About Us

Check out our 2025 Annual Report for more information on WPLN's programs and goals.

How is WPLN funded and by whom?
WPLN is a 501(c)(3)-designated nonprofit funded by individuals like you, corporations, and foundations. To date, we have received generous support from Democracy Fund, Pivotal Ventures, Hess Corporation, Verizon, and others. We are actively seeking corporate and foundation partners to support our ongoing efforts to produce and distribute resources to women wherever they are in their political journey.
When was WPLN founded and by whom?
The organization was initially cofounded in 2017 by Larissa Martinez, Rina Shah, and Cameron Kilberg as Women’s Influencer Network (WIN).  Through the hard work of an active and dedicated board, their vision gave birth in 2019 to Women’s Public Leadership Network with an expanded commitment to building a pipeline of women entering public service and running for office through a combination of trainings and grants, and access to a nationwide network of organizations, practitioners, and individual members.
Is there a specific or general platform of issues that WPLN supports or focuses on?
We do not take specific policy positions or support specific political platforms. Our organization’s priority is equipping and inspiring women who seek pragmatic commonsense solutions to enter public office and be effective advocates for the policies and platforms that matter most to them and their communities.
How can an organization be nonpartisan and right-leaning?
When we say center- and right-leaning, right of center, or center-right, we are referring to ideology, not political parties. We are a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we do not take any specific policy positions or endorse any candidates, nor do we directly endorse, engage, or affiliate with any political parties.

And while it is no secret that women remain underrepresented in political leadership, the data supports that there is a lack of center- and right-leaning women in public office. In fact, a 2021 Gallup poll found that 69% of women identified their political ideology as conservative or moderate. Yet in Congress, only one out of every four women lean right. WPLN is working to address that imbalance by training and equipping women from across the political spectrum to serve in public life, so that all women’s voices are represented.
Who is a center-right woman?
Center- and right-leaning are not partisan terms but are used to identify a certain ideological leaning. A center-right woman self-identifies as seeking commonsense, pragmatic policy solutions and wants to be an effective public servant, not just a politician. We have observed that women who identify as center- and right-leaning in their ideological beliefs experience different challenges than their peers on the left. We want to help address these barriers and encourage more women in leadership roles at every level across the country.
Why was WPLN created? And why does the organization only focus on women?
WPLN was created as a response to the need for educational resources and mentor support in order to mitigate the barriers that are unique to women seeking leadership positions. Across the board, women are being encouraged and empowered by their communities to seek public leadership roles. WPLN provides the resources and support to seize those opportunities. We focus specifically on women because they are underrepresented in policy-making spaces, and we believe that increased diversity among decision-makers and leaders produces better outcomes for all Americans.

WPLN Partners, Practitioners, and Sponsors

How can individuals be involved in WPLN’s work?
  • Practitioners: Issue-area experts that WPLN has vetted and invited to teach online courses or recommend to partner groups as an expert speaker. Practitioners are featured on course materials and the WPLN website. These practitioners are selected by invitation only. If you’d like to be considered, please email us.
  • State Impact Councils: WPLN State Impact Councils bring together organizations, associations, and leaders committed to expanding opportunities for center-right women to lead in public service, business, and community life. These state-based councils strengthen local leadership ecosystems by connecting women to training, mentorship, and networks that give them the tools to lead and make a lasting impact. Click here to apply to be considered for a council in your state.
How can individuals and partners support WPLN's work?
  • Rankin Circle: Our Rankin Circle offers an exclusive opportunity to access our work at the ground level. To show our gratitude and ensure you see how your support impacts our work, Rankin Circle supporters will receive exclusive opportunities, VIP early access to events before announced to the general public, and discounts on events, merchandise, and specialized leadership trainings. Join the Rankin Circle today.
  • Sponsor WPLN: Corporate and nonprofit partners make our mission possible. Partnership with WPLN provides access to our key programs that reach women leaders at every level while showcasing your brand and connecting you with our national network—our team is ready to create a partnership tailored to your goals. View sponsorship opportunities.

Contact & Donations

How can I sign up to receive WPLN emails and updates?

Thanks for your interest in helping women seek public office at every level! To sign up for exclusive updates please visit our contact page and subscribe.

Where can I find out about jobs and internships at WPLN?

We love that you’re interested in joining our team! You can find information about current openings and opportunities to join our team here.

 

How do I make a donation to WPLN? Do you have a PayPal option?

If you would like to contribute, please visit our donation page. All of our website donations are securely processed through Anedot. If you’d like to set up a monthly recurring donation, you can also do this on our website. PayPal donations can be made on Anedot’s secure link. If you have specific questions about your contribution, please contact Anedot Donor Support at (225) 250-1301.

If you’d like to contribute from your donor-advised fund, you may do so by clicking here. Our EIN is 82-3608509.

 

Are donations to Women’s Public Leadership Network tax deductible?

Yes, WPLN is a non-profit organization organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent provided by law.

What is the best way to contact WPLN?

To sign up to receive regular updates, including our monthly newsletter, subscribe here. Media inquiries and speaker requests should be directed to media@womenspublicleadership.net. All other inquiries should be sent to hello@womenspublicleadership.net


 

I have a question about an order I placed in the WPLN store. 

Please visit Bonfire's Buyer Help Center for questions about merchandise purchased through WPLN's Bonfire Store. You can also track your order and request additional help on the Bonfire website.