As a Nonprofit Management Fellow with WPLN, I’ve had a front-row seat to the transformative work the organization does. I’ve seen the mission in action: the training, the community, and the genuine commitment to getting more women involved in politics and leadership across sectors.
I’m a college student graduating this May, so I’m at that exciting, slightly terrifying crossroads where everything is about to begin. Attending WPLN’s 2025 Summit didn’t just inspire me, it gave me a clear picture of the kind of leader I want to become and the network that exists to help me get there. Having the opportunity to experience WPLN's National Summit right in my hometown of Orlando, Florida last summer felt like the perfect full-circle moment.
More Than a Conference
Before attending, I wondered if a summit like this was really “for me.” I wasn’t an elected official. I didn’t have a decade of political experience. I was just a young woman who cared deeply about public service and wanted to learn.
What I found was that WPLN doesn’t just welcome women at the top of their careers, but they actively invest in women at every stage. From top strategists to first-time volunteers, every level of leadership was represented and a diversity of voices were elevated and heard. The experience showed me that you don’t need a title to start leading.
What I Took Away (and Still Carry With Me)
The sessions at WPLN’s Summit were practical, tactical, and honest. Women shared real stories about the barriers they faced, the networks that lifted them, and the moments they decided to stop waiting for permission. A few lessons that stayed with me:
Confidence is a skill, not a personality trait: Women at every level spoke about building confidence intentionally and modeling it for the next generation.
Tactical, real-world training: The sessions weren’t just motivational, they were practical. How to build your brand. How to navigate public service. How to step into leadership even when you don’t feel ready.
The power of being seen: There is something deeply validating about being in a space designed specifically to elevate women like you. It shifts something in how you see yourself and what you believe is possible.
Why Young Women Need to Be in the Room
Here’s what I wish more young women understood: The women leading the conversations at these summits want you there. They’re not just building their own legacies, they’re looking for the next generation to pass the torch to. But that only works if we show up.
Being the youngest person in a room of accomplished women might feel intimidating, but it’s an opportunity that you can’t pass up. Every question you ask, every connection you make, every session you attend is an investment in the leader you’re becoming.
The Next Summit Is in Philadelphia, And You Should Be There
WPLN’s Fifth National Summit is coming to Philadelphia this June and it’s exactly the kind of experience that can redirect your path in the best way possible. Whether you’re exploring a career in public service, considering a run for office, or simply want to connect with a national network of driven, like-minded women, this summit is built for you. Secure your spot today!
You’ll walk away with practical leadership skills, mentorship connections, and a community of women who will champion you long after the conference ends. As someone who experienced it firsthand: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Show up now. The room is better because you’re in it.