Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to launch a new podcast featuring Founder & President Larissa Martinez. Through twelve episodes, we will explore the path to political office, from the decision to run, to election day. This program features women leaders who are working in or around politics or have run for office, revealing their best tips and tricks for success.
Visit defendcampaigns.org to view free resources and take the first step to protect yourself and your campaign.
EPISODE 9 | Protect Your Campaign: Michael Kaiser on Digital Security for Women Running for Office
What cyber threats will you actually face as a candidate, and how can you protect your campaign without breaking the bank? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Michael Kaiser, President & CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, to break down practical cybersecurity strategies for women running for office. Learn why passkeys are the #1 security step you must take, how to create a culture of cybersecurity in your campaign, and what mistakes to avoid in high-risk environments. This episode is essential for candidates who want to understand risk management, protect campaign data, and secure their digital presence without overwhelming their budget or team.
ABOUT YOUR HOST: LARISSA MARTINEZ
Larissa Martinez is Founder and President of Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN). In this role, she uses her two decades of experience as a political strategist to help women across the country get involved in politics and be effective leaders. Larissa has worked on campaigns at every level, mainly for women candidates and she is the co-author of a children’s book, “My Mommy Is a Candidate.”
A political entrepreneur, Larissa also founded WPLN Action, Catalyst PAC, the Lion Leadership Fund and currently also runs Keeper Strategies LLC. Previously, Larissa served as a Senior Government Relations Professional at Invariant and worked as a senior advisor to three U.S. Senators. She received an MPA in Public Administration and Political Management from the University of Southern California and is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia. Larissa is also an Advisory Board Member, IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network; an AEI LN member; former member, Trump Presidential Transition Team, Vice Chair, UGA SPIA Alumni Board, and adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco.
TIPS FROM THE TRAIL SEASON 1
Check out all of our episodes on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts!
EPISODE 1
Why Women Lead: Mimi Walters on Overcoming Fear and Running for Office
Ever wonder what it takes to run for office? In WPLN's debut podcast episode, Former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters shares her journey and path to political office, how she conquered her fears and and strategies for building consensus in elected office.
EPISODE 2
Bridging the Confidence Gap: Valerie Dowling on Owning Expertise & Leading with Purpose
What is the Confidence Gap, and how does it affect women in leadership? WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez and Valerie Dowling, Vice Chair, WPLN Board of Directors, dive into why it's not only important to lead with competence, but also with confidence.
EPISODE 3
Finding Your Why: Maralyn Beck on Purpose-Driven Leadership
EPISODE 4
Balancing Motherhood and Public Office: Jennifer Nassour on Running for City Council
Join us for a special "Mother's Day" episode with Jennifer Nassour on running for City Council and motherhood. We delve into her experiences both on the campaign trail and off, the role of her support system during the journey, and her advice for other women considering taking that next step.
EPISODE 5
Building a Support System for Women in Leadership: Advice for Families and Partners
In this episode, Larissa is joined by Joel Noyes, Chair of WPLN’s Board of Directors. Joel and Larissa share practical advice for preparing support systems for public leadership challenges and how families, partners, and friends can better understand and provide support for women leaders.
EPISODE 6
How to Build Your Brand: June Cutter on Visibility, Messaging, and Fundraising
EPISODE 7
Fundraise for Your First Campaign: Danielle Bradley on Building a Winning Strategy
Ready to tackle fundraising for your first campaign? WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez sits down with Danielle Bradley, lobbyist and consultant with The Montana Group, to break down essential fundraising strategies for first-time candidates.
EPISODE 8
Building the Dream Team: Sandra Benitez on Campaign Leadership
How do you build a winning team? Larissa Martinez talks with Sandra Benitez from the LIBRE Initiative about what it takes to assemble a strong team. Sandra shares insights on including diverse voices, leading with authenticity, and creating supportive environments.
EPISODE 9
Protect Your Campaign: Michael Kaiser on Digital Security
What cyber threats will you actually face as a candidate, and how can you protect your campaign without breaking the bank? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez and Michael Kaiser, President & CEO of DDC, break down practical cybersecurity strategies for women running for office.