By V.S. Santoni
Sabrina Shulman, chief political officer at Vote Run Lead, and Erin Vilardi, the organization’s CEO and founder, illuminate the profound impact of Vote Run Lead in shaping the political landscape by empowering women to assume leadership roles across the United States. Vote Run Lead stands as a transformative force dedicated to fostering equitable representation in America’s statehouses. According to Vilardi and Shulman, the organization’s mission is “to unleash the political power of women as voters, candidates, and leaders to create an equitable democracy.”
Reflecting on the organization’s impact, Shulman and Vilardi highlighted the story of Allie Phillips, a Vote Run Lead alumna, who recently embarked on a political journey following personal tragedy. Shulman emphasizes Phillips’s embodiment of the campaign approach and principles advocated by Vote Run Lead. Phillips’s narrative epitomizes the essence of “know your why” and “tell your story,” core tenets underscored by the organization.
Acknowledging the historical strides of Black women in Congress and statehouses, Vilardi and Shulman pay tribute to trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm and Crystal Bird Fauset. Shulman accentuated Chisholm’s indomitable spirit, noting her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in the face of adversity. Chisholm’s legacy resonates in the journeys of contemporary leaders like Rep. Barbara Lee and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Examining successes in Virginia, Shulman and Vilardi highlight alumni like Jackie Hope Glass and Bonita Anthony, who embody the transformative potential ignited by Vote Run Lead’s training programs. According to Vilardi and Shulman, the growth of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus underscores the organization’s commitment to ensuring fair representation for all women in politics.
Looking toward the future, Shulman and Vilardi unveiled “Charting Paths to a Women’s Majority,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating women’s representation in statehouses nationwide. Vilardi articulates the initiative’s essence: “Seeking out and running for open legislative seats could bring us to a woman-led future faster than voters and candidates may have ever imagined.”
Shulman and Vilardi stress the urgency of achieving a reflective democracy, asserting that “The journey to a democracy that is ‘for the people, by the people’ means women at the helm with 51 percent representation.” Through meticulous analysis and strategic campaigning, Vote Run Lead charts a course toward gender parity, inspiring women to claim their rightful seats in positions of leadership.
As the political landscape evolves, Vilardi and Shulman affirm Vote Run Lead’s unwavering commitment to empowering women to redefine leadership and governance. With initiatives like “Charting Paths to a Women’s Majority,” Vote Run Lead invites women across the nation to embark on a transformative journey toward empowerment and inclusivity, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
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