Dear friend, 

Fall is finally here! The leaves start changing color, the weather begins to cool off, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte returns to the Starbucks menu... just some of the many reasons this time of year is so beloved.

One of the reasons I always look forward to fall? September 15th kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs until October 15th.

At WPLN, we seek to include more diverse voices at decision-making tables, and that includes the many diverse backgrounds and experiences of the Hispanic community in the U.S.

We're highlighting some of our amazing Hispanic women leaders throughout this month, on our team and in our network across the country. We hope you'll tune in and hear their perspectives as we head into October!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

SAVE THE DATE... The 2024 WPLN Summit will take place in Denver, Colorado, from June 20-22, 2024!

Our third annual summit will feature expert panels, keynote speakers, product demos, professional headshots, networking opportunities, and more. And once again, we are proud to offer free childcare throughout the weekend.

Registration is now open, so don't delay!

This month, WPLN welcomed our second cohort of fellows to Alexandria for a two-day training weekend! Each of the fellows represent different states across the nation: Nebraska, Georgia, and Arkansas.

As part of the training, fellows were able to network with members of WPLN's leadership team, tour the sights of Alexandria and the D.C.-area, and receive hands-on training that they will use throughout the academic year.

We are excited to welcome Stephania, Emma, and Kendall to the WPLN team!

Stephania says:

"The training weekend was filled with opportunities to connect with empowering leaders, and it was great learning about the inner workings of our organization. It provided a glimpse into a future where women are at the forefront of leadership in the political sphere. I am looking forward to learning more from the WPLN staff and the State Partners we will work alongside this year!"

Learn more about Stephania!

Emma says:

"The training weekend introduced me to an exciting world of opportunities. I networked with inspiring women, explored the DMV, and learned about my role at WPLN. I am thrilled to begin working with State Partners and expanding our mission of supporting more women as they seek public office!"

Learn more about Emma!

Kendall says:

"The WPLN training was a great opportunity to learn more about our organization, its founders, and our partners. I have been so impressed by the integrity and strength of our team, and I applaud all of the work this organization has done and continues to do to encourage and empower women. I am so excited for the future of WPLN and am thankful for the opportunity to work with this organization."

Learn more about Kendall!

On September 19, WPLN staff traveled to Oklahoma City, OK to host training sessions for women in our network!

Following lunch catered by Vast Restaurant and a panel on "Pathways to Public Service," WPLN hosted workshops on "Finding Your Why" and "Fundraising."

A special thank you to our rock star panelists:

• Oklahoma State Senator Kristen Thompson
• Representative Rhonda Baker for Oklahoma House District 60
• Amy Albro, Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice

If you would like us to host an event in your state or if you would like to sponsor an event in your state, please email katelyn@womenspublicleadership.net.

FORBES | "Why the child care crisis is actually an economic crisis": "To the experts, the solution seems obvious. When systems support working caregivers, those caregivers become motivated employees who can perform at their best. In turn, those caregivers gain more spending power, which they put into the economy."

WASHINGTON POST | "Tim Scott’s marital status is none of America’s business": "There’s no reason why politicians need spouses in order to lead. These expectations stand in the way of political power for a large percentage of American citizens – but especially women. It’s time for us to stop being wedded to this antiquated archetype of the American politician."

BLOOMBERG | "Over 70,000 daycare programs at risk of closure, threatening US women’s workforce gains": "The historic labor force gains US women have made in recent months are at risk of stalling or even reversing as a pandemic-era lifeline to daycare providers expires... The clock is set to run out at the end of September on $24 billion in government aid, hurting child-care providers already struggling with soaring costs and labor shortages. Some 3.2 million children could lose their spots."

NEW YORK TIMES | "Women know exactly what they’re doing when they use 'weak language'": "'Stop using weak language.' If you’re a woman, you’ve probably gotten this advice from a mentor, a coach or a teacher. If you want to be heard, use more forceful language. If you want a raise or a promotion, demand it. As the saying goes, nice girls don’t get the corner office. This advice may be well intentioned, but it’s misguided... So-called weak language is an unappreciated source of strength. Understanding why can explain a lot about the way women acquire power and influence — and how men do, too."

This month, the LIBRE Initiative released survey results about Latino perspectives in the U.S., in a report titled "An Evolving Landscape: Latinos and the Road to 2024."

Here are some of the key findings:

• Hispanic voters are concerned about limited opportunities.
• Inflation takes center stage in Hispanic households.
• Hispanic voters don't believe the economy is working for them.
• Hispanics are pessimistic about the direction of the country.

READING | The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell: September marks the end of summer and the beginning of spooky season, so we were looking for a light-hearted thriller that would work for lying on the beach over Labor Day or getting cozy on the couch with a pumpkin-scented candle burning. The Golden Spoon was the perfect option — and fans of The Great British Bake Off might particularly enjoy it! Learn more.

WATCHING | Being Mary Tyler Moore on Max: Mary Tyler Moore was a groundbreaking actress who revolutionized the way women were portrayed on screen. This 2-hour documentary covers her personal and professional life. WPLN Program Associate Katelyn Condrey says, "It was fantastic! It definitely highlighted the many 'firsts' that Mary Tyler Moore contributed to the TV industry and to American culture as a whole." Learn more.

LISTENING TO | "When Did Marriage Become a Luxury Good?" on the Freakonomics Radio podcast: Economist Melissa Kearney joins the Freakonomics podcast to discuss her new book The Two-Parent Privilege and the U.S. marriage and birth rates. Learn more.

EXCITED FOR | WPLN State Partner Retreat: Every year, WPLN welcomes the leaders of our State Partner Network to our office for an in-person opportunity to connect and build relevant programming roadmaps. It's always delightful to see these incredible women and hear from them about the needs in their states. If you're interested in bringing our programs to your community, contact us today! Learn more.

• Liliʻuokalani, the only queen regnant and the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom (September 2)
• Ruby Bridges, civil rights activist who was the first Black child to desegregate her elementary school in 1960 (September 8)
• Alice Brown Davis, the first woman Principal Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma (September 10)
• Victoria Woodhull, suffragist who ran for president in 1872 and is considered the first woman to run for the presidency (September 23)
• Mary Church Terrell, suffragist and civil rights activist who helped found the National Association of Colored Women (September 23)
• Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, suffragist and civil rights activist who helped found the National Association of Colored Women and was among the first Black women to be published in the United States (September 24)

Visit our website to see the other women trailblazers and leaders who were born in September.

OCTOBER 3 | Leadership Development with Minot Women Connect and Minot Area Chamber EDC: Join WPLN on 10/3 in North Dakota for this half-day training focused on leadership development. Attendees will hear from women leaders, learn how to develop and use their "why," and network. Learn more.

OCTOBER 12 | Texas Woman's University's Texas Women in Public Service Summit: Join Texas Woman's University for their "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service" Summit on 10/12. The event will feature speakers that include Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, and WPLN Immediate Past Chair Jenifer Sarver will moderate a panel on how to effectively lead after being elected! Learn more.

OCTOBER 19 | WPLN Leadership Dinner: Join WPLN on 10/19 for our annual Profiles in Leadership Dinner in Washington, D.C. This exclusive event is an opportunity to meet our women leaders. They'll discuss what they're seeing on the ground in their states to engage more women in the political process. The event will feature WPLN's new honorary Co-Chair, former Congresswoman Mimi Walters, as well as members of our Leadership Team. Learn more.

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.