Dear friend, 

January is seen as a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. This month, we experienced two momentous events that set the tone as we stepped into this new year.

Just days into 2025, devastating wildfires ravaged large areas of Los Angeles, burning down the landscape, homes, and memories. Two weeks later, a new presidential administration took office.

These two events — one born from the forces of nature and the other from the tide turning in politics — both underscore the urgent need for resilience and leadership in addressing the challenges confronting our communities and our nation today.

Now more than ever, our country needs leaders who advocate pragmatic, common-sense solutions that balance the needs of our communities with a commitment to long-term prosperity.

This year, I hope you'll join us to inspire and empower women to lead at all levels of government.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

In just a few days, WPLN's new podcast series #TipsFromTheTrail launches!

We're expanding our Facebook Live series to Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

For our inaugural episode on Monday 2/3, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez will be joined by WPLN Honorary National Co-Chair and former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters as they explore the path to political office — from the decision to run, all the way to Election Day and beyond.

Listen in on Monday 2/3 to receive a limited-time discount code for our 2025 National Summit in Orlando!

WPLN is expanding our team! Don't miss your chance to work with us to make a difference:

• Chief Operating Officer
• Development & Events Manager

Do you want to empower women in leadership and political roles? Do you agree that adding women to more decision-making tables can drive positive change? Are you looking for a career that brings you fulfillment and meaning?

If you're ready to build a brighter future for women in leadership, we want you on our team!

Do you want to get involved, but the above roles aren't applicable for you because you're a student? WPLN is now accepting applications for our 2025-2026 Fellowship for Nonprofit Management!

The WPLN Fellowship for Nonprofit Management program will employ up to 3 Fellows to help build the capacity of our organization and State Partners, which identify, engage, and train women on the ground to run for office.

This is YOUR chance to expand your professional network, build key skills, and grow your knowledge of nonprofit management, with a monthly stipend included!

Applications are due by 5pm PT on Monday 3/10 — so apply today!

June Cutter

Attorney and Consultant

June Cutter is the Managing Attorney and Chief Operations Officer at Reden | Riddell. She previously founded Highland Political, LLC, a political fundraising and public relations company; ran for the California State Assembly in 2020 and 2022; and served as president of the California Women's Leadership Association, WPLN's California training partner.

... Members of Congress are working to make it easier for new parents to serve!

According to the New York Times, "there is no maternity leave for members of Congress. While they can take time away from the office without sacrificing their pay, they cannot vote if they are not present at the Capitol."

Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (FL) and Brittany Pettersen (CO) have teamed up on a measure to give new parents up to 12 weeks for remote voting.

“This job is not made for young women, for working families, and it’s definitely not made for regular people," said Rep. Pettersen. “It’s historically been wealthy individuals who are not of childbearing age who do this work.”

“I’m going to choose to be home to make sure that my newborn is taken care of," she continued, "but I feel that it’s unfair that I’m unable to have my constituents represented at that time.” 

"I don’t think any member should be precluded from doing the job they were elected to do simply because they become a parent," said Rep. Mike Lawler (NY), whose youngest child is 2 months old.

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

• For the woman who enjoys new discoveries, new Pew research shows that, while men and women seem to report similar amounts of loneliness, men turn to their networks less often than women for social connection and emotional support, and that men are catching up to women in hours spent on household chores because of cooking.  
• For the woman who turns to Google first, the New York Times examined why lack of funding and appreciation for women's health may lead women to less traditional medicine.
• 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 January.

FEBRUARY 18 | Leadership Spotlight with Marianne Wanamaker: Join WPLN on Facebook or LinkedIn for a discussion with Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee.

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.

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.