.png)
PD Luncheon: Milwaukee Politics | Understanding Power and Voting to Advance Inclusivity
PD was founded by women who were deeply committed to collective support, and aware of the power that lies in collective voice. As active citizens and leaders, our perspective and influence can guide the way our world works. We believe it is our civic responsibility to understand each other's beliefs, across experience and party lines to inform our advocacy. We must also form and express opinions about how elected officials, board leaders and individuals with positional power operate to create a more inclusive ecosystem.
This conversation is especially relevant today in preparation for the February 15th primary, and in the midst of active campaigns for the fall general election at the end of this year.
Join us as we convene representatives with political influence for discussion on policy and power. We seek to land on a series of bipartisan initiatives that unite us and allow us to advance inclusivity in our city and surrounding areas.
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Lindsey Harness
Dr. Lindsey Harness is an Associate Professor of Communication and Technology at Alverno College and the Director of the Research Center for Women & Girls. Dr. Harness will be providing a sneak peek of a study that is being released in mid-February. Below is a description of that study:
The Wisconsin Women in Public Life – Elected Officials study sought to understand the pathways women take to public office and the challenges they face in doing so. The study was conducted by Alverno College’s Research Center for Women and Girls (RCWG). The project is sponsored by the State of Wisconsin Women’s Council and the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.
Women are more likely to vote than men and are often engaged in civic and volunteer work, yet they remain underrepresented in public office. The study of Wisconsin Women in Public Life – Elected Officials contributes to better understanding the diverse and successful pathways women take to public office while also identifying the challenges they face when running for public office. The hope of this study is that it provides ideas about how organizations can best support the development of women as political leaders. The first iteration of the study centered on a non-partisan survey. Women who held positions in public office in Fall of 2020 were invited to participate. The second iteration of the study centered on in-depth interviews with 13 women who held public office in Summer of 2021. The final report for the Wisconsin Women in Public Life – Elected Officials combines the data from both research iterations and provides recommendations for organizations and people interested in helping more women run for and hold public office in Wisconsin.
Shauntay Nelson
Shauntay Nelson serves as a commissioner in the state of Wisconsin. She was appointed to WI’s Ethics Commission by Senator Janet Bewley in 2021. She also serves as Wisconsin’s State Director with All Voting is Local. She once served as one of Wisconsin's most well-respected Black Lobbyists. She has become a notable voice in policy and politics; and, is a nonpartisan contact for all things concerning voting. She, previously, worked with members of the State Legislature to draft legislation; prior to submission. She has tirelessly promoted expansion to the ballot box through voter education.
Shauntay is a strategist and a public policy leader concerning voting freedom. She is a sought-after speaker and panelist. She was one of the TEDx Talk speakers with Marquette University during their 2019 Community Engagement Symposium. She has worked to train other people around policy in WI, the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, and how to convey effective public narrative when speaking with elected officials.
Wanda Montgomery
Wanda Montgomery has dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in the fields of child education, child welfare, and community engagement. She received a Master of Science in Educational Policy and Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Community Education, and has spent decades putting knowledge into action in her professional career and community involvement. In 2018 Wanda saw a need in the Village of Brown Deer to seek a position on the village board. Wanda was elected in April of that year as a Trustee. Wanda sought a more significant role in Brown Deer and was elected President of the Village of Brown Deer in April of 2019.
--
In alignment with industry standards Professional Dimensions will require all attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of the event.
Attendees can show their vaccine card, or a photo of the front and back of it, when entering to prove they’re fully vaccinated. Attendees can also provide their negative COVID-19 test result by showing an electronic copy of the result, or a paper copy, upon entrance. Once noted, vaccination information will be documented for PD members to facilitate registration at future events.
