Breaking Barriers in Policy: A Conversation with Jody Thomas from the National Foundation for Women Legislators

This week, the Ryans bring on Jody Thomas from the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) to talk about the NFWL, its mission, and more. They cover the NFWL's role in supporting female legislators through professional development, mentorship, and networking. You won't want to miss this fun and informative conversation! The Ryans also recap the DMGS 2024 State Capitol Building Bracket Challenge, which saw over 5,000 votes on our Twitter/X. The winner for the inaugural challenge was Nebraska! Thanks to everyone for voting. About the NFWL:THE VISION OF NFWL is to empower and inspire elected women to become thought leaders who shape America’s future.THE MISSION OF NFWL is to provide strategic resources to elected women for leadership development, exchange of diverse legislative ideas, and effective governance through conferences, state outreach, educational materials, professional and personal relationships, and networking. We encourage the election and/or appointment of women to public office.Since 1971, the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled. Today they hold 2,307, or 31.2% of the 7,383 seats nationwide. Currently, 24 women serve in the US Senate and 120 serve in the US House of Representatives, while 95 women hold statewide elective office. Of those, there are 9 women Governors, 19 Lt. Governors, 8 Attorneys General and 21 Secretaries of State. From Washington, DC to local city councils, women are making a big difference in politics and how our country is run. Women chair numerous committees, they influence policy and they understand the importance of building bipartisan coalitions in support of the nation’s most pressing concerns to ensure widespread change in both thought and policy on a variety of issues.That’s where the National Foundation for Women Legislators comes in! Since 1938, NFWL has served as a forum for elected women from across the country to be empowered through information and experience. As the oldest organization for elected women in America and the ONLY one that includes women on the city, county and state levels, we encourage our members to take leadership roles and form connections across the aisle. We know that only by working together, can we achieve our goals.Learn more: https://www.womenlegislators.org/