Carissa Smith
Women and Girls Engagement Lead, Biden-Harris Transition

What was the most valuable thing you learned from WeLead?
The most valuable thing I learned during my amazing time as part of the WeLead program is that women should never doubt our ability to make change within policy and governance. 

What was your favorite part of the program?
My favorite part of the program was being able to connect and meet a network of women who work in government relations, policy and the private sector. 

What advice would you give to the current WeLead class?
Be confident and ask a ton of questions.  You will be exposed to a wealth of knowledgeable experts so be engaged and learn as much as you can. 

How did you secure your current position, and did it include any WeLead networking or alumnae?
I secured my current position as National Women's Vote Director through a recommendation from my former employer, Representative Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), who I had the pleasure of being an intern for in 2016.  He provided a stellar recommendation to Vice President Biden on my behalf. 

Any other thoughts on your WeLead experience?
WeLead was such a transformative and insightful curriculum.  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and learning from the best of the best in politics.  I was able to walk away with a rolodex of contacts in the field of government relations and politics.

Smith worked as the Digital Press Secretary at the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform prior to joining the Biden campaign.  She was also a C-Suite intern at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.  Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Bowie State University.