Woman speaks into a microphone.

EmpowHer: Campaign Science for Women

Hosted by the Washington University Political Science Department and the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government and Public Policy

Dates: Friday, August 23, 3 PM - Saturday, August 24, 5 PM (Detailed Schedule Below)

Location: 301 Seigle Hall, 1 Brookings Drive

Program Overview

Join us for an empowering 1.5-day program designed to equip women with the cutting-edge knowledge and bespoke data resources needed to run a successful campaign and represent their constituents effectively. Hosted jointly by the Washington University Political Science Department and the Weidenbaum Center, EmpowHer brings together world-class researchers and practitioners to share their expertise on running campaigns, optimizing strategies, understanding constituents, and navigating the unique challenges women face in political office.

Program Fee: $150 (Fee waivers available for those in need)

The content of this program is focused on educating and empowering women leaders to thrive in politics. The application is open to anyone who identifies as a woman, including trans women, cis women, and women of all gender identities; additionally, participants of marginalized genders who experience misogyny or otherwise feel comfortable attending this gathering are welcome to apply. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your political aspirations into reality.

Current schedule of events:

Friday:

  • 3:00-3:15 PM: Welcome - Professor Betsy Sinclair: Expert in social networks
  • 3:15-3:45 PM: Professor Diana O’Brien: Expert in women’s political representation - “She’s Running: Why Women’s Representation Matters”
  • 3:45-4:15 PM: Casey Lawrence - “MEC Top Tips for Candidate Committees”
  • 4:15-4:45 PM: Brianna Lennon - “To File for Office…and Beyond!”
  • 5:00-6:30 PM: Audra Achuleta - “Campaign 101”
  • 6:30-8:00 PM: Reception (Partners Welcome)

Saturday:

  • 8:30-8:45 AM: Professor Stefanie Linquist: Dean at WashULaw  - “The Impact of Women: From Public Administration to Judicial Elections”
  • 8:45-9:15 AM: Professor Dan Butler: Expert in primary elections & advertising - “A Primer on Primaries”
  • 9:15-9:45 AM: Professor Betsy Sinclair: Expert in social networks - “Door-to-Door (Deep) Canvassing”
  • 9:45-10:15 AM: Coffee Break
  • 10:15-10:45 AM: Professor Michael Strawbridge: Expert in Black politics - “Sister Space: Black Women in the Legislature”
  • 10:45-11:15 AM: Professor Jaclyn Kaslovsky: Expert in US Congress and women in politics - “Women in Congress”
  • 11:15 AM - 11:45 PM: Professor William Acree: Expert in origin stories - “Stories that Win”
  • 11:45-12:15 PM: Kisha Lee - "Your First Campaign: School Board Elections"
  • 12:15-1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 1:00-2:00 PM: Professor Andrew Reeves: Expert in executive politics & St. Louis data - “St. Louis Data Workshop”
  • 2:00-3:00 PM: Jill Schupp & Catherine Hanaway - “Redefining The Win”
  • 3:00-3:30 PM: Coffee Break
  • 3:30-4:00 PM: Dawn Suggs
  • 4:00-4:30 PM: Sarah Fenske - “Getting (Good) Media Coverage - For Free”
  • 4:30-5:00 PM: Lara Granich - “Closing Remarks”
  • 5:00-5:15 PM: Closing - Betsy Sinclair

For event information please contact Brian Harting. 

Register to Attend

Register today to secure your spot in the EmpowHer program and become part of the strongest pipeline of women candidates in the country.

EmpowHer Registration Form

External Speaker Information

Audra Archuleta, CEO of Luminarity AI, has over 15 years of experience in politics, government, private sector, and non-profits. Leading a majority Women, Black, and Latine-owned tech company, she makes political research accessible and affordable. A champion of diversity and inclusion, Audra amplifies the voices of women and people of color in politics and tech. She previously founded a political consulting firm and has held key roles in major political campaigns. An Army Reserve Officer, Audra also serves on social justice boards, embodying her commitment to creating an equitable political landscape.

 

Sarah Fenske is the Executive Editor at St. Louis Magazine, where she leads the editorial team in producing compelling and insightful content that reflects the vibrancy of the St. Louis region. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Sarah brings over two decades of experience to her role. She previously served as Editor-in-Chief at the Riverfront Times and as a radio host at St. Louis Public Radio. Known for her sharp editorial vision and commitment to local journalism, Sarah continues to shape the narrative of St. Louis through her leadership at the magazine.

 

Lara Granich brings 25 years of experience in community organizing and leadership, successfully advocating for workers’ rights, minimum wage increases, and racial equity. As a national leader, she now works with the Missouri Wins Investor Network, collaborating with investors on a strategic, research-driven approach to transform Missouri's political landscape. Lara also partners with foundations through the Missouri Inclusive Democracy Fund, focusing on racial equity in voter participation. She previously founded Missouri Jobs with Justice, growing it into a powerful coalition, and has served on several influential boards and commissions, contributing to economic and social justice initiatives nationwide.

 

Catherine L. Hanaway served as Husch Blackwell’s first female Chair from 2021 to 2024, leading the firm to significant growth and innovation. Overseeing more than 2,000 professionals across 25 offices, she played a key role in driving the firm’s financial success, elevating it to the 82nd largest U.S. law firm by revenue. Catherine's leadership journey began as the first female Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives and as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, where she tackled healthcare fraud and corruption. She is a trusted advisor, offering strategic guidance to boards and senior management.

 

Brianna Lennon is the Boone County Clerk, holding degrees in Public Policy and Law from the University of Missouri and a bachelor’s from Truman State University. Before her election, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in Missouri's Consumer Protection Division and later as Deputy Director of Elections at the Missouri Secretary of State's Office. Brianna is also the Secretary of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities. In her spare time, she co-hosts the award-winning podcast High Turnout Wide Margins, focusing on election administration.

 

 

Casey Lawrence is a Compliance and Education Specialist with the Missouri Ethics Commission (MEC). Before joining MEC, she served as the Director of Sunshine Law Compliance and Records Management for the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, where she led Sunshine Law trainings across the state. Casey is dedicated to educating constituents and promoting transparency. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and reading mystery novels.

 

 

Kisha Lee is a dedicated leader with over 20 years of experience uplifting underserved communities. As President and CEO of Propel Kitchens, she drives culinary training and social enterprise initiatives focused on health and wealth. Kisha serves as a Director and former President of the Ladue Schools Board of Education and chairs the Governing Council of the Special School District of Saint Louis County. With a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, she’s a champion for equity and social justice. A proud mother of two, Kisha is also active in her church and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 

 

Jill Schupp is a former Missouri State Senator who represented the 24th District. During her tenure, she was a strong advocate for healthcare access, education, and women's rights, working tirelessly to pass legislation that improved the lives of Missourians. With a background in education and public service, Jill brought a compassionate and community-focused approach to her role. She served as a State Representative before her time in the Senate and has been a dedicated voice for her constituents, championing issues like Medicaid expansion and public safety. Jill continues to be active in community and advocacy efforts.

 

Dawn Suggs has worked as a media artist in the U.S. on both coasts. She returned to St. Louis five years ago and began working as video department director for The St. Louis American; shortly thereafter, she became the digital editor and is currently the digital director and manager of the publisher's office.  She is a results-driven project manager with sales expertise, and a writer and director of educational media. Dawn is a recipient of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Award for Best Instagram Campaign in 2022 and a Missouri Press Association's Best Video Award in 2023.