Dear friend, 

Back-to-school season is upon us — and with it, an opportunity.

Whether or not you have children who are returning to school, this time of year is a powerful reminder that local leadership matters.

From school boards to city councils, there's an opportunity to shape the direction of your community. From parent-teacher meetings to neighborhood coalitions, there are countless places where your voice can make a difference. And now is the perfect time to step forward.

Because empowering the next generation and leaving them a better future starts with showing up today. Let's rise to the moment!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

This month, WPLN hosted a 2-part series, "Local Campaign Training for Women Leaders," specifically designed to equip women leaders with the essential skills they need to lead.

Each training session was hosted by an expert and covered everything you need to know about running for office, including the following topics:

• "Honing Your Stump Speech," led by Dawn Crandall, Founder and CEO of She Holds the Key Michigan
• "Determining Your Path to Victory," led by Morgan Bonwell, Founder of Right Strategies
• "Building Your Brand," led by Cassie Alsfeld, Founder and CEO of Shoreline Strategies
• "Campaign Checklist," led by Larissa Martinez, WPLN President and Founder
• "Fundraising Like a Pro," led by Falicia Mandel, Managing Partner at MWE Group
• "GOTV/Grassroots Plan," led by Sara Marie Ridley, Growth Strategist at Numinar

Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn how to lead with confidence and authenticity!

The 6th episode of the WPLN monthly podcast Tips from the Trail is out! In our latest episode, WPLN President Larissa Martinez chats with Highland-Illuminate consultant June Cutter. June gives her tips on how to elevate your brand, from staying authentic to the importance of consistency!

Listen to the episode below on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube — and don't forget to subscribe so that you never miss an episode!

Win a Free WPLN Coffee Mug!

Here's how to enter to win:

Just follow the Tips from the Trail podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review!

The winner will be announced on Monday, August 11th.

(No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Winners must be 18 years or older and live in the U.S.A. To enter, participants must leave a review, rate and follow the WPLN Tips From The Trail podcast show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. There is a limit of one entry per person. Winner will receive one free WPLN mug from the WPLN store. Prizes are non-transferable, and no cash equivalent or substitution of the prize is offered. Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. on 8/8/25. Winners will be chosen at random on 8/9/25 and notified by email within 24 hours. The winners will be announced on the official WPLN social media accounts (@WPLNetwork) after they have confirmed acceptance of the prize. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube).

Pamela Evette

Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina

Pamela Evette is serving as the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, upon being elected in 2018. She is the first female Republican to hold the position in the state. Earlier this month, she announced she is running for governor of South Carolina in 2026.

Last month, WPLN was honored to have Lt. Governor Evette join us at our 2025 WPLN Summit in Orlando!

... reports show that Gen Z is aggressively saving for retirement — and young women are especially motivated to save!

It's hard to believe that it's only been 50 years since women's economic independence took a significant step forward when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibited creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of their sex or marital status.

Today, studies show that the younger generation, and young women in particular, are focused on financial literacy and independence:

The [2024] TIAA report showed that more Gen Z women (54%) were saving for retirement in 401(k)s than Gen Z men (44%).

Ms. Viktorin said that number was “very, very encouraging” for Gen Z women. Historically there has been a gender gap in retirement savings, with women having about 30% less money in retirement than men. But if Gen Z women continue to save at this rate, the gap could start to close, she said.

Read more.

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

• For the woman who cheered when Wimbledon relaxed its all-white clothing rule, studies have found white shorts continue to impact women's participation and performance in sports — which could have long-lasting impact, since studies show that playing sports in childhood or adolescence benefits women in adulthood.
• For the entrepreneur who aspires to be the next Sara Blakely, Forbes wrote about "financial feminism and why it's important for business owners."
• 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 July.

ICYMI... Episode 6 of WPLN's Tips from the Trail podcast dropped on 7/21! June Cutter joined Larissa to discuss how to elevate your brand, to ensure you're the one driving your message, not others.

Stay tuned for more events coming from WPLN this year!

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.