In 2022, WPLN launched its first-ever Fellowship for nonprofit management. This program pairs young women in higher education with early-stage nonprofit organizations who are training women to run for office in their states.
Meet Caroline Richardson, our Fellow supporting Virginia Conservative Women’s Coalition. Caroline is pursuing her Bachelor’s in Political Science and Philosophy, with minors in Law, Ethics, and Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Georgia. She is expecting to graduate in May 2024.
[WPLN]: What about WPLN's mission do you feel most passionate about?
[Caroline]: I feel most passionate about WPLN's mission to diversify who participates in civic decision-making. This includes educating and equipping women to run for office, sharing the importance of voting and participating in one's community, and giving women role models to inspire them. Once women feel educated, inspired, equipped, and empowered to run for office and/or participate in their local communities in larger capacities, the potential for societal advancement is exponential. I have noticed a gap in social studies education since I was in elementary school, which I believe leads toward an attitude of apathy regarding civics as people grow older. Women are at a further disadvantage in such a male-dominated field; not to mention, there are not many platforms that seek to empower women, especially in a non-partisan manner, where they are equipped and encouraged to make decisions for themselves.
What are you most looking forward to with your Fellowship?
I am most looking forward to the hands-on opportunities with my state partner organization, Virginia Conservative Women’s Coalition (VCWC). I am able to help promote and attend skill-building events, coordinate luncheons, recognize influential women at the local level, plan a larger event in February, and so much more. It feels right to promote WPLN on my college campus because there are many students and women who can relate to my passions and want to become more involved. Specifically focusing on the fact that women do have opinions, those opinions matter, and women are capable of making a difference in their communities once they are comfortable and capable of sharing those opinions. I am also so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the realm of non-profit organizations and public policy implementation.
What do you see as one of the biggest challenges for women in leadership today?
One of the biggest challenges for women in leadership today is overcoming geographical stereotypes in addition to the stigma surrounding women leaders. It is perhaps most advantageous to raise up strong, confident, capable, ambitious, determined leaders who just happen to be women (especially women who were previously unable to publicly share their wisdom and leadership). Politics will not only become more diversified, but the people elected and appointed into political roles are better equipped to lead and guide their communities successfully. In some ways, women are having to work harder to enter the realm of politics and civics because it is not a role that many women have historically occupied, and once they become involved, many women still have to fight for their ideas to be heard and validated. Many women lack role models in these areas, and that can serve as a deterrent to becoming involved in civics. I believe that if the women who care become involved in local offices (PTAs, school board meetings, city councils, political consultants, etc.), there is a path for these women to become local leaders, state leaders, and even national/international leaders. Once this place is reached, the future women have examples of leaders to look up to and learn from- completely changing the current trajectory of women in politics.
How do you plan to impact your community post-graduation?
I plan to impact my community after graduation by continuing my education in law school. I would love to continue serving with WPLN and VoteHer. In terms of long-term goals, I want to serve as legal counsel for a non-profit organization and eventually become involved in changing education policy, specifically social studies curriculum. Not only do I want social studies education to begin earlier, but I think it can be made captivating and practical. In addition to government and economics courses in high school, I think a mandatory course of civic engagement (voting, election laws, general politics knowledge, importance of local involvement, etc.) is necessary. I want to empower future generations to change the world!
What is your favorite quote by a woman who has impacted your life?
"Be aware that even before you have reached your ultimate professional destination, if you always strive for excellence, you can and should have a substantial impact on the world in which you live" -Sandra Day O'Connor
I picked a Sandra Day O'Connor quote because in 5th grade, I remember dressing up as her and doing a video presentation about her impact as the first female Supreme Court Justice. This memory is probably the first example of civics manifesting itself as something important in my life, and I think that she offers so much wisdom, not only to women but to all Americans. She is the epitome of hard work, a humble spirit, and a woman well-equipped to change the world and empower future generations of women. The aforementioned quote should guide all of our endeavors- there is no task too small, no impact that goes unrecognized, and no unimportant step in your life- make the most of your current ability and your current position in life because you can and will make a difference.