Press Releases

Background on Nine Trailblazer Honorees

liza — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:54:34 -0400

Irene Bustamante-Adams
Emerge Nevada Class Of 2010
Member Of The Nevada State Assembly For The 42nd District

Irene Bustamante Adams is the Nevada State Assemblywoman for District 42 in Clark County. Elected for the first time in 2010, Irene just completed her first legislative session, where she served - as a freshman - as the vice chair of the Assembly Government Affairs Committee. In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Bustamante was also appointed to the Commerce and Labor Committee, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Mining Committee and Taxation Committee.

Read more about Irene here.

Susan Chalifoux Zephir
Emerge Massachusetts Class Of 2009
Leominster City Councilor

Sue Chalifoux Zephir joined the Emerge Class of 2009 after narrowly losing a race for State Representative in 2008. Thanks to the communications, fundraising, field and campaign operations skills she learned in the Emerge program, she ran a stronger, smarter campaign for Leominster City Council in 2009. The result: Sue topped the ticket for the Leominster City Council, beating out every incumbent.

Malia Cohen
Emerge California Class Of 2005
San Francisco District 10 Supervisor

Supervisor Cohen was elected in November 2010 to represent the residents of San Francisco's 10th District. The 10th District includes Bayview Hunters Point, Potrero Hill and Visitacion Valley. She serves as Vice-Chair of the Land Use and Economic Development Committee, Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Chair of the City and School District Committee. She also represents San Francisco on the Fiance Committee for the Transportation Authority and on the Executive Board of Association of Bay Area Governments.

Katie Hobbs
Emerge Arizona Class Of 2004
Member Of The Arizona House Of Representatives For District 15

Katie Hobbs was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in November, 2010 and represents Arizona's District 15, in central Phoenix. In the House, Katie serves on the Health and Human Services, Government, and Transportation Committees. Katie has served as a Commissioner on the Phoenix Women's Commission, the Phoenix Human Services Commission, and was the chair of the Maricopa County Merit System Commission. She is on the board of Political Action for Candidate Election of the Arizona chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and is adjunct faculty in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at Paradise Valley Community College.

Val Hoyle
Emerge Oregon Class Of 2009
Member Of The Oregon House Of Representatives For District 14

Rep. Hoyle is member of the Oregon House of Representatives in District 14, representing West Eugene, Junction City, Cheshire, and Alvadore. She was appointed to the House in August 2009 and was re-elected to a full term in November 2010. Prior to the 2011 Legislative session, she was elected Assistant Caucus Leader of the Oregon House Democrats. She serves on the House Health Care Committee, the House Business and Labor Committee, and is the Vice-Chair of the House Higher Education Subcommittee. She also served on the Governor's Health Care Transformation and was a non-voting member of the Senate Health Care Reform Committee.

Jessica King
Emerge Wisconsin Class Of 2007
Wisconsin State Senator For District 18

Senator Jessica King is a member of the Wisconsin Senate, representing the 18th District since 2011. She defeated Senator Randy Hopper in a special recall election on August 9, 2011 and was sworn into office on August 25, 2011. She served on the Oshkosh Common Council and also served as deputy mayor. She previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Roxanne Lara
Emerge New Mexico Class Of 2007
Eddy County Commissioner

Roxanne R. Lara serves as an Eddy County Commissioner in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Breaking the trend in a county that overwhelmingly supported John McCain, Roxanne ran and defeated popular opponents in both the primary and general races. Roxanne was sworn in as an Eddy County Commissioner in January, 2009. Roxanne is a member of the Eddy County-Lea County Energy Alliance and sits on the National Board of Energy Communities Alliance, as well as the executive board of the Carlsbad Department of Development.

Rita Smart
Emerge Kentucky Class Of 2010
Member Of The Kentucky House Of Representatives For The 81st District

Rep. Smart is serving in the Kentucky House of Representative from the 81st district. She was elected in November 2010. She serves on the Education, Agriculture, Local Government and Veterans committees as well as a budget subcommittee on Post Secondary Education. Smart is the owner of Bennett House Bed & Breakfast, and worked for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture for 34 years.

Jenna Vendil
Emerge Maine Class Of 2009
Portland Board Of Public Education Member For District 1

In 2009, Jenna was elected to represent District 1 on the Portland School Board. In 2010, Jenna was appointed to Chair the Curriculum and Educational Planning Sub-Committee to increase student learning and end achievement gaps across the school district. She serves on the Advisory Committee for the People of Color Fund. In 2010, Jenna was appointed by the Senate President to serve a 1 year term on the Commission on Maine Women.

Read more about Jenna here.

FORMER GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN JENNIFER GRANHOLM TO SPEAK ON ELECTED LEADERSHIP & POWER AT FIRST EMERGE AMERICA NATIONAL LUNCHEON

alisha — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:31:11 -0400

For Immediate Release

FORMER GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN JENNIFER GRANHOLM
TO SPEAK ON ELECTED LEADERSHIP & POWER
AT FIRST EMERGE AMERICA NATIONAL LUNCHEON
Joan Walsh, Editor at Large of Salon, to Serve as Mistress of Ceremonies

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA. October 18, 2011.) Jennifer Granholm, former Governor of Michigan and new host of Current TV's "The War Room" will speak at Emerge America's inaugural luncheon at The Fairmont in San Francisco on October 26. Granholm, author of the newly released "A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America's Economic Future" will speak at the luncheon honoring nine women elected to office from each of the states where Emerge America has candidate training programs.

"Jennifer Granholm shows that you can hold public office at the highest levels and get results with grit and grace even in the most turbulent of economic times," said Karen Middleton, President of Emerge America, the nation's leading organization founded to recruit and train Democratic women to run for office. "Her story is one of inspiration and we are delighted that she joins us in our work to encourage more women to run and serve in elected posts across the U.S."

