Dear friend, 

A new year invites reflection and often, recommitment. It’s a moment to take stock of what matters most and to consider how we can best serve our communities in the months ahead.

January also brings new opportunities in local government, as city councils convene, school boards set their agendas, and community leaders establish priorities for the year ahead. These early moments often shape what’s possible—and who has a voice at the table.

At WPLN, we exist for women who feel called to serve but want to do so thoughtfully, practically, and on their own terms. As 2026 unfolds, many states will head into midterm elections. While election cycles come and go, the need for capable, grounded leadership remains constant. WPLN’s role is to help answer those questions and to make public service more accessible, practical, and sustainable for women ready to make a difference.

This year, we look forward to equipping women in our network and beyond with the tools and resources they need to succeed in public leadership. We’re honored to be on this journey with you.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

Last week, we kicked off part one of our How to Lead in Local Office virtual leadership training series with sessions on Developing Your Leadership Brand and Robert's Rules of Order.

To get access to the recording and attend parts two and three on January 30 and February 6 — purchase a "Full Series Pass" ticket.

Across three sessions, attendees will learn practical skills and insights from experienced women leaders on topics including:

• January 23 | Recording Available with Full Series Pass!

  Developing Your Leadership Brand & Roberts Rules of Order

• January 30 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST

  Setting Your Agenda & Resilience in Office

• February 6 | 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM EST

  Constituent Relations, Communications & Media Engagement

Whether you're navigating your first term or preparing for your first campaign, this training provides the tools and insights you need to lead with confidence.

This month, we launched SEASON 2 of our Tips From The Trail podcast!

WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Montana State Representative Courtenay Sprunger about the why she ran for office—and why you should too! Larissa and Courtenay cover the mental discipline required to take risks, the power of saying "yes" to leadership opportunities, and how to build the credibility needed to pass meaningful legislation. Listen to the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

What's in your bag? We asked our #TipsFromTheTrail podcast guests what they never leave home without on the campaign trail. Now YOU can win all their essentials!

Three Ways To Enter:
1. Join WPLN's Rankin Circle
2. Make a donation to WPLN
3. Tag a fellow leader in the comments of our post on Instagram (@WPLNetwork)

We are excited to further equip women for leadership through our new partnership with Katch Skills, the platform that turns everyday learning into skills that fuel growth—for people, teams, and programs.

In our recent webinar, Katch Skills CEO Laura Maristany joined us to explore how making skills visible helps amplify women’s superpowers—whether they’re running for office, leading in their current roles, or making the case for their next career boost. Read more in our latest blog.

Through WPLN’s partnership with Katch Skills, women in the WPLN network receive free access to Katch Skills profiles, giving them a practical tool to document, own, and elevate their leadership strengths. Visit katchskills.ai to get started today.

Rose Pugliese

Former Colorado House Minority Leader

Rose Pugliese served in the State House from January 2023 through Sept. 15, 2025, becoming the House Minority Leader in January 2024. This month, she announced that she is running to be Mesa County’s next treasurer.

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

• For the woman celebrating America's 250th birthday, read about how the Daughters of Liberty mobilized colonial American women during the American Revolution by organizing boycotts of British goods and turning everyday household labor into political resistance. Plus, this June, WPLN will bring our Fifth National Summit to Philadelphia—where the Daughters of Liberty once went door to door raising funds for the Continental Army.  

• For the woman who knows representation matters, Salt Lake City Council made history this month with its first-ever female majority. “'This is the most representative Council I’ve ever served on,'” said Council Chair Chris Wharton. “'We don’t just look like Salt Lake City—we reflect it, and we identify with it. That kind of representation helps us make smarter, more responsive decisions for the people we serve.'”

• 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.

JANUARY 30, 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 for parts two and three—January 30 and February 6—of our local leadership training series to learn practical skills from experts and current women leaders. It's not too late to get your tickets!

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!

JUNE 4-5, 2026 | Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Philadelphia on June 4 and 5 for our Fifth 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!

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.