WeLead Campaign Training Program

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of WeLead! Thank you for believing in our mission to close the gender gap in political leadership. American University's WeLead campaign training program in the School of Public Affairs successfully positions participants to serve in a political leadership position. With a special emphasis on understanding the latest research on the challenges and opportunities that women face in running for office, we provide all members of the WeLead cohort with the confidence and skills to run for office or run a campaign through a combination of tactical skills, and best practices in Communications, Fundraising, and Campaign Management. WeLead also provides an expansive and supportive network of expert practitioners and alumni.

The We Lead training program is open to all post-graduates, regardless of race, color, gender, or national origin.
Apply Now to WeLed2026

Gender on the Ballot

Gender on the Ballot is a nonpartisan project of AU’s Women & Politics Institute that examines and contextualizes gender dynamics in American politics. Originally co-founded by WPI and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation in 2019, Gender on the Ballot contributes to the dialogue on gender and politics through accessible content from experts and practitioners.

Why AANHPI Heritage Month Is a Call to Action Not Just Celebration: In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPINH) Heritage Month, and at a time when xenophobic laws are resurfacing, WeLead2009 alumna and Mayor Ellen Kamei of Mountain View, CA, shares a powerful message on what true leadership means today.

The High Cost of Exclusion: How Cutting Subsidized Loans Could Set Women—and Society—Back: With the looming threat of subsidized federal student loans being cut, Christian Hollowell, a master’s student at American University’s School of Public Affairs, discusses the ramifications on women, particularly lower-income women of color, and the pursuit of higher education and beyond.

Fall 2025 WPPL Courses

These core courses are being offered in Fall 2025 for the Women, Policy and Political Leadership (WPPL) Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs. View all WPPL courses here and learn more about the certificate program here.

WPI 'Women on Wednesdays' Recaps

Check out all event recaps here, or visit our Crowdcast channel here to watch full replays of previous events.

Apr 16: Co-authors Dr. David E. Campbell and Dr. Christina Wolbrecht discussed their new book, See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People, with WPI’s Exec. Director Betsy Fischer Martin. The authors present vast evidence to show that when women hold elected office, they leave enduring impressions on young people across party and gender. Watch the full replay.

Oct 16: Following a screening of Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, co-producers/co-directors Christy Carpenter WCL/’95 and Abby Ginzberg discussed the impact and legacy of this influential feminist leader with Washington Post Political Columnist Karen Tumulty and Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women's Equality. Watch full replay.

Oct 23: Nancy LeaMond, EVP and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer at AARP, Margie Omero, Principal at the polling firm GBAO, and Kristen Soltis Anderson,  Founding Partner at Echelon Insights, discussed findings from their latest She’s the Difference poll on issues of importance to women voters 50+ leading up to the 2024 elections. Watch full replay.