WeLead Campaign Training Program

6 women standing together at WeLead graduation

Thank you to the 250+ donors of the WeLead2024 Fundraising Challenge who support our work training more women to run for office. Watch this space for the WeLead2025 application cycle.

American University's WeLead campaign training program in the School of Public Affairs successfully positions young professional women to serve in a political leadership position. Meeting over six months, we provide participants with the confidence and skills to run for office or run a campaign through a combination of research, tactical skills, and best practices in Communications, Fundraising, Campaign Management and more. WeLead also provides an expansive and supportive network of expert practitioners and alumni. Please join us in our important work to close the gender gap in political leadership. 

Pictured above: WeLead2023 graduates and guests at the National Press Club.

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About WeLead

four professional women standing alongside a WeLead banner

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. WeLead Program Manager Julie Russell and WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin join WeLead2023 Graduation speakers former Congresswoman Mimi Walters (CA-45) and Montgomery County, MD Councilmember Kate Stewart.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser at podium

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.  

welead top fundraisers standing with exec director

Professional Career Development

Sharpen leadership skills through interactive sessions on personal branding, resume building, effective mentorships and public speaking. Be the Brand founder Madeline Fetterly, digital expert Lyndsey Fifield and WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin congratulate the winners of the WeLead2023 Fundraising Challenge.

Lauren Underwood addressing WeLead graduates

Designed for Working Professionals

Our competitive application process limits our class size to a select group of accomplished post-graduates. Mindful of professional obligations, our six day-long training sessions are held on weekends at American University in Northwest Washington, DC. WeLead Alumna Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL) addresses WeLead2019 graduates. Full Story

headshot of welead alum michelle meza

WeLead Alumni Spotlight

Michelle Meza
Master of Policy Management Candidate, Georgetown, WeLead2023

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headshot of welead speaker rhonda foxx

WeLead Speaker Spotlight

Rhonda Foxx
Political, DEI and Tech Strategist

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The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Women Lt. Governors

Most voters believe Lieutenant Governors are qualified to serve as Governor—and that the office prepares women candidates to serve as Governor. In that way, the path forward is clear.

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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.

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Gender on the Ballot Newsletter

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news + gender analysis in politics.

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WPI Newsletter

Sign up for the WPI Newsletter to view recent highlights and learn about upcoming opportunities and events.

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