Meeting This Moment

I have noticed that I have been expressing my opinions more freely in my elected work. I have been speaking up more during meetings and trying to show up more as my authentic self in the spaces I go into. Overall, my confidence level has increased.

I am very appreciative of the personal and professional power of this fellowship. It was life changing in ways that I didn't anticipate. I am honored to have been selected.

It’s a very self-sacrificing decision to serve your community, and that immediately impacts the safety of your family. These are the decisions you have to make every day. I found that to be the most emotional part of "Elected and Unsafe".

I am grateful that WDL exists to try to create space for us to come together and learn from one another. What a privilege and a joy to be a part of this community.

This stipend was a life saver and allowed me to be financially independent and have access to self-care resources. This was the first time in my life I did not have to stress about finances and I could solely focus on my job, career, and personal life.

The idea that we're worthy of care and love and we deserve the good things in life once in a while - that is an important takeaway for me.

I have unlearned a lot of my striving for perfectionism and allowing myself grace to try things, to experiment, and to stop and listen to others as opposed to constantly feeling pressure to have the answers immediately.

FPP has given me what I needed to keep my head up and keep going. I take all that I have heard, learned, and experienced in the program and with the other women to forge proudly forward. While things feel depleted and the feelings of isolation and defeat come close, I'm right on the next meeting and getting re-inspired and reminded that we do this from the heart and with meaning and that our voices are powerful for our community and change for future generations.

It taught me to be proud of my identity and be as authentic as I can be in these public spaces.

This experience has expanded my relationships, introduced me to new tools that I didn't have as a legislator, educated me and engaged me in legislative and progress policies that prompted me to increase my knowledge. It satisfied while introducing me to being curious.

I found it really powerful that we got to see these diverse women speak to their experiences.

We all have different realities, but there's a thread that's like - "I'm not alone."

Thank you for finding me and welcoming me to this space. So very grateful.