Profiles in Liberty: Nena Bartlett
Nena Bartlett, Executive Director for the Ladies of Liberty Alliance, has been on the frontlines of liberty for much of her professional career. Prior to becoming Executive Director, Nena worked for former Congressman Ron Paul’s presidential campaign, in development at the Cato Institute, and in the DC office of Senator Rand Paul.
A NATURAL LEADER
When Nena moved to a new town as a little girl and wanted to make friends, her father suggested she go door-to-door in her neighborhood and ask if there were kids her age she could play with. As Nena recalls, “He wasn’t serious and didn’t think I would do it but I did, and some of those people I met were my best friends for a long time”.
That life experience shapes the advice she gives to young professionals now: “It doesn’t hurt to ask. Ask how you can be of value to others and ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid of the word “no,” and don’t be afraid to ask again when the time is right!”
Nena’s natural leadership, ability to cultivate relationships and willingness to ask are essential in the nonprofit world and attribute to her landing her current role as executive director of LOLA. Founded in 2009 by a group of libertarian women, the Ladies of Liberty Alliance is 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization which provides leadership training for liberty-minded women. The founders shared a mutual interest in recruiting women into the liberty movement.
Nena explains: “It is clear to all those involved that we’re going to need a lot more women if we hope to be successful, and the best way to do this is by educating and empowering women who already identify with our philosophy so that they can spread the message of freedom far and wide.”
A LADY OF LIBERTY
A lifelong libertarian, Nena became an activist in 2007, canvassing DC to get Ron Paul on the ballot. Nena stayed involved with the liberty movement through campaigns and volunteering, eventually working as a legislative aid in Senator Rand Paul’s Washington office. In 2013, Nena left Capitol Hill to work with LOLA full-time. .
Under Nena’s leadership,LOLA has flourished and is working to expand its programs across the country. LOLA Social, a chapter-based part of the organization that will focus on the social benefits of being a lady in liberty, is currently being spearheaded by LOLAs across the country.
COLLABORATING FOR SUCCESS
Nena also recognizes the value of working with like-minded organizations and individuals in order to accomplish larger goals. “Our movement benefits from organizations like America’s Future and LOLA because we are part of a bigger movement and we all play our part in that movement. AF helps bring more conservatives into what I consider the liberty movement, and LOLA focuses on bringing in more women. Feeling a part of something bigger than yourself is important in life, and we need to help each other in order to help ourselves in our ultimate goal of freedom for all.”
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Jordan Pic is an intern at America’s Future.