Dear friend, 

February always invites reflection and inspires me to keep building momentum. As we celebrate Black History Month and Presidents’ Day, we’re reminded that progress is driven by people willing to step forward and lead, often before they feel fully ready. The leaders we honor this month didn’t wait for perfect conditions. Instead, they acted with courage and conviction. That same spirit lives in the women across our network who are investing in their voices, their skills, and their communities right now.

We’re already seeing that energy build as excitement grows around our 2026 National Summit. From our newly announced 2026 National Summit Host Committee to the incredible women preparing to join us in Philadelphia this June, this year is shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet. Every training, conversation, and connection happening in our community is proof that when women support each other’s leadership, momentum multiplies.

And with Women’s History Month just around the corner, we’re especially grateful for the trailblazers who made this work possible—and for you, who continue it. 

Thank you for being part of a community that believes leadership is learned, practiced, and shared. We can’t wait to show you what’s ahead this month.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

Women's Political Leadership Training - McAllen, Texas

First Speaker Announced!

We're excited to welcome Morgan Bonwell, Founder and CEO of Right Strategies, as a speaker at our Women's Political Leadership Training in McAllen, Texas on Friday, April 17th! With over a decade in politics, Morgan is an expert in grassroots and grasstops campaigning.

2026 National Summit - Philadelphia, PA

Host Committee and Speakers Announced!

We're excited to begin announcing our 2026 National Summit speakers with leaders from Pennsylvania! Join us June 4-5 to learn from women who are making an impact in their state legislature:

• Rep. Martina White, Pennsylvania State Representative & Republican Caucus Chairwoman

• Rep. Kristin Marcell, Pennsylvania State Representative

This month, we also welcomed five powerhouse leaders to our 2026 National Summit Host Committee! This is an exceptional group of women leaders from across sectors who have come together to ensure WPLN's Summit delivers the best resources and programming for our attendees and supporters:

• Amber Benzon, President & Founder, Level Up

• Emily Greene Brey, State Director, Americans for Prosperity

• Allie Kutz, Manager of Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and Industry

• Jennie Dallas, Strategic Director, The LIBRE Initiative

• Megan Martin, COO & General Counsel, Commonwealth Foundation

Visit our website to learn more about what's in store for the Summit. Plus, room blocks are now open— register early to reserve your spot at the Summit and secure accommodations for the weekend.

Galentine's Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to this month's Summit Giveaway winner, Elizabeth Melachrinoudis! 🎉 If you entered on Instagram but didn't win this time, stay tuned for more chances to win free tickets to our 2026 National Summit next month!

Tips From The Trail

Running for Local Office: Advice For First-Time Candidates

Check out our latest episode from Tips From The Trail, featuring Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman and guest co-host Sara Marie Ridley, Growth Strategist at Numinar for a candid episode on what it’s like to include your family on the campaign trail, the importance of finding routines that keep you grounded, and why hustle beats money every time.

How to Lead in Local Office Virtual Series

Effective Leadership Beyond Election Day

This month, we wrapped our three-part virtual series, How to Lead in Local Office: Effective Leadership Beyond Election Day. This series covered governing fundamentals for local leaders, including branding, agenda-setting, resilience in office, communications and media engagement, and effective constituent management. Read the recap here.

Vanessa Simon

For the woman who knows how powerful moms really are, check out this piece from the New York Times on the Olympic mothers who showed up, competed at the highest level, and reminded the rest of us what's possible:

"You couldn’t tune in on a TV, tablet or phone over the past few weeks without seeing an Olympic mother do something incredible."

For the woman who knows that history is made one bold step at a time, explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture's look at defining moments that shaped a nation and the women who made them possible.

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 February.

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.