Melissa's Civic Leadership Journey

Family,

I am so excited to take this next bold step in my civic leadership journey. I am one of the 59 leaders who will form the fifth incoming class of the University of Texas LBJ Women's Campaign School - a nonpartisan, issue-neutral program that supports women in politics by training leaders who want to run for elected office or become campaign managers, regardless of political party.

This education will build upon my lifelong civic leadership journey in which my family and friends have helped me to participate. There was a time that people described me as shy, and it was through service on boards and in being part of policy writing and the political process that I found my voice to work with community members to create community change, and to champion equity in education and for our marginalized communities. This program will give me the opportunity to learn how to alter the political landscape to be more reflective of our country, and to be a fierce advocate for women to access spaces of power and leadership.

I am fundraising $1200 for my participation in the Women’s Campaign School at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. Your contributions will allow me to continue pursuing my passions in public service, as I apply my learning from running for school board, serving on local political campaigns, and building capacity among local leaders. While I belong to a generous women's organization that has guaranteed my actual tuition, I am fundraising to cover travel, accommodations, and meals while in Austin on the UT campus for three days of live workshops in June.

The program involves an opening and closing ceremony, live online sessions, a family training, a campaign plan competition, mentorship, and homework assignments along the way. Through these monthly virtual trainings, I hope to benefit from an exclusive opportunity to train with the nation's top political experts and campaign practitioners.

Women are 51% of the population, but are only about a third of elected officials nationwide. In Texas, the political gender gap is even worse. Women make up only 29% of the Texas Legislature, 14% of the Texas congressional delegation, and 22% of statewide elected officials.

Come together with me to support my vision of leading others in learning how to deeply connect to one’s community and to communicate across lines of difference.