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I speak about strategies for women to gain political power, policy influence, and greater decision making roles in the public square. In my speeches, I guide women who dream wisely and boldly, sharing the frank advice and life lessons of women leaders everywhere.
I am the author of three books on American women’s politics and power, Make Herstory Your Story, Vote Her In, and Every Day Is Election Day; a motivational speaker, experienced media commentator and women’s leadership decision maker; former statewide governmental official; and a past faculty member of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy where I founded and directed its women’s public leadership initiative. I co-produced and co-hosted the podcast, #VoteHerIn, first of “ten podcasts that elevate women’s voices in politics,” according to The Ascend Fund. From time to time, I write op ed pieces. Among other placements, these op-eds have appeared in The Huffington Post, Crain’s Chicago Business, The Hill, at MSNBC, and in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
I speak at colleges and universities, corporations, nonprofits, and associations about strategies for women to gain power and influence in the public square, the movement of women into executive decision making roles in government and civic institutions, and how women across generations, experiences, and backgrounds can — together — advance equality for every woman and girl.
I have spoken at: Starbucks HQ, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, University of Washington Law School, the Women’s Funding Network, National Council of State Boards of Nursing, The Ohio State University, University of Texas, and the Association for Women Journalists, among many others.
My future speaking engagements include a talk at Cantigny in a program co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters and at The University of St. Thomas for their Ready to Run program.