Highly regarded journalist and Salon's Editor at Large, Joan Walsh will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies celebrating Emerge America victories in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oregon, New Mexico, Maine, Nevada and Kentucky. All, but one of the "trailblazers" are flying in for Emerge America's first national awards luncheon.

Emerge America has garnered national support since its founding including that of Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and current House Democratic Leader.

"Now, more than ever, women's voices and experiences are desperately needed in the halls of Congress and in state legislatures. Emerge America's commitment to training and mentoring women candidates is vital to making that happen," said Pelosi. " I salute the nine honorees for their vision."

The women to be honored and attending the luncheon are:
· Irene Bustamante-Adams, Member, Nevada State Assembly
· Susan Chalifoux Zephir, Leominster City Councilor, Massachusetts
· Malia Cohen, Supervisor, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, California
· Katie Hobbs, Member, Arizona House of Representatives
· Val Hoyle, Member, Oregon State House of Representatives
· Jessica King, Member, Wisconsin State Senate (by video)
· Roxanne Lara, Eddy County Commissioner, New Mexico
· Rita Smart, Member, Kentucky House of Representatives
· Jenna Vendil, Portland Board of Education, Maine

About Emerge America
Launched in 2002, Emerge America was created to address the under-representation of women in office at the local, state, and federal level. Our program is the essential step for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth, seven-month training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win. There are Emerge programs in nine states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Emerge America is based in San Francisco, California. Former Colorado state legislator, Karen Middleton is President. To learn more about Emerge America, please visit: www.emergeamerica.org

For more information, contact:
Karen Middleton, 415-889-7449

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EMERGE AMERICA TO HONOR NINE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN NEWLY ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE

liza — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:20:48 -0400

For immediate release

EMERGE AMERICA BLAZES A TRAIL

NINE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN NEWLY ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE

TO BE CELEBRATED AT FIRST ANNUAL LUNCHEON

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA. October 4, 2011) On recent election days across the U.S. from California to Maine, Emerge America claimed nine victories for democratic women increasing the number of women holding elected office in America. Now these critical victories will be celebrated and the officeholders honored at Emerge America’s first annual luncheon on October 26 at The Fairmont in San Francisco.

The list of women trained by Emerge and winning at the ballot box reads like a roll call of the states. Victories were won in California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oregon, New Mexico, Maine, Nevada and Kentucky.

Trained and supported by Emerge, the nine women trailblazers to be honored at the luncheon are:

· Susan Chalifoux Zephir, Leonminster City Councilor, Massachusetts

· Jessica King, Wisconsin State Senator

· Val Hoyle, Member, Oregon State House of Representatives

· Malia Cohen, Supervisor, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, California

· Roxanne Lara, Eddy County Commissioner, New Mexico

· Katie Hobbs, Member, Arizona House of Representatives

· Jenna Vendil, Portland Board of Education, Maine

· Irene Bustamante-Adams, Member, Nevada State Assembly

· Rita Smart, Member, Kentucky House of Representatives

“Office by office, state by state, we are changing the landscape of American politics,” said Karen Middleton, President of Emerge America, a former Colorado state legislator. “The U.S. ranks 90^th in the world when it comes to electing women to office – that’s behind Mexico, China and Pakistan. Emerge America is changing that fact by inspiring and training qualified women to hold local, state and federal office.”

The first national “Celebrating Women Trailblazers” luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 26 at The Fairmont in San Francisco. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Tickets to the luncheon and event sponsorship supports Emerge America and the future victories of Democratic women candidates across the U.S.

About Emerge America

Launched in 2002, Emerge America was created to address the under-representation of women in office at the local, state, and federal level. Our program is the essential step for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth, seven-month training program that that provides Democratic women with the comprehensive training they need to achieve their political aspirations. There are Emerge programs in nine states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Emerge America is based in San Francisco, California. Former Colorado state legislator, Karen Middleton is President. To learn more about Emerge America, please visit:www.emergeamerica.org

For more information, contact: Karen Middleton, 415-889-7449 (c), 415-344-0323 (o)

PRESS RELEASE Learn why women don't run for office from a national expert

liza — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:43:06 -0400

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 24, 2011

For More Information, Contact: Karen Middleton, 415-344-0323 (w)

San Francisco- National leading expert on gender and politics comes to speak to a politically engaged group of legal professionals in San Francisco.

Dr. Jennifer Lawless is a national leader and researcher on women and politics and the Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University in Washington, DC. She has become the one of the most recognized experts on why and how gender has continued to be so critical to the legitimacy and inclusiveness of U.S. campaigns, elections, and political institutions. Her commentary has appeared in newspapers such as, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other local publications. She has also been cited on CNN.com, MSNBC.com, and FOXNews.com and has published on CNN Opinion on CNN.com.

Her research concludes:

· Women are less likely than men to express a willingness to run for office in the future

· Women are less likely than men to be recruited to run for office

· Women are less likely than men to think they are qualified to run for office

Her work is constantly reflected in today's headlines, as women continue not to seek election as they should. “Despite the famous faces of Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Nancy Pelosi, the fact remains that men dominate U.S. political institutions" said Lawless. "We still have a lot of catching up to do if we want to achieve gender equality for women in politics because women still remain severely under-represented in our political institutions.”

Dr. Lawless will speak on Tuesday, May 24 from 5:00-7:00pm at Latham & Watkins, LLP (505 Montgomery Street, 4th Floor). She will discuss her book, It Still Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office, which serves as the only systematic, nationwide empirical account of the manner in which gender affects political ambition. The reception is being hosted by Emerge America, as Lawless sits on their Board of Directors.

