WeLead Alumni Spotlight
Melody Tan
Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. House of Representatives, WeLead2022
WeLead2024 recruitment is underway! Now in its 19th year, the Women & Politics Institute's nonpartisan WeLead campaign training program in the School of Public Affairs at American University is dedicated to closing the gender gap in political leadership. Apply today if you are a young professional women between the ages of 25-35 who wants to see more women in elected and appointed office, and help us spread the word! WeLead2023 graduation speaker former Representative Mimi Walters (CA-45) picture above.
Click below to learn more about gaining the skills and confidence to run for office, run a campaign, or serve in another leadership role. In-person session dates for next year are: Oct 14, Nov 4, Dec 9+10, Jan 20, and Feb 24, in addition to other optional networking and professional events.
About WeLead
Top Political Practitioners
Learn from and engage with elected officials and leading experts in campaign management, communications, fundraising, grassroots mobilization, polling, advertising and digital media. Pictured left: WeLead Alumnae Melissa Sullivan, Sarah Rovito, Zandria Haines, Erika Dyer, WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin, and Alexandra Weinroth.
Professional Career Development
Sharpen leadership skills through interactive sessions on personal branding, resume building, effective mentorships and public speaking. Professional development coach Lisa Montenegro is featured in this photo.
Record of Success
Engage with our network of 600 WeLead graduates through our program. Our alums occupy the halls of Congress, campaign war rooms, K Street offices, state legislatures, city councils and corporate boardrooms across the country. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (SPA/MPP '00) shares her experience running for office.
Designed for Working Professionals
Our competitive application process limits our class size to a select group of 30-40 accomplished post-graduates. Mindful of professional obligations, our six day-long training sessions are held on Saturdays at American University in Northwest Washington, DC. WeLead Alumna Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) addresses graduating women of the WeLead program. Full Story
Staying Power: Strategies for Women Incumbents
Women incumbents face specific challenges when running for reelection. New research from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation shows that voters think highly of women who own their achievements and stand up to critics.
WeLead Reader
A curated newsletter, delivered to inboxes on Saturday mornings, readers can catch up on a week’s worth of important new developments about women running for office, serving as leaders and engaging in the political arena.
Gender on the Ballot Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news + gender analysis in politics.
WPI Newsletter
Sign up for the WPI Newsletter to view recent highlights and learn about upcoming opportunities and events.