Tips From The Trail

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Tips From The Trail is revisiting a conversation with Sandra Benitez, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, about what it takes to build and lead a strong campaign team.

WPLN is taking a brief break from our regularly scheduled episodes as we coordinate with upcoming guests, but we'll be back soon with brand-new conversations. In the meantime, we're excited to bring back this episode featuring one of WPLN's longtime partners and supporters.

In this replay, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez talks with Sandra about assembling the right campaign team, hiring people with integrity, leading with authenticity, and creating a culture that empowers staff to succeed. Sandra also shares practical insights from more than a decade of experience in policy, advocacy, and political campaigns.

Whether you're considering a run for office, building your campaign team, or looking for ways to become a stronger leader, this conversation offers practical lessons worth revisiting.

We're grateful for The LIBRE Initiative's continued partnership with WPLN and excited to highlight Sandra's insights again during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Learn more about WPLN's free candidate training resources and upcoming events at womenspublicleadership.net.

Stay tuned for new episodes of Tips From The Trail coming soon!

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.

What does it take to win a competitive campaign when your opponent raises three times as much money and earns nearly every endorsement? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, recorded at WPLN's 2026 National Summit in Philadelphia, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with Kentucky State Representative Vanessa Grossl to discuss how grassroots organizing, community relationships, and an authentic message helped her overcome the odds.

Vanessa shares how her mother's journey from Head Start student to school superintendent inspired her to run, why knocking thousands of doors made the difference in a closely divided district, and how she has turned constituent concerns into meaningful legislative action. Tune in for practical insights on fundraising, mentorship, bipartisan collaboration, balancing public service with family and business, and why women should embrace the opportunities that make them uncomfortable.

Learn more about WPLN's free candidate training resources and upcoming events at womenspublicleadership.net.

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.

What happens when you say yes to an opportunity you never expected? In this special live episode of Tips From The Trail, recorded at WPLN's 2026 National Summit in Philadelphia, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair to discuss her unexpected path into public office and what she's learned from leading at the highest levels of state government.

From running for local office as a young mom to becoming the first woman to serve as President of the Iowa Senate, Amy shares why embracing uncomfortable opportunities, leading with confidence, and saying "yes" can open doors you never imagined. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about motherhood, leadership, public service, and why women shouldn't wait until they feel ready to lead.

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WPLN's National Summit brings together women from across the country to build leadership skills, expand their networks, and explore opportunities for public service. Join us in Washington, D.C. for our 2027 National Summit.

Learn more about WPLN and upcoming events at womenspublicleadership.net

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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.

What is the state of women's representation in America today—and what will it take to bring more women into public leadership? In this special episode of Tips From The Trail, we share the opening session of WPLN's 2026 National Summit in Philadelphia, where WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez is joined by Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University, and Amanda Iovino of Pantheon Insight for a data-driven conversation about women in politics. Together, they explore the latest trends in women's representation, why women are still underrepresented at nearly every level of government, and what research tells us about recruitment, voter perceptions, and leadership. Tune in to hear why representation matters, how women's lived experiences shape policymaking, and what steps we can take to build the next generation of women leaders. -- WPLN's National Summit brings together women from across the country to build leadership skills, expand their networks, and explore opportunities for public service. Join us in Washington, D.C. for our 2027 National Summit. Learn more about WPLN and upcoming events at womenspublicleadership.net -- 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.

What does it take to bring real-world experience, military service, motherhood, and public service together? In this special Mother's Day episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to discuss her path from Navy helicopter pilot and geriatric nurse practitioner to elected office. Congresswoman Kiggans shares how her family and background in service shaped her decision to run, what it's like to navigate public life while raising children, and why women's lived experiences matter at decision-making tables. Tune in for a conversation on civility, resilience, family priorities, and why building a career rooted in service can prepare women to lead.

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Join WPLN and Level Up in Philadelphia on June 4–5, 2026 for our 2026 National Summit at the historic Union League of Philadelphia as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit

Learn more and register at womenspublicleadership.net/events

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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.