Launched in 2002, Emerge America was created to address the under-representation of women in office at the local, state, and federal level. Our program is the essential step for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth, seven-month training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win. In 2007, Emerge launched Emerge Wisconsin which is the only organization in Wisconsin that provides Democratic women with the comprehensive training they need to achieve their political aspirations. There are Emerge programs in nine states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

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September 2011 News from Emerge America

liza — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:01:54 -0400

This month we saw the Emerge Oregon Class of 2011 graduate while the Class of 2012 had their first trainings in Maine and Wisconsin. The other seven Emerge states are currently in full recruitment mode for their next classes!

Emerge America's First Annual Awards Luncheon
Celebrating Women Trailblazers

with Keynote Speaker
Former Governor Jennifer Granholm

Honoring our State Trailblazers

Irene Bustamante-Adams (Emerge Nevada Class of 2010) Nevada State Assembly, 42nd District	Susan Chalifoux Zephir (Emerge Massachusetts Class of 2009) Leominster City Councilor
Malia Cohen (Emerge California Class of 2005) San Francisco District 10 Supervisor	Katie Hobbs (Emerge Arizona Class of 2004) Arizona House of Representatives, District 15
Val Hoyle (Emerge Oregon Class of 2009) Oregon House of Representatives, District 14	Jessica King (Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2007) Wisconsin State Senator, District 18
Roxanne Lara (Emerge New Mexico Class of 2007) Eddy County Commissioner	Rita Smart (Emerge Kentucky Class of 2010) Kentucky House of Representatives, 81st District

Jenna Vendil
(Emerge Maine Class of 2009)
Portland Board of Public Education Member for District 1

Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Doors open at 11:00am

Sponsorships and advertising available! Please click here or contact Alisha Woodward.

State Updates

Emerge Arizona
Emerge Arizona is proud to announce the hiring of Rosalie Hirano as their new Executive Director. Rosalie is an Arizona native who has worked for U.S. Senator Dennis DeConcini and the Arizona Department of Health Services. She served as the Executive Director of the Arizona Adolescent Health Coalition and as Project Coordinator for the American Jewish Committee’s “Bridging America” project. Most recently, she was the Communications Coordinator for Stand for Children—Arizona. We welcome Rosalie to the Emerge family!

Emerge Arizona is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2011.

Emerge California
Emerge California alumna Zoe Dunning (Class of 2010) celebrated, once again, as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" officially ended on September 21, 2011. Dunning, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, was the first and only openly gay person allowed to remain on active duty in the military prior to the end of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. She stood behind President Obama as he signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Click here to see Zoe on the front page of The Washington Post.

Emerge California is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is October 28, 2011.

Emerge Kentucky
Congratulations to Emerge Kentucky alumnae Rosie Moosnick (Class of 2011) for her appointment to the Martin Luther King, Jr. State Commission and Kimberly Greenwell (Class of 2010) for being voted “Best Local Politician” in the LEO Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards!

Emerge Kentucky is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is November 11, 2011.

Emerge Maine
We are very excited to announce that Katie Mae Simpson, the Executive Director of Emerge Maine, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Maple Olive on September 10, 2011. Congratulations to Katie Mae & her entire family!

Emerge Maine's Class of 2012 had their first training weekend September 10-11 in Portland.

Emerge Massachusetts
Emerge Massachusett's Fall Fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 6:00-8:00pm at the home of Barbara Lee (address sent upon RSVP). Join them to celebrate and learn the secrets of powerful women with top speech coach and special guest Christine Jahnke, author of The Well-Spoken Woman.

Emerge Massachusetts is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. They have two deadlines to apply: October 7,2011 ($25 application fee) and November 11, 2011 ($50 application fee).

Emerge Nevada
Emerge Nevada has a brand new Facebook page!  Click here to 'like' their page and keep up to date with their work.

Emerge Nevada is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012.  Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2011.

Emerge New Mexico
Click here to listen to Emerge New Mexico program members Stephanie Maez-Gibson ('11), Alicia Manzano ('11) and Julianna Koob (Emerge NM Founder) discuss how fabulous Emerge New Mexico is on the radio!

Emerge New Mexico is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012.  Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2011.

Emerge Oregon
Congratulations to Emerge Oregon alumna Alissa Keny-Guyer (Class of 2011) for being appointed state representative of House District 46 on September 27, 2011 to fill the vacancy left by Ben Cannon (who was recently appointed as the Governor's Education Advisor). Alissa was praised by commissioners for her history of community service and commitment to social justice, and they expressed confidence in her ability to address the state's most pressing problems in education, health care, public safety and transportation. Alissa is the 17th Emerge Oregon alumna elected or appointed to office since the organization was founded in 2008.

Emerge Oregon is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is December 9, 2011.

Emerge Wisconsin
Jill Billings, Emerge Wisconsin alumna (Class of 2011) is running for the 95th Assembly seat, currently held by vacating Senator Jennifer Shilling. Her primary election will be held on October 11. We wish you the best of luck Jill!

Make sure to read these two outstanding articles written by Dominique Paul Noth on the impact Emerge has had in Wisconsin:
PROGRESSIVE WOMEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE EMERGE AS KEY TO FUTURE
WILL MORE WOMEN IN PUBLIC OFFICE SOLVE WHAT AILS AMERICA?

(Our favorite line: "Emerge seems the Rosetta Stone of success.")

The Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2012 had their first training weekend September 23-24! 60% of this year's class hail from outside Wisconsin's major metropolitan cities.

August 2011 News from Emerge America

liza — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:38:54 -0400

This month we celebrate the 91st anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed women the right to vote.
Celebrate today by asking a woman to run for office!

Save the Date!
Announcing Emerge America's First Annual Awards Luncheon:
Celebrating Women Trailblazers
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Doors open at 11:00am

Keynote Speaker
The Honorable Jennifer Granholm
Former Governor of Michigan

Governor Granholm is a Distinguished Practitioner of Law and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a Senior Advisor to The Pew Charitable Trusts' Clean Energy Program, and leads a national campaign for a national clean energy policy. Her forthcoming book, A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America's Economic Future, will be released September 20, 2011.

