Day 26 & 27: I Love Talking Women Politics!

This weekend I was invited to speak on a panel to discuss the challenges and experiences of running for public office. The event was hosted by the Ventura Chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus and I was honored to be included. The theme centered around the differences in how women lead, the difficulties women confront when running for office and what can we do to invite more women into the political process. All worthy topics and issues that are near & dear to my heart. Pictured above from left to right are Susan Rose, one of the panelist, Marie Lakin, President of the Ventura NWPC Chapter, Me, and my ever faithful Rebecca Simon, my former campaign manager.

I was very disappointed when I lost my campaign for City Council last year. I refer to my campaign as the longest job interview I've ever had. Can you imagine applying for a job for 18 months, enduring 26 interviews in front of thousands of people and then being rejected! Ouch... can you see why that would sting. But this weekend I was alive again as I sat in front of an educated and active group of people who share my passion for seeing more women in office. I realized that my commitment to this cause has never wavered despite my individual set back.

I shared the panel with two remarkable and accomplished women. Carmen Ramirez seated center in the photo to the left who is a candidate for the Oxnard City Council and Susan Rose, former Santa Barbara County Board Supervisor. Both women have a lengthy resume of work they have performed on behalf of the environment, women and families and their communities.

In addition to speaking passionately about women and politics it was also an afternoon to see friends who were dedicated supporters during my campaign. Pictured to the right is Terry Gibson, who faithfully gave and sent her love throughout my race. And pictured with me below to the left is Celeste Weingardt, former State President of NWPC-CA and a champion for women running. I was honored to serve as the NWPC State VP of Communications during Celeste's tenure and was always in awe of her leadership. These women epitomize what NWPC is about - a commitment to electing qualified and pro choice women into office.

I am grateful for these women and the entire Ventura NWPC Caucus for their continued support of my political endeavors and for inviting me to join them at their annual signature event Politics, Tea, & Thee. I am grateful too for our shared belief that women can make a difference when elected to public office and that we can't rest until we reach our goal 50/50 by 2020! (50% representation by women, 50% by men by the year 2020)

Day 23: Sisteromics

I attended the most invigorating gathering this morning with powerful & inspiring women! I was invited to speak with leaders, members and potential recruits about the benefits of being a member of the National Women's Political Caucus. Always one of my favorite topics -- how to get more women elected to public office! I have been a member and part of the leadership of the LA Westside chapter of NWPC for a dozen years and I am always excited to meet a woman who has made the decision to run for office. It never gets old for me. This morning was no exception. Pictured here from left to right are four NWPC leaders. Stephanie Molen, Field Deputy for State Senator Fran Pavley, Lindsay Bubar, Co-President of NWPC LA Westside, Betsy Johnson, Co-President NWPC LA Westside, and Lindsey Horvath, West Hollywood City Councilwoman.

It felt great to be talking about my campaign after a bruising loss one year ago. I felt powerful knowing that there are equally important lessons to share about losing a campaign as there are about being victorious. I enjoyed having a platform to share my passion for politics, women and running for office.

In addition to me sharing my history with NWPC and my experience as a former candidate, we also heard from a current NWPC endorsed candidate - Holly J. Mitchell who is running for the 47th Assembly District (pictured right). The election is June 8th. She is running in my assembly district and I encourage all my followers & readers who reside in Beverlywood or anywhere in the 47th to support Holly. I invite you to check out Holly's credentials and you'll see why I am supporting her! http://www.hollyjmitchell.com/

She also coined a terrific term and shared it with us today: Sisteromics! Combining women with economics resulting in a better use of funds. Meaning that when you contribute to a woman candidate you can be assured that she will oversee that every dollar you give is spent wisely! Therefore it's Sisteromics! I just love this phrase!

We need more strong and inspiring women to join our mission and help us elect more qualified women to office. So if you believe we need more women in office, please consider joining our cause!