What does it look like to balance motherhood and public service? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with former Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese for a candid conversation about raising children while serving in elected office. Rose shares what it was like to campaign while pregnant, bring a baby on the trail, and navigate the realities of leadership as a single mom in public life. Tune in to hear her insights on building a strong support system, setting boundaries, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and why knowing your "why" is essential for any woman considering a run for office.

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Join WPLN on April 17 for our Women's Political Leadership Training at Casa de Palmas in McAllen, Texas. This half-day experience is designed to equip, inspire, and connect current and aspiring women leaders in the Rio Grande Valley who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-political-leadership-training-tickets-1908417651569

Join WPLN and Level Up in Philadelphia on June 4–5, 2026 for our 2026 National Summit at the historic Union League of Philadelphia as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit

Learn more and register at womenspublicleadership.net/events.

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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.

"People can't achieve what they can't see." In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Amber Benzon, President and Founder of Level Up, to celebrate Women's History Month with a powerful conversation about why women's voices matter in politics — and what it takes to step into leadership with confidence. Tune in to hear how women across the aisle are collaborating to advance legislation, why governance is stronger when it reflects the full diversity of our communities, and how the journey from local to federal office starts with one bold step.

Learn more about Level Up at www.lvlupwomen.org. Learn more about WPLN and register for events at womenspublicleadership.net

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.

How do you balance family life with running for office? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez is joined by guest co-host Sara Marie Ridley, Growth Strategist at Numinar, to discuss tips and tricks for running for local office with Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman. Tune in for a candid episode on what it's like to include your family on the campaign trail, the importance of finding routines that keep you grounded, and why hustle beats money every time. A must-listen for women exploring a run for local office.

Register for upcoming events at https://womenspublicleadership.net/events

Mary Nan Huffman was sworn in as Council Member for District G on the morning of February 2, 2022, after winning a special election. Prior to serving on Houston City Council, Huffman spent 10 years as a prosecutor in the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, quickly rising to become Chief Felony Prosecutor in the Child Exploitation Division and over the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division. She brings her background as a law-and-order prosecutor to City Hall with a focus on keeping neighborhoods safe and city government free from corruption.

In 2024, Huffman was re-elected to continue serving the people of District G for another four-year term.

Sara Marie Ridley is a Growth Strategist with Numinar, a tech political startup. She previously served as State Strategist for Majority Strategies, working with campaigns across Texas, New Mexico, and several other states.

Before that, she was Deputy Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Rick Perry and spent a decade in Texas politics and campaigns.

A Texas native, she earned her degrees from Fordham University in New York City and now lives in West Austin with her husband Brent and their sons, Danny and Jett.

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.

What does it take to turn big ideas into real legislative change? In the Season 2 premiere of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Montana State Representative Courtenay Sprunger about the mental discipline required to take risks, the power of saying "yes" to leadership opportunities, and how to build the credibility needed to pass meaningful legislation. Courtenay shares practical advice on overcoming the confidence gap and why asking questions is the secret to effective advocacy. Whether you're considering your first run or looking to strengthen your leadership skills, this episode offers actionable insights for women in public service.

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This month, join our How to Lead in Local Office Series—a virtual training perfect for newly elected officials or anyone considering serving in public office. Secure your spot today: womenspublicleadership.net/events

In 2026, we're launching State Impact Councils to bring together organizations and leaders committed to expanding opportunities for women in public service. Get involved: womenspublicleadership.net/state-impact-councils

Join us in Philadelphia for our 2026 National Summit! Connect with women leaders from across the country and grow your leadership skills June 4-5, 2026. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit

Check out what WPLN is reading, watching, and listening to this month on our blog: womenspublicleadership.net/blog

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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.

What do you do after losing an election? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Georgia State Representative Soo Hong about how she turned loss into victory. Soo shares her experience losing her first race, the lessons she learned from disappointment, and the strategies that helped her bounce back and win her seat in 2022. Learn about the importance of year-round constituent engagement, building trust across party lines, and how representation can mobilize first-time voters. Whether you're considering your first run or planning a comeback, this episode offers practical advice for women candidates.

Learn more about WPLN at womenspublicleadership.net