Honorary Co-Chairs
Senator Barbara Boxer
Senator Dianne Feinstein
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader
Congresswoman Jackie Speier

Former Governor Granholm's new book A Governor's Story: The Fight for Jobs and America's Economic Future is available for pre-sale at a reduced rate of $20 Don't forget to buy your copy with your ticket today!

For more information regarding sponsorships and advertising please click here or contact Alisha Woodward.

State Updates

Emerge Arizona
Emerge Arizona is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is November 1, 2011.

Congratulations to Emerge Arizona Board member and alumna Wendy Cevallos ('07) for winning a spot on the Arizona Daily Star's "40 under 40" list. Wendy is the Programs Director for Microbusiness Advancement Center.

Emerge California
Emerge California is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is September 19, 2011.

We're excited to announce that Emerge California alumna Stacey Lawson ('07) is running for Congress! Read more about Stacey and her connection to Emerge in theMarin Independent Journal.

Emerge Kentucky
Emerge Kentucky is proud to announce the hiring of Elizabeth Sawyer as Executive Director. Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience from the political and non-profit worlds. She is a Louisville native and graduate of the University of Louisville. Last year, she managed Congressman Yarmuth's successful re-election campaign. We welcome Elizabeth to the Emerge family!

Emerge Kentucky will begin accepting applications for their Class of 2012 on September 1, 2011. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is November 11, 2011.

Emerge Maine

The Honorable Libby Mitchell walking to accept her award at Emerge Maine's Woman of the Year event. She was the first woman in the country to serve as both House Speaker and Senate President!

Emerge Maine's Class of 2012 has been selected! Their first training weekend will take place September 10-11 in Portland.

Emerge Massachusetts
Emerge Massachusetts is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012. Please click here for more information. They have two deadlines to apply: October 7,2011 ($25 application fee) and November 11, 2011 ($50 application fee).

Save the date for Emerge Massachusett's Fall Fundraiser, Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 6:00-8:00pm at the home of Barbara Lee (address sent upon RSVP). Join us to celebrate and learn the secrets of powerful women with top speech coach and special guest Christine Jahnke, author of The Well-Spoken Woman (to be released in September 2011).

Emerge Nevada
Emerge Nevada will begin accepting applications for their Class of 2012 on September 1, 2011. Please click here for more information. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2011.

Read about one of Emerge America's State Trailblazer honorees, Assemblywoman Irene Bustamante-Adams (AD 42) in The Nevada View. Thank you Irene for discussing the impact Emerge had on your life and career!

Emerge Nevada has a brand new Facebook page! Click here to 'like' their page and keep up to date with their work.

Emerge New Mexico
"Women, Wine and Chocolate," Emerge New Mexico's Annual Gala, was held on August 26, 2011 at Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque. The event honored State Senator Dede Feldman as the Emerge New Mexico Democratic Woman of the Year and Stephanie Richard as the Emerging Democratic Woman Leader.

Emerge Oregon
Save the date! On September 23rd, Emerge Oregon's Annual Dinner will feature a special film premier of MissRepresentation! Beginning at 5:30pm at the Governor Hotel in Portland, the evening will also feature Karen Middleton, President of Emerge America.Click here to buy a ticket or become a sponsor!

Emerge Oregon is also excited to announce that alumnae Sharon Meieran ('09) and Jennifer Williamson ('10) have each declared they will run for State House District 36. Current program member Alissa Keny-Guyer has announced she will run for an appointment to State House District 46, following the September 1st resignation of Representative Ben Cannon, who was appointed as the Governor's Education Advisor.

Emerge Wisconsin
Congratulations to Emerge Wisconsin alumna Senator Jessica King for winning her election on August 9! Check out this WisPolitics.com post with Emerge Wisconsin's latest press release on Jessica!

More exciting news out of Wisconsin! Jill Billings, Emerge Wisconsin alumna (Class of 2011) has announced that she will run for the 95th Assembly seat, currently held by vacating Senator Jennifer Shilling. Click here to learn more about Jill.

Emerge Wisconsin is proud to announce that Sharon Corrigan, who most recently served as their Board Chair, has moved up to serve as one of four state representatives on the Emerge America Board of Directors. Bethany Ordaz, who most recently served as Emerge Wisconsin’s Vice Chair, was elected to the position of Chair.

The Emerge Wisconsin Class of 2012 will have their first training weekend September 23-24!

July 2011 News from Emerge America

liza — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:17:01 -0400

‎"Nothing is more ladylike than fighting for the issues that you care about."
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's response to Rep. Allen West's sexist attack on Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
This is a mantra Emerge can certainly support!

Emerge Summer Convening:

The Emerge team headed to Washington, DC from July 10-13 for our first Summer Convening with Executive Directors. All nine Emerge states and Emerge America were represented.

Some highlights from the Convening include:

Panel sessions with several DC based election strategists who shared insight, expertise and excitement, as well as the cutting edge of campaign strategies with our team.
A visit with Dee Dee Myers, the first woman to serve as White House Press Secretary (under the Clinton administration) and an Emerge America Advisory Board member.
A visit with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.

While in DC, Emerge America met with our "Council of Allies." The Council is a unique way for political consultants, mail firms, tech companies and other specialized campaign and election service providers to share their expertise and best practices. We are working together to create new opportunities for recruitment, training, and support for women running for elected office. Meet our Allies.

We want to sincerely thank our sponsors for making this incredibly successful Emerge Convening possible!

