Moms on the Trail: Navigating Running for Office and Raising Children with Rose Pugliese

Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, "Tips From The Trail," hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.

In this episode, Larissa is joined by Rose Pugliese to discuss her remarkable journey from grassroots activist to legislative leader — and what she's learned about balancing public service with motherhood. 

See highlights from the episode below and listen to the podcast to capture all of the great advice Rose shared from her inspiring career.

• The Power of Mentorship: Rose's path to office began with a loss, a school board race she almost let stop her entirely. It was a mentor who picked her back up and pointed her toward a county commissioner seat she'd never even considered. That experience shaped how Rose shows up for others today. She actively mentors current and aspiring leaders, from former county staff to young legislators, reminding us that mentorship doesn't have to be formal to be transformative.
  
  
• Listen First, Lead Better: One of Rose's biggest takeaways from serving as Minority Leader? Politicians talk too much and listen too little. Whether it was working across the aisle, managing a caucus, or simply hearing what her constituents needed, Rose found that pausing to truly listen, rather than waiting for her turn to speak, made her a more effective and trusted leader.

• Moms Belong in Office: Rose was pregnant with her first child during her very first campaign for county commissioner. While some questioned whether she should continue running, Rose showed up and never looked back. She makes it clear that young moms bring perspectives to the table that policy desperately needs. Rather than seeing motherhood as a barrier to public service, Rose sees it as a qualification.

• Know Your Why: When asked what advice she'd give to anyone considering running for office, Rose's answer was to know why you're doing it. For her, the answer has always been service. That clarity of purpose is what carries her through the hard days on the campaign trail, the long nights away from her kids, and the moments when the weight of leadership feels heaviest.

If you're considering a run for office, remember that representation matters. Your unique perspective and lived experience can inspire others and bring new voices into the political process. WPLN is here to help you get there! Explore free candidate training resources on our website and check out our upcoming events where you can register for virtual and in-person programs and connect with a national network of women leaders.

Check out the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rose Pugliese is a single mom raising two children on her own. She started in politics as a grassroots activist and was elected to Mesa County Commissioner (Colorado) in 2012. After terming out of office in 2021, Rose moved to Colorado Springs and was elected to the Colorado State House, where she served as the twice-elected Minority Leader. Rose is back in Mesa County with her children and is running for Mesa County Treasurer. She currently has her own practice where she works as a County Attorney for multiple rural counties.

Connect with Rose on Linkedin.

WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.