FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2019
CONTACT: Erin Forrest
erin@emergewi.org
Emerge Wisconsin Announces Next Class of Aspiring Women Political Leaders
Madison, WI —Emerge Wisconsin, the Wisconsin’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for political office, announced today that it has selected its 2019 class. This year’s chosen group of 31 future women political leaders is shaping up to be one of Emerge Wisconsin’s best ever, with women from all parts of the Badger State, who come from diverse backgrounds and span the spectrum of races, sexual orientation, socioeconomic levels and professional experiences.
“Emerge Wisconsin is thrilled to welcome our class of 2019,” said Erin Forrest, Executive Director of Emerge Wisconsin. “Our organization selected exceptional applicants, who will seize on political opportunities once they are given the tools necessary to run an effective campaign. It’s a new day in Wisconsin, and these women are ready to move our state Forward.”
Emerge Wisconsin’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive 70 hours of in-depth education over six months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. The program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the country, who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles. Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge board and advisory council members.
Criteria for selection into the class included, evidence of political leadership experience or potential; meaningful involvement in workplace or community; interest in pursuing political office; demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal; ability and desire to build effective networks; ability to articulate a personal political vision; demonstrated ability to inspire others; and commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings. Applicants had to be registered Democrats. Women of all ages, races, nationalities, marital status, religious affiliations, sexual orientations and physical abilities were encouraged to apply.
2019 Emerge Wisconsin Class:
Barbara Alvarez, Kohler
Gabrielle Aranda-Pino, Verona
Danielle Bailey, Glendale
Davette Baker, Madison
Melissa Biel, Beaver Dam
Jenifer Cole, Middleton
Kristin Conway , Schofield
Natalie Czarkowski, Milwaukee
Toni Dixon, Milwaukee
Michelle Dunphy, Madison
Lynnsey Erickson, Oshkosh
Anna Goldstein, Milwaukee
Elena Haasl, Beloit
Erica Halverson, Madison
Kathy Hinkfuss , Green Bay
Kristen Keyser, West Allis
Abby Korb, Burlington
Ashley Kortte, Oregon
Abigail Lowery, DeForest
Allison Martinson, Madison
Artesha Mason, Milwaukee
Lydia Maurer, Madison
Morgan Norton, Merrill
Kimberly OmniEssence, Brown Deer
Meghan Reida, Wauwatosa
Elizabeth Schroeder, Madison
Andy Shagoury, Hartford
Kristina Shelton, Green Bay
Ashley Skoczynski, La Crosse
Erin Stilp, Milwaukee
Maiyoua Thao, Appleton
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