Senatorial Level
SEIU

State Level
The Baughman Company

Legislative Level
Adelstein Liston
Patrick Murphy
Pivot

Municipal Level
Bruce Kieloch
Dewey Square Group
GMMB
Stones' Phones
TruBlu Politics
Winning Connections

School Board Level
Blueprint Interactive
Crossroads Campaign Solutions
Momentum Analysis
SmartVote
Winning Over Washington

Click here to learn more about our sponsors

Online Application:
Emerge is going green! We are very excited to announce that Emerge launched a new online common application on July 1st! As applications in each state open up for the 2012 classes', all applications will now be accepted online.

Emerge Maine and Emerge Wisconsin are currently the only states accepting applications for the Class of 2012. Their deadlines are August 12th, 2011 (ME) and July 29th, 2011 (WI)

State Updates

Emerge Arizona
Emerge Arizona is currently searching for a new part-time Executive Director! You can learn more about this exciting opportunity here. The deadline to apply is August 10, 2011.

Emerge California

Don't miss Emerge California's Summer Salon on Wednesday, August 3rd from 11:00am-1:00pm at the African American Art & Culture Center in San Francisco with special guest speaker Donna Brazile, Democratic Political Strategist & author of Cooking with Grease. Click here to RSVP.

Emerge Kentucky
Emerge Kentucky will be participating in the 2012 National Young Democrats Convention in Louisville, KY from July 27-30. They will have an information booth set up, many of their alumnae will be in attendance and a few of their board members will be presenting!

Emerge Maine
Emerge Maine is currently recruiting for their Class of 2012! The program will begin in September 2011 and the deadline to apply is August 12, 2011. Click here for more information.

Join Emerge Maine for their second annual Woman of the Year event celebrating the Honorable Libby Mitchell, with Keynote Speaker Dr. Jennifer Lawless, Director of the Women & Politics Institute and Professor of Government at American University. The reception will be held on Thursday, August 11th at The Colby College Diamond Center in Waterville beginning at 5:00pm. Click here for Sponsorships and Tickets. Click here to advertise in the program book.

Emerge Massachusetts
The Emerge Massachusetts Class of 2011 had their final training session on June 18, where they learned about how to get appointed to a board or commission and ethical leadership. Later that evening, the class attended a reception hosted by State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz. Their graduation ceremony will take place in December.

Emerge Massachusetts Class of 2011 program member Christine Barber is currently running for Somerville Ward 4 Alderman. You can read her Emerge blog post about why she's running for office here!

Emerge Massachusetts will begin accepting applications for their Class of 2012 on August 1st!

Emerge Nevada
Emerge Nevada's Class of 2011's final training and graduation took place on July 9th, where the class engaged in a "debate boot camp."

Emerge New Mexico
The Emerge New Mexico Class of 2011 biographies are now available online here. Make sure to read about these inspiring women! They will have their next training on August 13th, where they will focus on public speaking & working with the media.

"Women, Wine and Chocolate," Emerge New Mexico's Annual Gala, will be held August 26, 2011 at Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, with a VIP Reception beginning at 5:30pm. They will be honoring State Senator Dede Feldman as the Emerge New Mexico Democratic Woman of the Year and Stephanie Richard as the Emerging Democratic Woman Leader. To RSVP and purchase tickets, please click here.

Emerge Oregon
Emerge Oregon held it's fifth class, with a focus on fundraising, on July 9th at the Oregon Education Association. Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) Chair Meredith Wood Smith and DPO Development Director Farley Griner spent the day training the women on elements of campaign fundraising and call time. All the students then spent an hour on the phones calling friends and family and raised over $2500 for Emerge Oregon! The day was a huge success, leaving the women feeling much more confident about fundraising for themselves and Emerge! The class will have their next training on August 13th, where they will focus on labor and endorsements.

We are proud to announce that current Emerge Oregon program member, Kellie Johnson, has announced her candidacy for Multnomah County District Attorney!

Save the date! The Emerge Oregon Annual Dinner will be on September 23rd at the Governor Hotel, 614 Southwest 11th Avenue in Portland.

Emerge Wisconsin
On July 16th, Emerge Wisconsin graduated 23 fabulous women from their Class of 2011!

Congratulations to Emerge Wisconsin Alumna Jessica King ('07) for winning her State Senate Primary on July 12!

Emerge Wisconsin is currently accepting applications for their Class of 2012! The program will begin in September 2011 and the deadline to apply is July 29, 2011. Click here to apply.

June 2011 News from Emerge America

liza — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:06:50 -0400

We want to personally congratulate all of the recent Emerge graduates and welcome them to our Emerge Alumnae Network. Across the nine states where we work, we have trained over 700 women and that number is growing with each graduation ceremony. Thank you for your commitment to running for office – you are part of our movement to change the face of American politics!

On May 24, Emerge America hosted a reception and discussion with Dr. Jennifer Lawless in San Francisco. Dr. Lawless shared first hand stories from her book, It Still Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office, that made it very clear to everyone in the room how:

Women, even in the highest tiers of professional accomplishment, are substantially less likely than men to demonstrate ambition to seek elective office.
Women are less likely than men to be recruited to run for office and are less likely than men to think they are qualified to run for office.
Women are less likely than men to express a willingness to run for office in the future.
This gender gap in political ambition persists across generations and over time.

Lawless also ran for Congress herself and shared her own experience relative to her research. She is the Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University (and an EA board member!)

Check out Karen Middleton's latest article in The Huffington Post, entitled "Endorsements and Other "Opportunities" for Women Seeking Office."

Upcoming Events:
The Emerge team is heading to Washington, DC from July 10-13 for our Summer Convening with Executive Directors and the next Council of Allies meeting. At the convening, we will focus on reviewing and updating our program curriculum with local experts. The Council of Allies is a way for political consultants, mail firms, tech companies and other specialized campaign and election service providers to join with Emerge to share best expertise and best practices.

