Dear friend, 

It's the time of year for WPLN's #GratitudeCampaign, so I'd like to share my own reason for gratitude: America's safe, accurate, fair, and free elections.

In recent years, there have been more concerns than usual about the integrity of America's elections, from mail-in ballots to emergency measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

However, this year's election has hopefully settled those concerns.

Not only did voting go smoothly and efficiently in most states, thanks to hardworking poll workers and watchers, many Americans took advantage of the ability to vote early, turning out in record numbers.

Furthermore, Americans stepped up to help their neighbors in distress; for example, the bipartisan North Carolina State Board of Elections unanimously passed emergency measures to ensure residents of the state would still be able to vote, despite the devastation caused by Helene.

And in areas where close margins led to recounts, lawmakers and citizens respected the process — even when that meant a candidate had fallen short of their goal.

All of these situations helped to restore trust in our system.

Plus, I'm always thankful for another opportunity for women to use their voices and put themselves forward to lead. Here's to the end of one election cycle and the start of a new one!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

WPLN is hiring! We're seeking to hire people for the following available positions:

• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Events Manager

Do you believe in growing the number of women in political and leadership roles? 

Do you believe in building a stronger support system for women who support common sense solutions?

Do you believe that our government would thrive with more women at decision-making tables?

Then come work with us!

This month's #TipsFromTheTrail featured guest is Marion County Superior Court Judge Amy Jones, who spoke with 2024-25 WPLN Fellow Grace Jackson about her career, including her experience as a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Join WPLN in this season of gratitude! And to show OUR gratitude for YOU, you could win a surprise gift from WPLN!

Here's how to enter this week:

1. Share on social media something or someone you're grateful for
2. Use the hashtag #GratitudeCampaign
3. Tag us! @WPLNetwork

Each post equals one entry to win. The winner will be selected on Monday 12/2!

Giving Tuesday is next Tuesday 12/3, and we hope you'll consider supporting WPLN's efforts to empower women to lead!

Your financial gift will go toward educating, organizing, and inspiring women across the country, from our training programs and events, to our annual national summit, to our state partner network.

Please consider giving a one-time donation of $200 or subscribe to a monthly contribution of at least $20 by 12/31 to receive a special gift from WPLN! On behalf of all of us at WPLN, thank you for your support!

Larissa Martinez

WPLN Founder and President

Larissa is a policy expert and skilled political strategist. Prior to founding WPLN in 2019, Larissa served as a senior Government Relations professional in D.C. and on the 2016 transition team for President Trump.

Join us on 12/12 for an exclusive conversation with Larissa and other network experts, about 2024 elections and the outlook going into 2025!

... Women broke more records and shattered more glass ceilings this year!

Although America did not elect its first woman president in 2024, our country did see women succeed in other ways. For example:

• A record 13 women will serve as U.S. governors.
• More women will serve in state legislatures (from 2,431 women in 2024 to at least 2,450), including more Republican women (from 815 state lawmakers in 2024 to at least 851).
• Women will be the majority in Colorado's state legislature; there will be a record number of women in California's state legislature (59 out of 120 seats); and Alaska has set several records, including a record number of women in its state legislature (26 out of 60 seats) and a record three women who are Alaska Native.

And WPLN would like to say thank you to all the Americans who participated in this election, whether as a voter, volunteer, or candidate! Even though Election Day is over, we hope each of you will get or stay involved — it's your time!

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

• For the woman who knows leadership and service takes all kinds of forms, this year Harriet Tubman was posthumously honored as a general, more than 150 years after she served in the Union Army and became the first woman to lead an American military operation, and Medal of Honor recipient Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was featured in the American Women Quarter Series.
• For the woman whose American Dream is to buy her own home or start her own business, this year the U.S. celebrates 50 years since women obtained the right to apply for credit in their own name, without a male co-signer.
• 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 November.

If you have a good recommendation for next month,

let us know!

DECEMBER 1 | Deadline for WPLN's #GratitudeCampaign: Share something or someone you're grateful for on social media, use the hashtag #GratitudeCampaign, and tag @WPLNetwork by Sunday 12/1 for a chance to win a surprise gift from WPLN!

DECEMBER 3 | LBJ WCS Class of 2025 Info Session: If you're ready to step up and make a difference in your community, join our Texas training partner the LBJ Women's Campaign School (WCS) for a virtual info session about their program. RSVP now!

DECEMBER 12 | WPLN's "Founder Insights: The State of Women Post-Election" with WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez: Join WPLN for a special opportunity to hear from our Founder & President Larissa Martinez! Give $25 or more to support WPLN's efforts to empower women to lead, and you'll receive access to a private Zoom conversation. She'll discuss the lessons from the 2024 election, the outlook for 2025, and an exclusive sneak peek of WPLN's new programs launching next year. Donate now to be invited!

DECEMBER 16 | LBJ WCS Class of 2025 Application Deadline: You could be a part of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School's Class of 2025. Apply before the application deadline of 12/16!

DECEMBER 31 | Virginia Conservative Women's Coalition Networking Event Interest: Our Virginia training partner Virginia Conservative Women's Coalition (VCWC) is planning their 2025 in-person meet-ups. These are opportunities to connect with like-minded women, share insights, and build stronger networks — and to shape the future of your community. Sign up to be a part of the conversation!

DECEMBER 31 | Early Bird Pricing for the 2025 #WPLNSummit Ends: Get 15% off your 2025 #WPLNSummit tickets through the end of the year with code EarlyBird!

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.