Posted October 18, 2019 | by KimS | in DemDaily, Democratic Party, Resource

DemDaily: Women at the Head of the Table

October 18, 2019

Last night closed out a week of DNC events, from Ohio to DC, wrapping up with the Women's Leadership Forum's (WLF) annual training and issues conference in Washington, DC.

The Women's Leadership Forum (WLF) serves as the Democratic Party's centralized hub for activism, information, and fundraising for Democratic women and their allies

Speaker Pelosi: "When Women Succeed, America Succeeds (DemList)

Founded in 1993 by Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, and 36 women trailblazers, the WLF's mission is to ensure that women have a seat at the table and remain an integral part of the Democratic National Committee.

The WLF works to close the gender gap by raising funds for the DNC, which, in turn, engages women activists at the grassroots level.

Throughout the year they provide policy and platform discussions, organize regional and national events, trainings and networking opportunities, as well as regular informational briefs, talking points, and rapid response information.

DNC Powerhouse Women: Nell Thomas (CTO), Patrice Taylor (Director, Party Affairs), Muthoni Wambu Kraal (Nat'l Political & Organizing Director), Xochitl Hinojosa (Comms Director), & Seema Nanda (CEO) (DemList)

Wednesday's "Training Day" included sessions on Organizing, Fundraising, Messaging and Social Media, and Local Elected office.

Special Guests: Speaker Nancy Pelosi * Vice President Joe Biden * Senator Elizabeth Warren* Senator Tammy Duckworth * Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswomen Cindy Axne * Cheri Bustos * Judy Chu * Sharice Davids * Veronica Escobar * Abby Finkenauer * Deb Haaland * Jahana Hayes * Katie Hill * Chrissy Houlahan * Elaine Luria * Debbie Mucarsel-Powell * Katie Porter * Ayanna Pressley * Mikie Sherrill * Elissa Slotkin * Abigail Spanberger * Haley Stevens * Lauren Underwood.

Wisconsin State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski (DemList)

Thursday's Conference covered topics from winning the House and red states, to breaking barriers, protecting the vote and profiling "Badass Women" leaders.

Day Two included a host of speakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Joe Biden and DNC Chair Tom Perez.

Last night's Women Will Vote Gala, at the Newseum, featured Senator Elizabeth Warren as keynote speaker.

"In the Democratic House Majority, women just don't have a seat at the table, they have a seat at the head of the table. In the House, seven women hold the gavel as Chairs of our committees and 39 women head subcommittees." -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Joe Biden at Thursday's conference (DemList)

Other Speakers and Organizations: Texas US Senate Candidate MJ Hegar * former Obama Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett * Voto Latino President Maria Teresa Kumar * Kentucky US Senate Candidate Amy McGrath * Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden *Organizing Corps Director Jonae Wartel * DNC Women's Caucus Chair Lottie Shackelford and representatives from Annie's List * EMILY's List * Everytown for Gun Safety * Indivisible * Moms Demand Action * Planned Parenthood * Surge and others.

WLF is led by Director Blaire Goodrick and a Steering Committee including Cynthia Friedman, Virginia McGregor, Jo Ousterhout, Carol Pensky and Diane Robertson.