State Updates

Emerge Arizona
Emerge Arizona's Class of 2011 will graduate after their final training Saturday, June 18 at 4:30pm. Their 7th annual graduation ceremony will take place at The Caregivers Home, located at 1201 East Thomas Road in Phoenix. Please RSVP toEmergeaz@gmail.com with your full name and the names of any additional guests.

Emerge California
Emerge California's Class of 2011 graduated after their final training on June 11th. More than 135 people attended the 9th annual ceremony which featured a special tribute to Becky Benton. California State Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore, Fiona Ma delivered the keynote address.

Speaker Pro Tempore Fiona Ma congratulating the Emerge California Class of 2011.

Make sure to read the San Francisco Chronicle's article about San Francisco Supervisor and Emerge California Class of 2005 Alumna, Malia Cohen's work to fight against 'crisis pregnancy centers' that deceive women who are seeking abortion services. She is doing great work!

Emerge Kentucky
Emerge Kentucky's Class of 2011 will have their last training on June 25th, followed by their 2nd annual graduation ceremony from 4:00-5:30 pm at the Kentucky Democratic Party Headquarters in Frankfort. Emerge America's President, Karen Middleton, will be in attendance! Please RSVP to Contact@emergeky.org.

Emerge Kentucky is pleased to announce that Lindsay Zoeller has joined the team as their interim Executive Director. Lindsay is a Kentucky native and has worked on a number of campaigns both in Kentucky and nationally. They have also opened the search for a permanent Executive Director. If you or someone you know is a motivated self-starter with an ability to work on her/his own and would like to become the next Executive Director of Emerge Kentucky, please send a resume, cover letter and three references to contact@emergeky.com.

In August, Emerge Kentucky will hold their first annual dinner. To get involved, contact Emerge Kentucky at contact@emergeky.com. More details to follow!

Emerge Maine
Congratulations to Shelby Wright, Emerge Maine Class of 2009, for being elected to fill a vacant Town Council seat in Hampden, Maine. Click here to read more!

Emerge Maine is currently recruiting for their Class of 2012! The program will begin in September 2011. Click here for more information.

Join Emerge Maine for their second annual Woman of the Year event celebrating the Honorable Libby Mitchell, with Keynote Speaker Jennifer Lawless, Director of the Women & Politics Institute and Professor of Government at American University. The reception will be held on Thursday, August 11th at The Colby College Diamond Center in Waterville beginning at 5:00pm. Click here for Sponsorships and Tickets. Click here to advertise in the program book.

The Honorable Janet Mills, former Attorney General and Vice-Chair of the Maine Democratic Party, speaking at Emerge Maine's graduation last month.

Emerge Massachusetts
The Emerge Massachusetts Spring Fundraiser was held June 8th in Boston and featured State Auditor Suzanne Bump as their keynote speaker. The event also served as the official kickoff to the Emerge Massachusetts Men's Leadership Council.

Emerge Massachusetts' Executive Director, Judy Neufeld addresses the crowd at their Spring Fundraiser.

Emerge Massachusetts Founding Funder and Advisory Council Chair Barbara Lee recently wrote an outstanding article about young women and politics, featured in The Huffington Post, and mentions both Emerge Massachusetts and Emerge America. Thanks Barbara!

Emerge Massachusetts' Class of 2011's final training session will be on June 18th.

Emerge Nevada
The 2011 Emerge Nevada Woman of the Year award was presented to The Honorable Dina Titus on May 20th in Las Vegas. The reception featured Karen Middleton and was a big success!

Erin Bilbray-Kohn, the Executive Director of Emerge Nevada with The Honorable Dina Titus

Emerge Nevada's Class of 2011's final training and graduation will take place on July 9th. Please contact Erin Bilbray at Ebilbray@aol.com for more details.

Emerge New Mexico
We are very excited to announce that Reena Szczepanski, the Executive Director of Emerge New Mexico, gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Jayan Michael on May 31, 2011. Congratulations to Reena & her entire family!

Emerge New Mexico's Class of 2011 will have their next training on July 9th.

Save the date! Emerge New Mexico's Annual Gala "Women, Wine and Chocolate" will be held August 26, 2011 at Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque, with a VIP Reception beginning at 5:30pm. To RSVP, please click here.

Emerge Oregon
Emerge Oregon's Class of 2011 will have their next training on July 9th.

The next Emerge Oregon reception will be in Eugene on July 19th from 5:00-7:00pm. It will be hosted by Kathy Wiper and Stephanie Winsor. Please RSVP to Jay Clark atjay@emergeor.org for address and details.

Save the date! The Emerge Oregon Annual Dinner will be on September 23rd at the Governor Hotel, 614 Southwest 11th Avenue in Portland. Details coming soon!

Emerge Wisconsin
On July 16th, Emerge Wisconsin will graduate their Class of 2011. In July, they will also begin accepting applications for their class, which they have moved up from January 2012 to September 2011.

They will host two events in order to cultivate more support so they can train women who want to be part of taking back Wisconsin next fall!

Madison Event:
Tuesday, June 21, 5:30 - 7 PM
Argus Bar and Grill, 123 East Main Street
To Sponsor or RSVP, Click Here

Milwaukee Event
Thursday, June 23, 5:30 - 7 PM
BYO Studio, 2246 S. Kinnickinnic Ave
To Sponsor or RSVP, Click Here

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN 'FED UP' WITH OVERREACHING REPUBLICANS IN MAINE AND WISCONSIN

liza — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:27:14 -0400

San Francisco, CA- Democratic women are getting ready to run for office in Maine and Wisconsin, in order to 'take back their state' in 2012. Fed up with the continued pace of radical legislation, they are stepping up to train to run for office and win in 2012. They are applying to train with Emerge to fight back against the out of touch, radical agendas in their states.

