasting relationships.

From all of us at WPLN, warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year. Each year brings new opportunities, and I am deeply grateful for the role all of our partners and supporters play in making this work possible. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

Thank you to everyone who joined us to network and celebrate together at WPLN's Profiles in Leadership Holiday Reception this month! A special thank you to Kate MacGregor, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, for sharing her leadership journey during our fireside chat, and to our amazing sponsors and Rankin Circle supporters for being part of our mission to see more women at decision-making tables. Want to join us next time? Pledge your support today.

What do you do after losing an election?

In our December episode of the Tips From The Trail podcast, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Georgia State Representative Soo Hong about how she turned loss into victory. Soo shares her experience losing her first race, the lessons she learned from disappointment, and the strategies that helped her bounce back and win her seat in 2022. 

WPLN's Fellowship for Nonprofit Management employs two Fellows to help build the capacity of our organization and helps WPLN achieve its mission to see more women at decision-making tables. Throughout the year, Fellows have the opportunity to create content that spotlights women leaders in their communities and from around the country.

WPLN Fellow Alayna Ruiz (Weber University) hosted a Leadership Spotlight interview with Representative Katy Hall from Utah, who has represented House District 11 since 2023. With a background as a registered nurse, Rep. Hall brings a practical, people-first perspective to public service. Alayna spoke with Rep. Hall about her path into leadership, the experiences that led her to run for office, and what women should consider before stepping into public life. Learn more about Alayna's interview with Rep. Hall here.

WPLN's 2025 Annual Report

At WPLN, 2025 marked a year of innovation and growth, with the addition of new programs and the welcoming of our newest team member, Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth Montgomery. Our 2025 annual report highlights those major milestones and the impact we've achieved together. Check out the stories and numbers that reflect your support in action!

Deputy Secretary MacGregor speaks at WPLN's Profiles in Leadership Holiday Reception on December 3, 2025.

Kate MacGregor

Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior

Kate joined the Department of the Interior in 2017, where she held several senior roles including Deputy Chief of Staff and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management. In 2020, she was confirmed as Deputy Secretary, serving until the end of the Trump administration’s first term. She returned to the role in 2025 under President Trump. 

... Women are wielding influence at unprecedented scale!

Check out the latest Forbes editorial: The World’s Most Powerful Women for 2025 and find out where Forbes claims women hold the real power. Spoiler alert: "Women are steering the systems that will define the next decade, yet the highest tiers of power remain selectively guarded."

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

• For the woman who wants to honor the legacy of groundbreaking leaders, the late Utah Rep. Mia Love was honored on December 1, 2025 with the first ever Martha Hughes Cannon Legacy Award, highlighting her trailblazing career as the first black Republican woman elected to Congress.
• For the woman who knows women can win, check out All in Together CEO Lauren Leader's latest article: "This month’s election results show not only that women are electable, they actually may be what voters prefer in this fraught moment."
• 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 December.

If you have a good recommendation for next month,

let us know!

JANUARY 13, 2026 | Lead with Confidence: The KatchSkills Advantage: Join Laura Maristany, CEO & Founder of Katch Skills, and Larissa Martinez, President of WPLN, for a powerful session on helping women finally see and claim the skills they already have, no matter how they got them. Tune in LIVE Tuesday, 1/13!

JANUARY 23, 2026 | How to Lead in Local Office Series: Recently elected to office or considering your first run for office and want to know what you're in for? Join us for three Fridays—January 23, 30, and February 6— for our local leadership training series to learn practical skills from experts and current women leaders. Registration opens in January!

APRIL 17, 2026 | Women's Political Leadership Training: Join WPLN on April 17 in McAllen, Texas for a half-day event to hear from inspirational women leaders and expert trainers and to gain access to valuable resources that will elevate your leadership skills. Registration is now open and we're offering a limited number of discounted tickets at $25 off regular pricing - ends 12/31!

JUNE 4-5, 2026 | Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Philadelphia on June 4 and 5 for our Fifth Annual National Summit! Your ticket purchase supports WPLN and gives you the opportunity to network with women leaders from across the country. Limited early-bird tickets are available now!

Interested in sponsoring this event? View sponsorship opportunities to see how you can partner with us at 2026 Summit.