Dear friend, 

May is a time to recognize the women whose strength and service shape our nation and our communities every day.

On Mother's Day, we celebrated the mothers, mentors, and caregivers whose leadership begins at home and extends far beyond it. During Military Appreciation Month, we honored those who have served our country with courage. And with the observation of Memorial Day, we remembered those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Such dedication and legacy not only remind us that leadership takes many forms but also challenge each of us to lead with purpose and gratitude.

As we carry that spirit forward, we're looking forward to gathering at WPLN's fifth annual national summit next week in Philadelphia. In a time when leadership matters more than ever, I'm proud that WPLN provides support to women who are ready to make a difference.

I can't wait to gather at our summit with women from across the country who are bravely answering the call to lead. Together, we are building a stronger future — one grounded in service and principled leadership!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

WPLN's 2026 National Summit is almost here!

Next week on June 4 and 5, WPLN is holding our Fifth Annual National Summit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

We'll celebrate America's 250th anniversary and bring together women leaders from across the country for an inspiring leadership summit.

Designed for current and future candidates, elected and appointed officials, and even spouses and families, our summit has it all:

• Keynote sessions

• Hands-on workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Professional headshots

• Motherhood rooms 

You'll gain practical tools and fresh insights through sessions on topics like the following:

• AI and leadership
• Media and messaging
• Audience engagement
• Ethics and compliance

The best part? You can still join us as long as you buy your ticket before Saturday 5/30!

WPLN celebrated Mother's Day with new

Moms On The Trail content!

In honor of Mother's Day, WPLN continued our Moms On the Trail series, spotlighting women who balance public service and motherhood while paving the way for future generations.

• Former Georgia State Representative Lauren Daniel shared how her experiences as a young mother shaped her approach to policymaking and leadership.

• Sophia DiCaro, Executive Director of Utah’s Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (GOPB), reflected on the way that motherhood influenced her decision to run for office.

• And in a special Mother's Day episode of WPLN's Tips From the Trail podcast, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans discussed her path from Navy helicopter pilot and nurse practitioner to serving Virginia's 2nd Congressional District.

Together, these conversations highlight the strength, resilience, and perspective that mothers bring to leadership — and why representation matters at every level of public service.

Our 2025-2026 WPLN Fellows in action!

Over the last year, our 2025-2026 WPLN Fellows have gained hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership while helping to advance our mission to see more women at decision-making tables.

Through mentorship and practical training in communications, fundraising, branding, and program strategy, our Fellows are already shaping important conversations about women's leadership and civic engagement.

Their latest blog posts explore the power of women showing up — for one another, for their communities, and for leadership opportunities. Check them out below!

• "What Happens When Young Women Show Up: My Experience at WPLN's National Summit" by Valerie Hoyos
• "Recommended by a WPLN Fellow: Conversations Worth Your Time" by Alayna Ruiz
• Honoring the Legacy of Women's Leadership in Philadelphia" by Valerie Hoyos

Soo Hong

Georgia State Representative

Soo Hong was elected to Georgia House District 103 in November 2022 and is the first woman of Korean descent to be elected to the Georgia House of Representatives.

WPLN spoke with Rep. Hong on navigating campaign losses and running for re-election for our Tips From the Trail podcast.

... new research by the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) shows that Republican women often raise similar amounts to Republican men!

In the first analysis from Women, Money, & Politics Watch 2026, CAWP found that "women are leading the money race," says CAWP senior scholar Kira Sanbonmatsu — including Republican women, who "often raise similar amounts to Republican men."

However, according to CAWP, there are far fewer Republican women than men running in U.S. Congressional races.

Learn more.

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

• For the woman who never misses a Dear Abby column, New York Times readers share their moms' go-to sayings and advice.
• For the woman who knows representation matters, from the Hill to the silver screen, the New York Times discusses the shift in how television portrays menopause.
• For the woman who sometimes feels like "work-life balance" is an oxymoron, Mental Floss examines a recent analysis of which states are the best — and worst — for working mothers.
• 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 May.

JUNE 4-5, 2026 | WPLN's Fifth National Summit: Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Philadelphia on June 4 and 5! Your ticket purchase supports WPLN and gives you the opportunity to gain the strategies and confidence you need to lead. Get your ticket before Saturday 5/30!

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.