"Our states are seeking common-sense solutions to issues like jobs, the economy and education. Instead we see rollbacks of child labor laws, debates over murals, and a weakening of services for our most vulnerable citizens. Emerge trains women to run for office, and we are hearing from women in Maine and Wisconsin stepping up to run for office to take back their state in the next election cycle. Emerge is happy to help prepare Democrats with our training and expertise," says Karen Middleton, President of Emerge America.

Republicans who control the legislature in Maine and Wisconsin are focusing on the same destructive legislative goals. In both states, they have loosened child labor laws and have made it much harder to vote, in a way that will detrimentally marginalize certain demographics. Both Administrations are also set on stripping away collective bargaining rights from public workers. Although, legislation has passed in Wisconsin, a coalition of unions have filed a lawsuit against the law.

"Women across the state are angry about the attacks on workers and women. They know they can do a better job and are stepping up to run next year. We moved our program up so they can be trained by Emerge and be ready to win to help take back Wisconsin," says Wendy Strout, Executive Director of Emerge Wisconsin.

In direct response to the ongoing divisive overreach of the Republican party in both states, the Emerge Maine and Emerge Wisconsin training program for women Democratic candidates have been fast-tracked and moved up from 2012 to September 2011.

The program, which has graduated such figures as Maine State Representatives Diane Russell and Anne Graham and Wisconsin State Representatives JoCasta Zamarripa and Penny Bernard Schaber, gives women the tools, the networks and the confidence that has them ready to run in the 2012 elections.

Moving up the program to 2011, will allow Emerge graduates extra time to construct the foundation for winning campaigns. "Emerge Maine is eager to be part of the Democratic solution, by recruiting and training more women to run in the upcoming 2012 election cycle," says Katie Mae Simpson, Executive Director of Emerge Maine.

Launched in 2002, Emerge America was created to address the under-representation of women in office at the local, state, and federal level. Our program is the essential step for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth, seven-month training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win. There are Emerge programs in nine states: Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

May 2011 Emerge America Newsletter

liza — Thu, 19 May 2011 20:26:33 -0400

We are proud to announce that this newsletter includes four newly elected Emerge alumnae! Keep reading to learn more!

On May 1st, we held a lively discussion about our vision for a Democratic America in Berkeley at the home of Emerge California alumna Sophie Hahn. Each attendee expressed their frustrations with the political environment in California and across the country. Emerge America's President Karen Middleton was ultimately able to turn frustration into motivation, as each person left feeling ready to fight! We encourage each of you to lead your own discussions and continue spreading the word on why we need more female Democratic leaders in your own communities!

Karen Middleton and Lena Taylor at Emerge California's Annual Event.

On May 9th, we had the opportunity to sit down with Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor, who was in town to be the Keynote speaker at Emerge California's Annual Event. Senator Taylor is one of the "Fab 14" who left her home state to fight for what she believed in and is an inspiration to us all. She is an advisory board member for Emerge Wisconsin, and simply put, she gets it. Thank you Senator Taylor!

Stacey Abrams and Karen Middleton

On May 11th, we were lucky to co-host a reception, with Emerge America supportersFreada Kapor Klein and Mitch Kapor, in honor of Stacey Abrams, the House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly and State Representative for the 84th House District. She is the first woman to lead either party in the Georgia General Assembly and is the first African-American to lead the House of Representatives. She has been actively involved in the efforts to bring Emerge to Georgia in 2011. No doubt, she will be someone to watch as she continues to do great things for Georgia.

Upcoming Events:

On Tuesday, May 24, we are hosting a reception and discussion with Dr. Jennifer Lawless at Latham & Watkins, LLP in San Francisco from 5:00-7:00pm. Dr. Lawless is a national leader and researcher on women and politics and is the Director of the Women & Politics Institute at American University (and an EA board member!) She will discuss her book, It Still Takes a Candidate: Why Women Don't Run for Office, which serves as the only systematic, nationwide empirical account of the manner in which gender affects political ambition. She ran for Congress herself and will share her own experience relative to her research.

Don't miss this exciting event! You can RSVP here.

State Updates

Emerge Arizona

Emerge Arizona held their 7th Annual Fundraiser on Friday, May 13th in Phoenix to honor their Woman of the Year, Representative Anna Tovar (D-AZ District 13). The event also featured Keynote speaker (and EA Board member) Gloria Feldt, well-known author, commentator, feminist leader and former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Click here to see pictures from the event!

Emerge Arizona's Class of 2011 only has two trainings left, on May 21 and June 18!

Emerge California

Emerge California recently held their Annual Event on May 9th, with Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor as the Keynote speaker. They also honored the California Nurses Association as their Women of the Year. It was a wonderful way to bring to light the incredible importance of labor unions in California, Wisconsin and beyond!

On April 29, Emerge California staff, Program Members, Alumni and Board Members attended the California Democratic Party State Convention in Sacramento. Members of the Class of 2011 and former Emerge graduates volunteered at the Emerge booth, participated in the Women’s Caucus meeting, hosted an Emerge dinner party and attended the “Take Back Red California” dinner and the dinner event with former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich. It was a busy and exciting weekend that offered a great opportunity for networking with allies, union members, party leaders and Democratic activists.

Emerge California's Class of 2011 will have their next training weekend from May 21-22. Their last training and graduation will be on June 11th.

Emerge Kentucky

Emerge Kentucky recently hired a new Executive Director, Ms. Ashley Parrott. Ashley recently received her M.P.A. in Public Policy & Administration and Human Resources from the University of Louisville, served as President of Xavier College Democrats, and currently serves as the Louisville Voter Registration Coordinator for the Kentucky Democratic Party. We are excited to welcome her to the Emerge network!

