Elected Women Across America

Latest Episodes:

Representing A Diverse Constituency | with Rep. Dotie Joseph and Rep. Rhonda Taylor May 21, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to Elected Women Across America, a podcast featuring elected women with common goals to exchange legislative ideas and reach across the aisle. Hosted by the National Foundation for Women Legislators, this podcast provides a direct line to the leaders that the organization empowers.

This episode features two strong advocates for their constituency that share more than just a state border. Representative Dotie Joseph of Florida discusses the diverse community she represents and shares her personal journey from Haiti to becoming a lawyer and politician. Georgia Representative Rhonda Taylor shares her more reluctant journey into public office and the challenges she faced during her campaigns.

For more information and resources from the National Foundation for Women Legislators, you can visit us at www.womenlegislators.org.
Subscribe to “Elected Women Across America” on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1699102541

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Advocating for Women & Their Health in Your Community | with Mayor Courtney Welch and Representative Lydia Glaize May 08, 2025

Show notes

This episode features two powerful advocates for their communities, families, and all women from two sides of the country: California and Georgia. Mayor Courtney Welch shares with us her rise from the Emeryville City Council to the first black mayor of that city in 127 years. Representative Lydia Glaize speaks on maternal mental health, an issue we hold dear to our hearts at NFWL, in the legislature after speaking at our 2024 Annual Conference as part of the Committee for Maternal Mortality in Georgia. If you’re interested in learning more as a legislator, a great resource is the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance at advocacy@mmh.org.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Leading Local Change: Conversations with Two Rising Georgia Stars | with Commissioners Dakkia Bradshaw and Shanita Howell Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

This episode features two rising leaders from our 2024 Annual Conference host state Georgia: Telfair County Commissioner Dakkia Bradshaw and Peach County Commissioner Shanita Howell. We’ll dive into the power of local government and staying involved in your community, as well as balancing the part-time roles of commissioner.

This episode also features a conversation with one of our partners at GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Leonard Friedland, for an update on the importance of clinical trials, where elected women can find key resources on vaccine policy. Learn more about the importance of clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

NFWL is empowering our elected women leaders through our Leadership Academy, offering transformative training at our Annual Conferences, Summits, and digital programs. Hear from NFWL’s own Renee Dabbs in this episode as she highlights what the Leadership Academy has to offer, and visit here to register.
We'll bring you new stories from elected women each episode with host Brenna Kehew Sculley. Are you interested in sharing your story with us here at NFWL? Sign up today to record your podcast, share your passion and get engaged in 2024 at podcast@womenlegislators.org.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Taking a Hands-On Approach to Public Service | with Rep. Shelley Rudnicki Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Rep. Shelley Rudnicki of Maine, who discusses her journey into politics and the hands-on approach she takes to helping her constituents with both legislation and community activities. Listen as Rep. Rudnicki shares her passion for aiding veterans and seniors and tips for balancing multiple roles as a woman in public service.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants | with Representative Shelia Stubbs Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re honoring women in history with Wisconsin State Representative Shelia Stubbs. Representative Stubbs highlights the important history of the Honorable Vel Phillips and discusses leading the charge to honor Phillips with a statue at the Wisconsin State Capitol, making her the first woman in the country to have a singular sculpture on state capitol grounds. Representative Stubbs also shares her personal connection to Phillips and the importance of representation in history and political spaces today.
Do you have a story of a woman in history from your state honored in artwork or sculptures in your city halls or state capitals? Share with us at NFWL on our podcast or on our website www.womenlegislators.org. Also, check out our friends at SGAC, the State Government Affairs Council where our own executive director Jody Thomas was a featured guest on The Lobby. Listen here to enjoy their conversation on the mission of supporting elected women.

We'll bring you new stories from elected women each episode with host Brenna Kehew Sculley. Are you interested in sharing your story with us here at NFWL? Sign up today to record your podcast, share your passion and get engaged in 2024 at podcast@womenlegislators.org.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Finding Common Ground in Your Communities | with Councilwoman Tabitha Gott Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re live from our 2024 Annual Conference with Councilwoman Tabitha Gott of Smyrna, Delaware. Councilwoman Gott shares her journey into politics, finding common ground between the traditional and contemporary generations in her community of Smyrna, and the role of women in leadership.
This episode also features a follow up interview with Councilwoman Gott and Sara Poore, the Executive Director of the Delaware Anti-Trafficking Action Council (DATA), to discuss how legislators are taking action in Delaware to combat human trafficking– and what elected women across the country can do to unite against this important issue.

We’re celebrating Women’s History Month at NFWL by highlighting our favorite women in history. If you have a story about a woman in history you’d like to share, send us a voice note or a blurb about her to spread the word! We want to keep working to make more women in history household names.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Honoring Our Roots, Shaping Our Future | with Representative Laura Hall Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re live from our 2024 Annual Conference with Alabama State Representative Laura Hall. Representative Hall shares her journey into politics, highlighting the importance of community involvement and personal experiences in shaping her advocacy. She reflect on the highlights of her 30-year-long legislative career, including her efforts to secure funding for AIDS medication and her commitment to increasing representation of women in Alabama’s state capitol.

Don’t forget to save the date for NFWL’s 2025 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hear State Representative Julie Emerson look ahead to all of the exciting events to come November 16-19th.

February 28th is Rare Disease Day and NFWL is bringing awareness to this important issue with an article contributed by rare-disease advocate Alpa Khushulani. You can see Alpa’s story on NFWL’s website, www.womenlegislators.org.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Championing Community Change | with Senator Donzella James Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re live from our 2024 Annual Conference with Georgia State Senator Donzella James. Senator James shares her history with the Civil Rights Movement in Georgia, and the prominent mentors she made along the way before sponsoring or co-sponsoring over 400 pieces of legislation throughout her tenure in the Georgia Senate.

This episode also features Kim Olson, Pew Charitable Trusts Retirement Savings Senior Officer. Pew’s programs offer private sector employees without workplace retirement plans a straightforward way to contribute to an IRA. Kim explains why these initiatives matter and how state legislators play a crucial role in shaping retirement security.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Engaging Your Constituency | with Senator Lisa Krasner Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re live from our 2024 Annual Conference with Nevada State Senator Lisa Krasner. Senator Krasner shares with us her journey to public office, highlighting her commitment to both community engagement and bipartisanship.

This episode also features Carol Gormley, the Vice President of Government Affairs for Independent Living Systems. Independent Living System’s mission is to serve vulnerable populations, and Carol shares the importance of this mission particularly when it comes to aging seniors and those with complex medical needs.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, an issue that requires a persistent call to action here at NFWL. Organizations like Shared Hope International, who we have featured at our events throughout the years, provide resources to assess and improve state policies on human trafficking. See where your state stands on human trafficking policy at www.reportcards.sharedhope.org.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Answering the Call to Public Service | with Senator Roxanne Persaud Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re live from our 2024 Annual Conference with New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud. Senator Persaud shares her passion for public service, safer communities, affordable housing, and supportive services for youth and seniors–in her district and beyond.

This episode also features Christine Chizmadia, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We’ll hear from Christine on the evolving landscape of nuclear policy as demand for clean power rises, and what we might expect in 2025.

Follow “Elected Women Across America” on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/7drASscWr3MVxzNi5hRN0N

Follow “Elected Women” on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electedwomen/

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Elected Women Across America

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected