Affiliated Events

NOV 12: Molly O’Rourke, Sine Institute Senior Advisor, Kristen Soltis Anderson, Founding Partner of the polling firm Echelon Insights, Cheyanne M. Daniels, race and politics reporter for The Hill, and Amanda Hunter, former Executive Director of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation shared their analysis and reporting of the 2024 elections. WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin facilitated the discussion, noting “While we don’t have our first female president, this election was notable in several cases for women in politics. We now have some state legislatures having some parity in representation.” Watch the full replay C-Span replay here.
*Co-Sponsored with AU Sine Institute

DEC 8: WPI’s Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin presided over a conversation sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations about the lame duck session in Congress. Speakers included Charles Cook, Founder and Contributor of the Cook Political Report, Manu Raju, Chief Congressional Correspondent at CNN, and Kayla Tausche, Anchor and Senior White House Correspondent for CNBC. The conversation covered topics such as the runoff election in Georgia, the spending and the debt ceiling, funding for Ukraine, and reforms to the Electoral Count Act. Speaking about the current state of things, Raju said, “I mean, just to put it very succinctly, it is a total mess right now, as it usually is in the lame duck.” Watch the replay here.

OCT 12: As part of the of “The State of Women” research network, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, WPI, and Women Campaign International hosted a panel discussion on the structural barriers that still limit women’s options to run for office. Professor Pippa Norris offered opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion with Monica Frassoni, Kate Onyejekwe (Director, JSI),  Kari Pries (Counsellor, Inter Development Bank,) and Federiga Bindi (Senior Fellow, IWPR). WPI’s Betsy Fischer Martin introduced Neera Tanden, Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden, who offered the closing keynote speech.

WPI’s Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel discussing the upcoming 2022 midterm election. Panelists included AU’s own Sine Institute of Policy & Politics Executive Director Amy Dacey, POLITICO Senior Editor of Standards & Ethics Anita Kumar, New York Times Senior Political correspondent Jonathan Martin, and New York Times White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs. “We’ve been in an environment where some would argue ‘what is the Supreme Court deciding that it is affecting us on the policy front’ versus ‘what is happening with our legislative chambers.’ We’ve had democracy on the ballot in several of our primary races…Where is the direction? Is it a post-Trump era?” Dacey postulates what may impact the midterm election results. The event was produced in partnership with American University’s Sine Institute of Policy & Politics and the School of Public Affairs. Watch the full replay here.

NOV 5: WPI’s Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a discussion on "The Grand Old Party (GOP): How Donald Trump Changed The Republican Party in His Image." Panelists included Political Analyst Elise Jordan, Founder and CEO Joel Benenson of Benenson Strategy Group, and former RNC Chairman Michael Steele. "Voters will always tell you what they want, how they feel...what is crazy is how we get it so wrong," said Steele, emphasizing a disconnect between voters and both parties. The event was produced in partnership with New York University's John Brademas Center. Watch the full replay here

The Kennedy Political Union hosted a conversation between the beloved SPA alum State Sen. Sarah McBride (D-DE) and SPA Dean Vicky Wilkins. The conversation centered around McBride's historic election, LGBTQ+ representation in government, and her trajectory from American University to her position in the Delaware State Senate. The event was co-sponsored by the Kennedy Political Union, AU Pride, Visibility, and the Women and Politics Institute.

WPI’s Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a conversation with national women leaders, Sindy Benavides, Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens and Melanie Campbell, President/CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. Watch the full replay here

In partnership with AUSG’s Women’s Initiative, WPI co-sponsored a virtual conversation with Native American activist, environmentalist, and former Green Party VP candidate Winona LaDuke. Topics discussed included issues of cultural-based sustainable development strategies, renewable energy, and sustainable food systems. “There’s not a social change fairy, there’s all of us... Have faith,” says LaDuke.

Betsy Fischer Martin, Joel Benenson, Jonathan Martin, Todd Harris, and Doug Thornell discussed the strategic campaign decisions and external events that led to President-elect Joe Biden’s path to the White House. Steve McMahon moderated the panel. The event was co-produced by the John Brademas Center and NYU DC Dialogues. Watch the full replay here

 

Sine Institute Executive Director and former CEO of the Democratic National Committee Amy Dacy and WPI’s Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin discussed what's happening and what's next following the election.

You can watch the full replay here

A year after An Inside Look at the 2020 Election, the Sine Institute and WPI’s Betsy Fischer Martin were once again joined by Sine Institute Executive Director and former CEO of the Democratic National Committee Amy Dacy, former RNC Chair Michael Steele, Washington Post reporter Robert Costa, and executive editorial producer at ABC News Chris Donovan. This year’s conversation happened with less than thirty days to go before the 2020 election and focused heavily on the impact that COVID-19 is having on President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaigning in the home stretch of their race. 

The panelists discussed the impact of President Trump’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis along with the impact of broader racial tensions and the “political hurricane” of the GOP’s campaign, in the words of Costa. Though Republicans typically succeed at driving voter turnout "Covid and racial issues tend to flip the script, because they tend to be more personal. That personalization breaks down that 'strong man narrative,'" according to Steele.

Dacey also commented on what Democrats would need to do moving forward in light of the catastrophic events of 2020, pointing out that “primaries are about contrast,” but now, there’s an expectation to put forward more progressive policies and to make the general campaign more about democratic values in action.

The pandemic is also shifting the nature of voter participation in that more than four million people have already early voted, including some in states that count votes that come in prior to November 3rd. Due to increased early and mail-in voting, the election isn’t 28 days away - it’s already started. As Donovan pointed out, not much can sway voters at this point and, “the number of people who could still change their minds is very small.”

This event was co-produced by: AU School of Public Affairs and The Sine Institute. Watch the full replay here

In partnership with the Program on Law & Government, Sine Institute, Women and the Law Program, Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and the Women Law Students Association, WPI co-hosted a panel discussion that examined the relationship between race, citizenship, and women’s right to vote on the Nineteenth Amendment’s Centennial.

Participants included: Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor (Rutgers Law School and WCL alum); Professor Kunal Parker (Miami Law School); Celina Stewart (League of Women Voters); Professor Leti Volpp (Berkeley Law School); and Professor Amanda Frost (American University WCL) moderated the discussion.

You can watch the full replay here

WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin joined Editor-In-Chief Hannah Andress with the online publication Her Campus American University (HCAU) to discuss her experience as an accomplished woman in media and the discuss women in politics. The conversation opened up to the attendees of Her Campus' general meeting, allowing for a Q & A between students and Fischer Martin. "It is really important to understand that every rejection means you're one step closer to a good idea or a good pitch. It is important to stay motivated and never give up," says Fischer Martin.

This event was produced by: Her Campus American University (HCAU).

Read the full story here.

Women of color—a diverse and increasingly active voting bloc—are a significant force in American politics. 

Betsy Fischer Martin (Executive Director of the Women & Politics Institute) and Claudia Cereceda (graduate of NYU, Liberal Studies) discussed these voting blocs with Atima Omara (political strategist) and Francela Chi de Chinchilla (Vice President of Partnerships, Equis Labs). The panelists discussed the barriers women of color face in having the confidence and resources to vote, as well as how the Democratic party is working to include Black and Latinx women in the political process. Watch the full replay here

Some of our favorite quotes: 

"Black women are very motivated, and if you're a Black woman voting, the three things you're most concerned about are: COVID-19, healthcare, and racial justice." - Atima Omara

"We haven't had the level of Latina leadership that we deserve. We have to see ourselves in the [Democratic] party, we have to see ourselves elevated." - Francela Chi de Chinchilla

This event was co-produced by: NYU Womxn100, NYU Votes, NYU Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation, the John Brademas Center, Center for Black Visual Culture & Institute of African American Affairs, Federal Hall: Debate Defends Democracy, and The 370J Project.

Dubbed the "Year of the Woman," the 2018 election results saw 102 women elected into the House of Representatives and 14 women into the Senate. On the heels of the centennial celebration of women's suffrage, this virtual panel discussed health, gender-based violence, workplace equity, and racial justice as important priorities for women across party lines. 

The panelists included Charlotte Alter (National Correspondent at Time Magazine), Brianna Cea (CEO and co-founder of Generation Vote), Claudia Cereceda (2016 graduate of NYU, Liberal Studies; current NYU Wagner student), and WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the replay here.

Women may be at the forefront of the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic and of the national fight against racism, but they are not always recognized nor acknowledged for their leadership. Women still have yet to be treated, seen, and portrayed as equals to men, with women of color facing even more barriers to equality due to intersectionality. The discussion focused on the importance of women and of women of color in leadership, and what the future holds for all women leaders nationwide and globally. 

