Dear friend, 

There's a lot to celebrate this month! Not only do we celebrate Presidents' Day in February, we also celebrate the birthdays of men like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass — as well as women like Susan B. Anthony, Angelina Grimké, and Rosa Parks.

While these men are rightfully celebrated for their roles in changing the course of history, the efforts of these courageous women to advance justice and equality were no less transformative. They helped to shape our nation and its future in pursuit of "a more perfect Union."

And the legacies of these women remind me that, although we've never had a woman serve as President of the United States, women have always led and served in powerful ways throughout our nation's history — regardless of whether or not they were an elected official or even whether or not their rights and dignity were recognized.

So I hope that this month, as we reflect on these trailblazers, you're inspired to keep making a difference, no matter your title or industry.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

WPLN has been hosting giveaways for tickets to our 2025 National Summit in Orlando, FL, from June 5 through June 7 this year! Make sure you're following us on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter) so you don't miss your chance to participate!

Listen to the first episode of our new podcast series, Tips from the Trail, featuring WPLN Honorary National Co-Chair and former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters!

We all have to begin our leadership journey somewhere — and Rep. Walters shares her story of starting her career as volunteer crowd control for the local holiday parade!

Then, she says, "I got most of my experience from volunteering on other people's campaigns. That's how I learned to run my own."

Want to learn more about her journey from volunteer to member of Congress? You can find our podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Want to join the WPLN team?

• Looking for a full-time role? Check out our open positions to apply for Chief Operating Officer or Development & Events Manager before the application deadline of 2/28!
• If you're a student, apply now before 3/10 for our 2025-2026 Fellowship for Nonprofit Management!

If you want to build a brighter future for women in leadership, come work with us!

For this month's #LeadershipSpotlight, WPLN Fellow Sarah Harper spoke with Dean Marianne Wanamaker of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dean Wanamaker discussed her background, career, and valuable leadership and personal development tips for other women.

Roxy Ndebumadu

District 4 Councilmember,

City of Bowie, MD

Councilwoman Roxy Ndebumadu made history in 2019 as the youngest woman elected to Bowie City Council. She's also served as Mayor Pro Tem (Vice Mayor) of Bowie. WPLN connected with Councilwoman Ndebumadu for our #TipsOnTheTrail series in March 2023!

... the United States celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 5!

Numerous studies have found that women benefit from playing sports as girls. Participating in sports during childhood and adolescence can help girls develop valuable skills such as confidence, resilience, and collaboration — which leads to a stronger likelihood of success in their professional careers as they grow older.

In a recent interview, American rugby union player and Olympic medalist Ilona Maher was asked how she overcame imposter syndrome.

"I don't have that," she responded. "No, I don’t know what that is. It’s like when you don’t feel like you deserve it, right?”

She added, "I feel like I deserve what I've gotten. I think that I've worked very hard."

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

• For the woman who knows we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, one woman discussed finding out the way her mother served during WWII and how she's honoring such women today.
• For the woman who balances players with different strengths to build a winning fantasy football team, Philadelphia Eagles Jalen Hurts explained why he has an all-female management team: "I was seeking out the best, and that’s how it happened... it’s an eye that I don’t have that I’m able to lean on in certain situations.”
• For the woman who wants to Remember the Ladies, check out our monthly feature on key moments in women's representation and rights in U.S. history during the month of February.

If you have a good recommendation for next month,

let us know!

STAY TUNED... Our new program "Lead in Style" will be coming to a community near you soon! With this professional branding series, WPLN is going on the road to help aspiring women leaders build confidence, help community, and learn new skills for their leadership journey. And if you'd like to help us bring this program to your state, please contact our team!

MARCH 7 | Episode 2 of WPLN's Tips from the Trail podcast drops! Find out more details on our website!

JUNE 5-7 | 2025 #WPLNSummit: Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Orlando, Florida, from June 5 through 7 for our 4th annual National Summit! Attendees will hear from experts and leaders to learn how to become a more effective leader, at all levels of government, and connect with women from across the country to build their networks!

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.