This is a chance for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students to share their knowledge and insight with others committed to closing the gender gap in political leadership. Review the guidelines here.
The Women & Politics Institute provides practical and academic training that encourages women to become involved in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the political arena.
Kerwin Hall, Room 109E on a map
Women & Politics Institute 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United StatesTo request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.
Wednesday, September 16 at 6PM ET
Journalists Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower will discuss their new book, We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America, where they explore the central - but often hidden - American women who helped change the course of history, presenting a fresh look at U.S. history through the lens of women. Through vast research and interviews, O’Donnell and Andersen curate a new version of the American story - one that focuses on the heroines who insisted that the country live up to the promises made 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence. Order the book here. Details and registration here.

These core courses are being offered in Fall 2026 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.

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.
How Do You Fulfill Your ‘Why’?: Alyssa Morrissey, an at-large member of the North Carolina Southeastern Economic Development Commission, discusses her political career and how she discovered her "why," writing, “We tend to believe that we need to be the smartest person in the room, have the perfect résumé, or know exactly what to say before we earn a seat at the table. But I’ve learned that some of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had in my career have begun with something much simpler - just showing up.”
Is the American Dream for Women too?: In this week’s blog, Dr. Elizabeth Suhay, Professor of Government in the School of Public Affairs at American University discusses whether or not women are afforded the “American dream” in the same way that their male counterparts are.
If you are ready to explore the next step in your professional and political journey, the Women & Politics Institute's nonpartisan WeLead training program is for you! For over 20 years, WeLead has successfully trained participants to run for office or lead a political campaign. WPI is dedicated to closing the gender gap in the political arena and is proud to offer our WeLead program to accepted applicants at no cost.
WeLead 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. Pictured: WeLead2026 Graduation (top) and WeLead2026 Graduation speaker U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-8).
The We Lead training program is open to all post-graduates, regardless of race, color, gender, or national origin.
Check out all event recaps here, or visit our YouTube channel to watch full replays of previous events.
May 6: Atima Omara, political strategist, organizer, and advocate, discussed her new book, The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them), with WPI Exec. Director Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the full replay here.
Mar. 25: Closing out Women’s History Month, Emily Lampkin discussed her new book, Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman's Practical Guide to Real Life Success, which provides an empowering guide to help women grow in their careers, communities, and lives, with WPI Exec. Dir. Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the full replay here.
Mar. 18: Dr. Mona Lena Krook of Rutgers University, will discussed her new book, Elect Women for a Change: The Path to Gender Parity in Politics, which makes a clear and compelling case for why gender parity in politics still matters and how it can be achieved. Watch the full replay here.
This is a chance for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students to share their knowledge and insight with others committed to closing the gender gap in political leadership. Review the guidelines here.
WeLead2026 grad NJ Ugwa highlights key features of @AU_SPA 's WeLead Campaign Training Program - women, politics, policy, ambition, community, excellence - if this sounds like you, apply today to join next year's cohort https://t.co/QM08SqgHLd pic.twitter.com/mN8ZEA5NHF
— Women & Politics Institute (@AU_WPI) May 7, 2026
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to @AU_WPI’s 2025-2026 course instructors!
— Women & Politics Institute (@AU_WPI) May 4, 2026
Cheers to the end of another great year 🍎 ✨ pic.twitter.com/YfNcQLg12W
Watch full replays of all previous events here.
Gender on the Ballot and Breakthrough Campaigns explored voter attitudes on women's leadership and the current political environment. To learn more about this new research, check out our Gender on the Ballot website where you will find key takeaways, memo, and our press release.
From attitudes on the presidency to generational shifts, from trust in leadership to the cultural forces shaping voters, the survey offers a revealing snapshot of where women stand in the political landscape of 2025.
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news + gender analysis in politics.
Sign up for the WPI Newsletter to view recent highlights and learn about upcoming opportunities and events.