Some of our favorite quotes: 

"It's critical for women to lead with their qualifications." - Amanda Hunter

"We are all in this together and when we all participate in our American democracy we will be a stronger union." - Glynda C. Carr

"It's so important for individuals to share their experiences and lift up their communities." - Brianna Carmen

NYU DC Dialogues Executive Board Member, Gabriel Avalos created this dialogue, and provided a welcome and introduction. Panelists included Brianna Carmen (Vote Latino), Amanda Hunter (Barbara Lee Family Foundation), and Glynda C. Carr (Higher Heights for America). WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin moderated the discussion. 

Read the full research memo published by Barbara Lee Family Foundation here

The University of Southern California Dornsife Center for the Political Future hosted a conference to get an insider's look into the 2020 presidential campaign leading up to the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary. Betsy Fischer Martin participated on an afternoon panel entitled, "On to November: What Matters and Why?" The panel explored how the primary campaigns and developments in Washington are shaping the general election landscape. Other panelists included Rob Collins, Republican Strategist, Christian Grose, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at USC Dornsife, Mike Murphy, Co-Director of Center for the Political Future, and was moderated by Robert M. Shrum, Director of USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.  

During a two-day conference held at NYU, Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel titled “Women in Politics: Impact on the 2020 Election.”  This panel considered questions about what electability really means and what role women will play in electing the next president.  Also part of the discussion was how both parties will mobilize women voters.

This panel was one of many in a two-day conference organized by the John Brademas Center, NYU La Pietra Dialogues, NYU Global Research Institute in Athens, and NYU DC Dialogues.  This group of political insiders analyzed the current political climate as preparations commence for the 2020 presidential election. 

Watch the whole discussion here. 

Women Suffragists and the Men Who Supported Them: The Suffragents
October 17, 2019

All American Weekend Ed Talk: An Inside Look at the 2020 Elections
October 7, 2019

Betsy Fischer Martin spoke to program participants at Loyola University's Women's Leadership Academy during their September training event that covered the theme of "Your Communication Style." Topics discussed during the session included professional networking and creating a personal brand.

Developed by Tania Tetlow, the first female President of Loyola University, the Women's Leadership Academy works with women in the New Orleans region to promote their professional potential through leadership training, personal development, and mentorships. 

To view more photos, click here. 

Women's political leadership is front and center this year as we celebrate the Suffrage Centennial - 100 years since the 19th amendment was considered for ratification by states to enshrine women's right to vote in the U.S. Constitution. WPI Adjunct professor Lucy Gettman moderated one such conversation this week at the National Governors Association Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City that included Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas as well as senior executive branch, private sector and local leaders. WPI continues the conversation for students at a Weekend Intensive course "The Suffrage Centenary" in September.

Betsy Fischer Martin spoke with Jake Sherman and Anna Palmer, senior writers for Politico and co-authors of the Politico Playbook newsletter, about their new book, "The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and The Future of Trump's America," during an event held at American University School of Public Affairs (SPA). Their book details the no-holds-barred fight to control Congress early in Donald Trump’s presidency.

This event was part of Jumpstart, a two-day preview of the SPA graduate program experience, which included panel discussions, tours, events, and classes.

Read More About the Event

WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin moderated the "Hacks & Flacks" panel at the 2020 Campaign Journalism Conference, hosted at University of Chicago. Alex Conant, former communications director for Senator Marco Rubio, and Jen Psaki, former White House communications director were featured in the discussion. They covered what you need to know about how to speak with campaign officials, who to know, how to cultivate sources, and how to deal with spin. 

Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) held an event for Equal Pay Day, the day that represents how far into the year on average women must work to earn what their male counterparts earned the previous year.  The event focused on aligning women’s political leadership for pay equity.  Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel discussion with speakers including Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton, Richland County Councilwoman Allison Terracio, SC Women in Leadership Board Member Maressa Cuenca, Founder of LoveYourselfAlways Inc. Bianca Chardei, and Representative Mandy Powers Norrell.  

Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a "Galentine's Day" Panel featuring alumnae of SPA. The panel discussed how they landed their current positions, the importance of networking, and the (sometimes painful) lessons they learned from their very first jobs.  Panelists included: 

Tanya Aldridge, Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Public Affairs/Office of Inspector General, US DHS
Tracy Bellamy-Anderson, Senior Management Office, Office of Management at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US FDA
Kacey Buderi, Senior Analyst at MACPAC - Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission 
Kelly Mason, Content Manager at Leadership Connect 

SPA Adjunct Professor and Women In Government Executive Director Lucy Gettman presented on "Having Your Voice Heard" at the Statewide Women's Policy Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sponsored by Mayor Andy Berke's Mayor's Council for Women, the session was packed with elected officeholders & appointees, candidates, campaign leaders,  advocates & entrepreneurs - every one a political leader in her own way.

