Meeting this moment

Women’s Democracy Lab stands at our nation’s current crossroads with a clear vision:

An American democracy where diverse women and gender-expansive folks hold equal representation at every level of public service, driving governance that is just, accessible, and responsive to all communities.

We see a world liberated

When diverse people like us win elected office, we have an opportunity to radically re-imagine political leadership. Together, grounded in our unique histories, identities, and stories, we create a world liberated: a world where we live safely and can be our whole and authentic selves.

About Us

Our Impact

Our alumni are a 50/50 ratio of state-versus-local officeholders, with representation from 25 states.
Our members are diverse across age, sexual orientation and gender identity, religion, ethnicity, race, and country of origin, with many of our members being immigrant or first-generation American.
Since 2023, we have added coaching and career development as offerings to our electeds. It’s not just enough to get folks in elected office - we want them to succeed there, too.
In the past two years, we have provided our members with:
- 100+ coaching hours
- Three in-person retreats
- Five safety-specific events
- 10+ virtual training sessions
In 2024, we also explored a component of hands-on training for peer coaching through a partnership with a former elected official (and WDL alum!) with a background in social work. We continue to experiment with unique skills-building opportunities that our community may not otherwise have access to.
We provide a safe container for diverse women and gender-expansive folks currently serving in elected office so that they can access opportunities for connecting, cultivating ambition, and collectively learning.

Learn more about Membership

What our members have said about us:

“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.”
“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.”
“We all have different realities, but there's a thread that's like - I'm not alone.“
“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.”
“Being a part of this community taught me to be proud of my identity and be as authentic as I can be in these public spaces.”
“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.”
“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 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.”
“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.”