Dear friend, 

September marks the start of the fall season, but it also starts the final countdown to Election Day in November.

This year, much of the attention is focused on the presidential election. However, other aspects of our elections matter, too.

The races down ballot are just as important as the top of the ticket — if not more so.

And not only is voting the most fundamental right and responsibility of citizens, it is also one of the most significant ways that you and I can make our voices heard.

So it's crucial that every eligible voter is prepared and informed with the information they need to ensure their registration is up-to-date, their plan for casting their ballot is in place, and they've researched the issues and candidates on the ballot.

It's important to remember, though, that voting isn't the only way Americans can participate in our democratic republic.

There's also the ability to volunteer to assist in the electoral process, by becoming a poll worker and helping the election run smoothly. Or you can volunteer for a candidate you support, who prioritizes the issues you care about.

And, of course, there's the option to run for office yourself.

Election Day is one of my favorite days of the year — seeing our democracy at work. Only 36 days to go!

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

SAVE THE DATE — The 2025 WPLN Summit will be June 5-7, 2025, in Orlando, FL!

And we're excited to invite YOU! Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country at our annual National Summit next June to grow your network, learn key skills, and start YOUR political journey!

Your ticket comes with access and perks that include:

• Skills-building workshops by experts on policy and campaigns;
• Networking opportunities;
• Panels with inspiring speakers; and
• FREE childcare and FREE professional headshots!

And our summit will be held at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, located within the gates of Walt Disney World® with views of the nightly Disney fireworks. The room block is now open, and this is a great opportunity for extended family trips, girls' weekends, or couples getaways!

Early bird registration is now open! Get 15% off tickets with the code EARLYBIRD now through 12/31/2024!

Earlier this month, Ashley O'Rourke, from Microsoft's Tech for Social Impact team, joined WPLN's Women's Officeholders Roundtable to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can be used effectively for political campaigns. This information is critical for any candidate and any campaign.

Please reach out to hello@womenspublicleadership.net if you'd like to hear Ashley's tips and recommendations!

WPLN celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with The Honorable Judge Yara Lorenzo Klukas, who joined us for a #TipsFromTheTrail discussion. She was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the Miami-Dade County Court.

Andeliz Castillo

President of Neviz Strategies

Andeliz Castillo is President of Neviz Strategies, a business operations, communications, and marketing consulting company. She also currently serves as WPLN Finance and Operations Advisor and previously worked in the Trump administration and for The LIBRE Institute. She is a proud wife to an army veteran and mom of 2 kids, and this month she hosted our discussion with The Honorable Judge Yara Lorenzo Klukas!

... The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is supporting WPLN's efforts to improve women's representation!

The Foundation recently hosted a Q&A with WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez — check it out below!

Empowering women to lead is a collaborative effort, and our partners' support is essential for working toward such important goals. We are thankful for AMBFF's support!

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

• For the woman who needs good news about women's representation, The Guardian reports "more women, specifically young women, are leading congressional offices as chiefs of staff, giving them invaluable access to lawmakers and opportunities to influence the policies that shape Americans’ lives."
• For the woman who'd like a distraction from politics, actress and businesswoman Selena Gomez talks to Vanity Fair about her Hispanic heritage, her career, and her evolving plans for motherhood.
• 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 September.

OCTOBER 3 | Voter Data & Vote Goals with Virginia Conservative Women's Coalition: Join our Virginia training partner Virginia Conservative Women's Coalition to learn about polling and data on the campaign trail! Learn how to analyze voter data, set strategic vote goals, and interpret polling results. Register now!

OCTOBER 23 | Nevada Women's Leadership Alliance Leadership Speaker Series with the Women's Mining Coalition. Our Nevada training partner Nevada Women's Leadership Alliance (NWLA) is hosting another session in their Leadership Speaker Series; join them on October 23 to hear from leaders and trailblazers from the Women's Mining Coalition. Get your tickets here!

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.