Since its inception, She Should Run has become a beacon of empowerment, offering powerful first steps in civic engagement to hundreds of thousands of women from all walks of life whose formidable leadership potential would go otherwise untapped in conventional political recruitment.
Before joining She Should Run, Erin designed and implemented strategic programs for companies, campaigns, and organizations that traverse the public policy, nonprofit, and financial business arenas. As the political director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, Erin advised female candidates at the national, state, and local levels. Before that, she served at an educational nonprofit and in state government in the Office of Missouri’s Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, whom she helped elect.
I can’t stress enough how essential it is for all women to reconsider whether or not they are “political.” The truth is, women are already showing up for their communities on the issues that matter to them. A survey we conducted this year found that while 66.3% of women indicated that they are less likely to consider running for office because politics seems toxic, almost the same proportion–63.43%–ranked either bringing change to their community or pursuing issues they care about as the top reason that would motivate them to consider running for office. Moreover, a wide majority of women said they would be more likely to explore elected leadership if they had details about how they could impact their community.
She Should Run is designed for women who are at the starting line of their political journey—those curious about what it might look like to hold political office. We offer a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain and explore the possibilities. On average, it takes women about four years to move from considering a run to putting their name on a ballot, and every woman’s path is different. If you’re ready to take that first step, we’re here to support you.
For those considering how they can show up, or wondering what a future in elected office could look like, I would encourage you to attend a local town council meeting in your community. Volunteer with organizations that advocate on the issues you care about. Learn how decisions are made in your state legislature. All of the resources at She Should Run are designed to offer a starting point for you to explore your potential to lead.
If history has taught us anything, it is that meaningful change is rarely linear. It’s slow, uneven, and complicated. With a woman of color leading a major party ticket, two Black women elected to the Senate, the first transgender woman in Congress, and a record number of women governors, this election showed us both the power and the fragility of progress.
However, women’s political power is at significant risk of stalling—even sliding backward. A report we released in July 2024 found that, while 66.3% of women indicated that they are less likely to consider running for office because politics seems toxic, almost the same proportion–63.43%–ranked either bringing change to their community or pursuing issues they care about as the top reason that would motivate them to consider running.
In times of struggle, sustained commitment is more important than ever. We can’t give up hope now with so much work left to be done. So, take this as your moment to consider your own future and the role you will play!
I sincerely hope that we can come together and unite around a common goal of making this country better than we found it. I believe that the best way to do that is to ensure that the voices at the decision-making tables represent the beautiful diversity of this country. I got into gender equity work because I believe in a future fueled by unlimited possibilities, care for one another, and joy. I’ve stayed because the world still hasn’t caught up with telling my daughters–and all young women and girls–they can be anything they want to be. I won’t give up, because this work is unfinished and worth every single minute of the fight.
Women consistently feel they are less qualified than men, for any job. This shows up as early as grade level and continues to present itself in the political sphere, with women doubting themselves much more than men when considering a run for office.
Women face a range of barriers to running for office—personal, structural, and cultural. These include everything from questioning their own qualifications and being less likely to be recruited to systemic biases, threats of violence, and inequitable voting systems. The list is long..
Recent research we conducted in 2024 showed nearly half of women are engaging in politics less than they did five years ago, and a shocking 78% of women are not considering running. And it doesn't help that women have to work harder to prove their qualifications: Research from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation in 2023 found that while voters assume men are qualified, women have to prove their qualifications. Not to mention, voters often see a woman as qualified or likable, but not both.
It is a tall order to help women overcome all the barriers – but we’re here for it. Our job is to help women see their potential in elected office and make the case for their leadership. Our country only stands to benefit from the lived experiences of women, and we need to work together to get them in office.
I don’t think success has a definitive end-point, honestly. I am still working toward this every day. I guess if I had a secret I would say it is that I really believe ordinary people can do incredible things if we’re willing to take risks and learn along the way.
My mother.
My noise-cancelling headphones and a good podcast.
A culture shift that is normalizing and prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being.
