Dear friend, 

Is it still acceptable to say "new year, new look" two months into the year? Because WPLN is excited to roll out a fresh newsletter look!

It's our hope that our new format makes it easier for you to find the information that most interests you, whether it's learning about upcoming events, members of our network, or how you can lead.

In this month's newsletter, you'll find our Galentine's Day Gift Guide (including my personal favorite); our pop culture recommendations for February; and leadership advice from a woman with a non-traditional career path to leadership; and more.

You'll also find information about our #WPLNSummit. Save money by buying your ticket today, before prices rise next month!

Cheers,

Sarah Quinlan

WPLN Social Media Manager

Our most recent #LeadershipSpotlight featured Josselin Castillo, Principal of Federal Government Relations at the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

During her interview with 2023-2024 WPLN Fellow Kendall Webb, Josselin discussed her career experience representing the interests of small business owners in the healthcare policy arena, as well as what she's learned along the way.

While Galentine's Day has passed, it's never too late to celebrate the girls and women in your life! WPLN has created a Galentine's Day Gift Guide, full of items that inspire and empower. And every purchase helps to support WPLN's efforts to increase women's representation!

Maureen McInerney

WPLN Director of Development and External Affairs 

Meet Maureen McInerney, who is responsible for fundraising and development at WPLN. Outside of WPLN, Maureen plays and coaches rugby in Northern Virginia — and she's heading to Colombia this month to play with the Capital Selects team representing the U.S. against the Colombian National team! Interested in supporting WPLN? Reach out to Maureen!

... We've got women's sports to cheer on!

Since the United States celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 7, let's talk women in sports.

2023 was a record-breaking year for women in sports, from viewership for the women's NCAA championship game, to attendance at a women's collegiate volleyball match.

And according to Deloitte, professional women's sports are expected to generate nearly $1.3 billion in revenue this year — up 300% from just three years ago.

Then there's the effect that Taylor Swift's attendance at NFL games is having on women watching sports, too — and how that's leading to additional family bonding time. One parent told GQ, "As much as it's great to be able to sit and watch the games with [my daughter], it's about having extra bonding with her as well in the time that we're not even together."

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

• For the woman who seeks to ensure every voice is heard and represented, The 19th covers the barriers to political participation that caregivers and vulnerable citizens face.
• For the woman who loves any opportunity to celebrate her gals and empower women, here's the WPLN Galentine's Day Gift Guide.
• For the woman who wants to Remember the Ladies, check out our monthly feature on key moments in women's representation and rights during the month of February in the past.

READING

This book is out today, and we're looking forward to diving in!

WATCHING

American Nightmare on Netflix is the story of a woman falsely called a real-life Gone Girl.

LISTENING TO

Although we love Luke Combs' version, there's nothing like Tracy Chapman's original song. 

EXCITED FOR

Who doesn't get excited to save money? Buy your WPLN Summit ticket before prices rise March 15!

If you have a good recommendation for next month,

let us know!

MARCH 5 | Nevada Women's Leadership Alliance (NWLA) Leadership Speaker series will next celebrate National Women in Construction Week. Register today.

MARCH 6-8 | Montana Women in Business Summit will cover topics including networking, leadership development, financial well-being, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, advocacy, and philanthropy. WPLN's Larissa Martinez will host a panel titled “From Boardroom to Ballot: Women Leaders Seeking Public Service.” Learn more.

MARCH 8 | Colorado Women's Day is an opportunity for women to become informed on different issues, learn about their own physical and mental health, and celebrate achievements throughout the year. WPLN's Maureen McInerney will lead a workshop on building personal and political capital. Learn more.

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.