The Emerge Kentucky Class of 2011

Emerge Kentucky's Class of 2011 will have their next training on May 21st. Their last training will be on June 25th, which will be followed by their graduation ceremony from 4-5 pm at the KDP Headquarters in Frankfort.

Emerge Maine

Emerge Maine graduated their Class of 2011 on Saturday, May 7 at the Portland Public Library. The reception featured Keynote Speaker Hon. Janet Mills, former Attorney General and Vice-Chair of the Maine Democratic Party. They are currently recruiting for their Class of 2012!

Emerge Massachusetts

The Emerge Massachusetts Spring Fundraiser will be held Wednesday, June 8th from 5:30-7:00pm at Bingham McCutchen LLP in Boston and will feature State Auditor Suzanne Bump.

Emerge Massachusetts' Class of 2011 will have their next training on running a grassroots field campaign on May 21st.

Emerge Nevada

The 2011 Emerge Nevada Woman of the Year award will be awarded to The Honorable Dina Titus on Friday, May 20th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas. The reception will also feature Emerge America's very own Karen Middleton!

Emerge Nevada's Class of 2011 will have their next training on June 11th, followed by their final training and graduation on July 9th.

Emerge New Mexico

Emerge New Mexico has a new interim Executive Director, Traci Cadigan, while Reena Szczepanski goes on maternity leave for the next few months. Traci has been engaged with Emerge for a long time and we're excited to have her on board!

Emerge New Mexico's Class of 2011 will have their next training on June 11th.

Emerge Oregon

Emerge Oregon will be having a brunch reception in Portland to meet the Emerge Oregon Class of 2011 on Saturday, May 21st from 11:00am-12:30pm. The brunch will be hosted by Chandra Brown, Vice President of Oregon Iron Works, at her home.

Emerge Oregon is very proud to announce that one of their alumna Shemia Fagan ('09) won her race for David Douglas School Board on May 17!

Emerge Oregon's Class of 2011 will have their next training on June 11th with Dhaya from Allegory.

Emerge Wisconsin

Emerge Wisconsin's Class of 2011 will hold their fundraising training on May 20th & 21st.

Emerge Wisconsin alumnae Jessica King is running for State Senate against one of the recalled GOP Senators. Read more about this important race here!

Newly elected Madison Alderwomen and Emerge Wisconsin Alumnae Anita Weier '10, Sue Ellingson '07 and Lisa Subeck '09

More Useful Information!

Emerge America Is Seeking Nominations For Its Board Of Directors

We're looking for candidates who are passionate about getting more Democratic women elected to office, have served in elected office and/or are experienced professionals in their field and love fundraising!

Emerge America is deeply committed to diversity and we welcome nominations that reflect diversity in age, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, geography, and expertise.

For more details on what kind of women we're looking for and how to nominate someone (or yourself!) please click here.

Blogs

Stay connected by reading all of our outstanding blog posts from current Emerge program members from all nine states here!

Looking for an Internship or Know Someone Who Is?

Fundraising and New Media internships are now available! If you are in San Francisco and are interested, please email your resume and a small paragraph about why you want to see more women in office to contact@emergeamerica.org.

Press Releases

Background on Nine Trailblazer Honorees

Irene Bustamante-AdamsEmerge Nevada Class Of 2010Member Of The Nevada State Assembly For The 42nd District

Susan Chalifoux ZephirEmerge Massachusetts Class Of 2009Leominster City Councilor

Malia CohenEmerge California Class Of 2005San Francisco District 10 Supervisor

Katie HobbsEmerge Arizona Class Of 2004Member Of The Arizona House Of Representatives For District 15

Val HoyleEmerge Oregon Class Of 2009Member Of The Oregon House Of Representatives For District 14

Jessica KingEmerge Wisconsin Class Of 2007Wisconsin State Senator For District 18

Roxanne LaraEmerge New Mexico Class Of 2007Eddy County Commissioner

Rita SmartEmerge Kentucky Class Of 2010Member Of The Kentucky House Of Representatives For The 81st District

Jenna VendilEmerge Maine Class Of 2009Portland Board Of Public Education Member For District 1

FORMER GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN JENNIFER GRANHOLM TO SPEAK ON ELECTED LEADERSHIP & POWER AT FIRST EMERGE AMERICA NATIONAL LUNCHEON

EMERGE AMERICA TO HONOR NINE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN NEWLY ELECTED TO PUBLIC OFFICE

**PRESS RELEASE** Learn why women don't run for office from a national expert

September 2011 News from Emerge America

State Updates

August 2011 News from Emerge America

State Updates

July 2011 News from Emerge America

State Updates

June 2011 News from Emerge America

State Updates

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN 'FED UP' WITH OVERREACHING REPUBLICANS IN MAINE AND WISCONSIN

May 2011 Emerge America Newsletter

State Updates

More Useful Information!

Irene Bustamante-Adams
Emerge Nevada Class Of 2010
Member Of The Nevada State Assembly For The 42nd District

Susan Chalifoux Zephir
Emerge Massachusetts Class Of 2009
Leominster City Councilor

Malia Cohen
Emerge California Class Of 2005
San Francisco District 10 Supervisor

Katie Hobbs
Emerge Arizona Class Of 2004
Member Of The Arizona House Of Representatives For District 15

Val Hoyle
Emerge Oregon Class Of 2009
Member Of The Oregon House Of Representatives For District 14

Jessica King
Emerge Wisconsin Class Of 2007
Wisconsin State Senator For District 18

Roxanne Lara
Emerge New Mexico Class Of 2007
Eddy County Commissioner

Rita Smart
Emerge Kentucky Class Of 2010
Member Of The Kentucky House Of Representatives For The 81st District

Jenna Vendil
Emerge Maine Class Of 2009
Portland Board Of Public Education Member For District 1

PRESS RELEASE Learn why women don't run for office from a national expert