Money and politics are deeply intertwined, their connection shaping  the fabric of our democratic process for decades. Financial contributions are essential and the lifeblood of every political campaign. However, the infusions of millions of dollars into politics at every level of government, brings with it challenges related to transparency, ethics, influence, and more.

The focus of this program is a keynote address by Erin Loos Cutraro, co-founder and CEO of She Should Run, that delves deeply into these complex dynamics. Cutraro shares insights about how politics and power dynamics shape our political options, which often sidelines women candidates and elected officials, especially those in underrepresented communities. She shares insights that underscore the systemic barriers women face in navigating the political landscape and highlights the start disparities in financial backing from PACs and super PACs, revealing a campaign finance system fraught with inequities. Cutraro discusses legislative hurdles that impact women’s daily lives.

This program is valuable and engaging sprinkled with reminders – and new perspectives too – about how money is an integral part of our democracy. By participating you are in a community that values and appreciates women and gender expansive people, fostering meaningful conversations on critical issues during an election season.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Erin Loos Cutraro is the founder and CEO of She Should Run, the trailblazing nonpartisan nonprofit on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of women in American political leadership by shattering barriers and redefining possibilities for women in elected office. Since its inception, She Should Run has become a beacon of empowerment, offering powerful first steps in civic engagement to hundreds of thousands of women from all walks of life whose formidable leadership potential would go otherwise untapped in conventional political recruitment.

Before joining She Should Run, Erin designed and implemented strategic programs for companies, campaigns, and organizations that traverse the public policy, nonprofit, and financial business arenas. As the political director of the Women’s Campaign Fund, Erin advised female candidates at the national, state, and local levels. Before that, she served at an educational nonprofit and in state government in the Office of Missouri’s Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, whom she helped elect statewide as part of Carnahan’s campaign team in 2004.

Erin began her career as a public school teacher and has a life-long dedication to improving the lives of others through learning. She earned an M.A. in Communication from St. Louis University and B.A. in Education from the University of Missouri.

Erin’s two daughters motivate her to champion the systematic and cultural change needed to see gender equality for women and girls in our lifetime.

SIGNATURE PARTNER

1974 PARTNERS

AAUW Milwaukee Branch
Baird
BMO
Camienne Financial
Annette Jacobson
JP Morgan
LEGACY Private Trust Company
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Michael Best
Russ Grabczyk and Julie Ragland
Monica Shah-Davidson
Stamm