Betsy Fischer Martin was recently invited to speak with author Doris Kearns Goodwin at the Ripon Society and Franklin Center’s Senior Staff Symposium on Leadership. The symposium covered topics like the best ways to navigate team building, how to become a mindful leader, and tips for engaging with supervisors. 

In their conversation, Kearns Goodwin discussed her new book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, in which she explores the origins of leadership and ambition through an in-depth look at four influential presidents in history – Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. The book is now available for purchase. 

Betsy Fischer Martin attended the launch event for a new group created by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21). The group, called E-PAC, is dedicated to “boosting women candidates” and will focus on fundraising and encouraging Republican women candidates to overcome sexism during a campaign. There were some key GOP members in attendance, including the new House Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY) and the National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Tom Emmer. E-PAC will focus its efforts on pre-primary support and fundraising for Republican women candidates. 

Speaking on a panel aimed at identifying why there are so few GOP women in office, Fischer Martin cited findings from a poll conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group, saying that, “[2020] is a presidential election year, and the top of the ticket is a big factor when people are turning out and voting.” The panelists included Adele Malpass, National Political Reporter and former chair of the Manhattan Republican Party, Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research and Consulting, and Kristen Soltis Anderson, Republican pollster and author of "The Selfie Vote." 

Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel at the Elevate Solutions Summit titled Elevate: Bringing Women Together to Find Solutions. Panelists included Congresswoman-elect Angie Craig (D-MN-2), Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), and Congresswoman-elect Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). They discussed the campaign trail, their goals for Congress, and how they can work across the aisle on issues of healthcare, paid maternity leave, and job availability.

The day-long Elevate Solutions Summit took place at the Newseum and included various panels covering women’s issues in politics and the workplace. Two Democratic women and two Republican women worked together to create this bipartisan event, which aimed to find common ground for women to work together across the aisle. In addition to healthcare and women in the workplace, panels also covered retirement security and pharmaceutical drug pricing. To close her Washington Post op-ed about the summit, Kathleen Parker raised an issue that all women, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon: the House of Representatives needs more than four restroom stalls to take care of the growing number of women on the Hill.

At the week-long NYU La Pietra Dialogues Political Conference, hosted in Florence, Italy, Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel titled 2018, The Year of the Women? The panelists included Maria Cino, Vice President for Americas, Corporate Affairs at Hewlett-Packard Enterprises, Stephanie Cutter, founding partner of Precision Strategies; Steve McMahon, co-founder of Purple Strategies LLC.; and Kevin Madden, partner at Hamilton Place Strategies. The panel discussed how more women in office might impact governing in the country, and if there would be a reduction of hyper-partisanship with a more gender-balanced Congress.

WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin participated in a panel discussion at the International Women's Forum World Leadership Conference in Miami, Florida. The panel, "March, Run, Lead," examined the shift in the number of women in politics around the world - where initiatives are driving up numbers, where the numbers are slipping, what's working and what isn't. Other panelists included: Hanna Birna Kristjansdottir, Chair of the Executive Board of Women Political Leaders Global Forum; Marta Lago, Founding Director of Latinobarometro; and Kiah Morris, former two-term State. Rep. from Vermont and the second African-American to be elected to the Vermont State Legislature. Morris made national headlines last month when she stepped down from her position after repeated racial threats and harassment. The panel was moderated by Brig. Gen. Dana Born, USAF, Ret., currently the Co-Director of the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University.  

Betsy Fischer Martin participated in a panel about women and the 2018 midterms at the annual conference of Women in Government, a non-partisan organization of female state legislators from around the country. The panel was organized by Lucy Gettman, Executive Director of Women in Government and WPI Course Instructor.

Betsy Fischer Martin moderated a panel discussion at the new Georgetown location of the "The Wing" co-sponsored by "All In Together." The panel featured key political operatives from both sides of the aisle discussing how to engage more young women in the political process. "The Wing" is a network of co-working and community spaces designed for women. Featured speakers included: Rhonda Foxx, María Teresa Kumar, Lauren Leader, and Neri Martinez.

Dr. Diana Carlin and Anita McBride will discuss their new textbook, U.S. First Ladies: Making History and Leaving Legacies, which examines how “first ladies are uniquely positioned to influence American society, public policy, politics, diplomacy, and life in the White House.” Co-sponsored by American University’s First Ladies Initiative and the First Ladies Association for Research and Education. Order the book here. Details and registration here.