Dear friend, 

The air turning crisp and the leaves beginning to change color signal the start of a new season — one that invites us to re-center and recommit to what matters most.

In recent weeks, our country once again grappled with senseless tragedy — from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, to the shootings at Evergreen High School in Colorado and the Church of the Annunciation in Minnesota.

These acts of violence are a stark reminder of the growing tensions that threaten the very foundation of our republic. We must continue to model civil discourse, honest debate, and a shared commitment to solving problems — together.

In times like these, women will always have an essential role to play. Whether in elected office, in the community, or at the kitchen table, women's voices and leadership are needed. I hope you'll join WPLN at some of our upcoming events to connect and grow alongside other women who seek to shape the future of our communities and our country.

Onward,

Larissa

WPLN Founder and President

SAVE THE DATE: WPLN's National Summit is coming to Philadelphia June 4-5, 2026!

WPLN's National Summit brings together women leaders, changemakers, and supporters from across the country — and we're excited to host our 5th Summit during the 250th anniversary of America next year in partnership with our partner Level Up!

Stay tuned for registration updates and more announcements coming soon!

WPLN recently relaunched our Rankin Circle, and now is the perfect time to join!

Join today to unlock an invitation to our exclusive Profiles in Leadership Reception on 10/30 in Washington, D.C.

And this unforgettable evening is just the beginning of the benefits you'll receive as a Rankin Circle Member.

You'll also enjoy exclusive access; priority registration; and special discounts throughout the year. Join the WPLN Rankin Circle today!

Our WPLN podcast Tips From the Trail is a MUST LISTEN for any woman thinking about running for office, and a new episode is OUT!

The LIBRE Initiative Executive Director Sandra Benitez joined WPLN President Larissa Martinez for a behind-the-scenes look at political strategy, Hispanic outreach, and campaign leadership.

Sandra previously served as the Executive Director of the U.S. Hispanic vote on the 2020 presidential campaign and as the Hispanic Engagement Director at the Republican National Committee during the 2018 midterm cycle.

🎧 Listen now to join the movement of women changing the face of politics!

As part of our WPLN Fellowship for Nonprofit Management, Fellows help build the capacity of our organization and assist our State Partners who identify, engage, and train women on the ground to seek public office.

Last month, we welcomed two outstanding young women to the program. Check out our website to meet our new Fellows:

• Meet Alayna Ruiz, from Ogden, Utah, who attends Weber State University. 
• Meet Valerie Hoyos, from Orlando, Florida, who attends North Carolina State University. 

Suzette Martinez Valladares

California State Senator

In 2024, not only was Suzette Martinez Valladares elected to the California State Senate, women also achieved equal representation in the chamber for the first time in history! Suzette previously served as a member of the California State Assembly from the 38th district and as CEO of Little Steps of Faith, a faith-based non-profit that provides quality childcare to local underserved families. WPLN had the chance to interview her for our 2022 #MomsOnTheTrail series!

Women in the U.S. House of Representatives are leading the way on bipartisanship, forming bipartisan alliances across multiple issues!

According to The 19th*:

The divisions in American politics are usually obvious, often nowhere more than in the House of Representatives. But there are also glimmers of bipartisanship, and, lately, many of those have been driven by women. 

Some of the issues that women in the House have found agreement on include women's health initiatives and banning congressional stock trading.

Learn more.

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

• For the woman who wants the next generation to lead with confidence, a new Girl Scouts survey of 1,000 girls between the ages of 5 and 13 found that 36% of girls say they hear negative messages about body image from the women in their lives and 50% of girls ages 11 to 13 wish they could change something about their appearance.
• For the woman who’s ever felt burdened by “default parenting," the Atlantic examined why "people assume that Mom knows what’s going on with the family and that Dad does not."
• 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 6 | Episode 9 of WPLN's Tips From the Trail drops! This episode features Michael Kaiser, President/CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns. Find out more details on our website.

OCTOBER 30 | WPLN's Profiles in Leadership Reception: Save the date for WPLN's exclusive Profiles in Leadership Reception in Washington, D.C.! To receive an invitation to this exclusive event, become an annual supporter of WPLN by joining the Rankin Circle today!

NOVEMBER 14 | LBJ Women's Campaign School 50th Anniversary Women in Public Life Symposium: A Bipartisan Path Forward: Join WPLN and Founder and President Larissa Martinez at our Texas partner's landmark gathering of leaders, changemakers, and trailblazers that will honor the past while forging the future.

NOVEMBER 19 | "Run Like A Woman" training by Level Up: Join our Pennsylvania partner Level Up for their one-day training to equip center-right women to run effective campaigns for public office, featuring Special Guest Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity!

JUNE 4-5, 2026 | 2026 #WPLNSummit: Join WPLN and women leaders from across the country in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 4 and 5 for our 5th annual National Summit!

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.