Empowering Women in Politics: A Journey of Mentorship, Resilience, and Collaboration

In the ever-changing political landscape, the call for better representation of women has become a personal mission. As a passionate advocate for advancing women in politics, I find immense inspiration in the women who navigate the intricacies of public service and working in politics, especially those who choose to run for office while balancing the demands of motherhood.

The notion of “being who you needed when you were younger” resonates deeply with me. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to encounter incredible female mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my path. In fact, many of my direct bosses have been women who mentored me as both a budding political professional and working mother.

You always want to surround yourself with women who will mention your name in a positive way in rooms when you aren’t there. One pivotal moment in my journey was when my Congresswoman nominated me for the role of Executive Director for the Republican National Committee’s Victory program in 2012. In both U.S. Senate offices I worked in, both of our District Office Directors were women who poured into me as a young professional woman and later, a working mom. One of these women, a mother of five, told me, “Never make your family decisions based on your career,” echoing the essence of balancing work and family life. It is a testament to this advice that I believe I have been able to remain in the political arena over 11 years of motherhood, while navigating the intricacies of professional life.

These remarkable women not only paved the way for my success but also instilled in me the importance of uplifting others. Guided by the principle that confident women collaborate, I have strived to create a supportive environment for women in politics. Regardless of political affiliations, I cherish the presence of women in the political arena, appreciating their resilience and dedication.

Navigating the political landscape presents its challenges, though. Sometimes when you stay in any industry long enough, you are going to encounter instances with fellow women that are the opposite of collaborative and uplifting. One incident underscored the importance of professionalism and resilience if one wishes to remain in the field of politics.

As a professional political consultant and business owner, I prioritize not burning bridges and always strive to act in the best interest of my party and state. On one specific occasion, I reached out to a state representative who was not seeking reelection. This was a woman in politics who I really looked up to and respected, so I was especially careful to make sure I acted in her best interest and wishes. Though I had only met her once, I had followed her on social media for years and always tried to be encouraging and supportive.

For those of you who do not work in politics, it is customary for an elected official to choose their successor. While this is a professional courtesy and not a requirement, I am committed to ensuring the successful election of another member of my party, and avoiding primaries when possible—a practice not followed by every political consultant, but one I strive to uphold. So, I reached out to the legislator, and let her know that I had someone who was interested in running for her seat, and I wanted to check to see if she had chosen someone that she was going to put her weight behind to run for her seat. Out of respect to her, I was willing to steer my client in another direction to avoid a primary.

Unfortunately, instead of a professional and appreciative response, I received a hurtful and insulting message from the legislator. She made the dreaded mistake of texting the person you are talking ill about, instead of texting the person you are talking ill about to. In this text, she said she had never heard anything good about me, among other mean-spirited comments.

Despite the disheartening nature of the message, it only fueled my commitment to using challenges as stepping stones to personal and professional development.

Reflecting on such experiences, I’ve come to understand that part of the reason why some women may not collaborate and show kindness in politics is rooted in the scarcity of female representation. In an environment where we are still the minority, there’s a tendency to view each other as threats. The scarcity mindset can hinder the potential for collaboration and mutual support. 

In addition, it’s disheartening to realize that despite teaching our children to be kind and to avoid bullying, many of us encounter persistent challenges akin to the “mean girls” from our past. The journey towards alliances with other women in the political realm is an ongoing process, one that requires us to break free from the cycles of negativity and cultivate a culture of kindness.

As the saying goes, “never meet your heroes,” I have come to understand that disappointments are part of the journey. However, what sets us apart is how we respond to these challenges. While I weathered the storm and continued in the realm of politics, my once-admired counterpart chose a different path. What I take from this is to remember, there are women out there that look up to me. Don’t disappoint them. 

My journey in politics has been shaped by the unwavering support of incredible women mentors, the resilience to overcome challenges, and a commitment to uplifting others. As we strive for better representation of women in politics, let us embrace collaboration, celebrate each other’s strengths, and use every setback as a tool for growth. Despite the occasional disappointments and challenges, the overarching narrative is one of inspiration, empowerment, and a steadfast belief that, in politics, there is enough sunshine for all to thrive.