Women and Politics

This post was submitted by Stephanie Glover, WCF Events Coordinator

Did you know that the number of women leaders on the Hill is just as dismal as their representation in government?

It’s true. Women’s lack of leadership ranges across all aspects of political involvement—from Congress to party leadership to staffers on Capitol Hill.

POLITICO reporter Erika Lovley recently published an article about this disparity, shining the light on women’s continued struggle to reach leadership positions on the Hill:

“Data show that in House offices women are filling entry-level positions, such as staff assistant and scheduler, in droves. But in influential management and legislative positions, their numbers plummet.”

Along with the rest of the WCF staff, I’m personally dedicated to supporting women at the earliest levels of their political career and empowering them to rise to their maximum potential.

One of the ways that WCF and I do this is by celebrating the women staff members on the Hill with our Annual Hill’s Got Talent happy hour.

On June 24th with a breathtaking view of the Capitol, we will toast to talented female staff members who have gone above and beyond the call of duty—highlighting them as some of the most promising rising stars of the political arena.

We call these women staffers our “Rising Stars.” They are identified by their colleagues on the Hill—such as Chiefs of Staff and members of Congress—as extraordinary women with promising political careers.

In her article, Lovley also points out,

“It’s not the lack of recruitment but the lack of support after they take a job on the Hill that keeps them from achieving the highest positions.”

So women are finding jobs on the Hill and in politics, but there are few opportunities to support those women and encourage them to move up the ladder.

To counteract this roadblock and ensure these women continue to rise and grow in their careers, The Hill’s Got Talent focuses on the importance of women’s mentorship and networking. WCF first created this happy hour to bring together a wide array of political leaders to foster the spirit of women’s empowerment.

I invite you all to join us in recognizing our Rising Stars on June 24. You can RSVP and learn more on our Hill’s Got Talent page.

Together, we can help women reach new heights in the halls of Congress.

Edie Fraser and Dr. Janette Harris with Rising Stars

In an event that brought together both established and rising leaders, the Inaugural Hill’s Got Talent Happy Hour on Wednesday was a “spirited” success! Over 200 people attended to raise their glasses in a toast to the next generation of national female leaders. Chiefs of Staff on the hill recognized their female staffers as Rising Stars in the political arena.

Not only did the Hill’s Got Talent recognize the 48 young women named as Rising Stars, it connected them and other young women in attendance with elected officials, candidates, and leaders of national organizations.

Congresswoman and WCF-Endorsed Alumni, Dina Titus (D-NV), along with Congressman James McGovern (D-MA) attended, enforcing the WCF values of leaders mentoring and supporting the next generation of female talent.

Rep. Dina Titus, Ann McLane Kuster, Sam Bennett, Krystal Ball

WCF-endorsed candidates Ann McLane Kuster, (the daughter of a WCF founder) running for Congress in New Hampshire’s 2nd district, and Krystal Ball, running for Congress in Virginia’s 1st district, had the opportunity to network, support their campaigns, and inspired the young women present to seek office themselves.

Our Rising Stars also had the opportunity to met legends Alice Cohan, Political Director of the Feminist Majority Foundation, and Karen Mulhauser, former NARAL and Planned Parenthood leader as well as founder of Mulhauser and Associates.

Our Special Guests and Celebrity Bartenders served up drinks and connections:

• Dr. Janette Hoston Harris, the first City Historian of Washington, DC and president of J. H. Harris & Associates.
• Edie Fraser, Chair of the Diversity Executive Search Practice and Managing Director of Diversified Search Ray & Berndtson.
• Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, Director of the Research, Public Policy, and Information Center for African American Women for the National Council of Negro Women.
• Dean Thomas, National Beer Wholesalers Association

In a brief but stirring speaking program, WCF President and CEO Siobhan “Sam” Bennett spoke of her own experience running for office. She explained how vital it is that those like her, who have “taken a machete to the jungle” of political leadership encourage, support, and help the next generation of women leaders.

Kalah Auchincloss, WCF Board Member and Chair of the WCF Next Generation Program emphasized that women’s leadership must be passed on, generation helping generation.

WCF Board Members also graced the room with their presence including Board Member Margaret Kavalaris. Thanks to them and our incredible partners, especially the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who so generously hosted the event at their picturesque headquarters. Without the support of the board and our partners, this incredible opportunity would not have been possible.

If you’re a young woman interested in the incredible networking and mentoring opportunities that WCF offers through programs like Hills Got Talent, please check out our Next Generation Program.

We look forward to celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of women on the Hill in the years to come!

The post was written by WCF Fellow, Stephanie Glover

You’ve heard America’s got talent, but we’ve got news for you…the Hill’s Got Talent, too!

Join us for a happy hour honoring female Rising Stars on the Hill. Come for light fare, beer, and wine—all served by celebrity bar tenders.

Attend for free! Right now, we have 50 complimentary spots available, so hurry up and RSVP for this great (free) opportunity. What could be better than a night of free food, beer, and wine while making great connections for your next job, campaign, or volunteer opportunity?

We will toast to Next Generation female staff members who have gone above and beyond their usual duties—highlighting them as some of the most promising rising stars of the political arena.

This program will also emphasize the importance of mentoring and networking for women in politics—helping us to foster the growth and leadership of women on the Hill and beyond. So bring your business cards and get ready to network!