The Program
Emerge is offering a one-of-a-kind advanced candidate leadership program for Black women elected officials who aspire to run for higher office. Seated Together is focused specifically on the unique challenges Black women face as they seek to deepen their impact and move up the political pipeline. Through training and practice, participants will build a network and learn the skills they need to run for higher office – and win.
Each cohort meets for two to three hours a month for six months. Additionally, there will be in-person programming in Washington, D.C. in the days leading up to Congressional Black Caucus week. The program will cover the following topics, facilitated by top talents in Democratic politics:
Welcome to Emerge
Preparing to Run for Higher Office
Scaling Up Your Operations
Outreach Priorities
Authentic Messaging
Next Level Fundraising
Field At Scale
Media and Press
Endorsements and Political Relationships
This programming will be specific to the needs of Black women elected officials who aspire to run for higher office.
Application Process
The 2023 application process for Seated Together has now closed. Stay tuned for our 2024 application dates this fall.
The Second Cohort
The 2023 cohort of Seated Together:
- District Attorney Sherry Boston, Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit (Dekalb County), Georgia
- Former At-Large City Councilmember Tameika Isaac Devine, Columbia, South Carolina
- State Rep. Denise Ennett, District 80, Arkansas
- City Councilmember Marchè Johnson, District 3, Montgomery, Alabama
- State Rep. LaKeshia Myers, District 12, Wisconsin
- Michigan State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh
- State Rep. Diamond Staton-Williams, District 73, North Carolina
- State Rep. Jamila Taylor, District 30, Washington state
- State Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, District 20, Maryland
- City Councilmember Carolyn Wysinger, El Cerrito, California
- State Rep. Regina G. Young, District 185, Pennsylvania
The Inaugural Cohort
The 2022 inaugural cohort of Seated Together:
- Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, U.S. Congress (OH-13) & Former House Democratic Leader, OH
- State Rep. Janelle Bynum, OR
- State Rep. Leslie Herod, Black Caucus Chair, CO
- House Speaker Joanna McClinton, PA House of Representatives
- State Sen. London Lamar, TN
- State Sen. Dallas Harris, NV
Each of these women are already leaders in their communities and creating positive change. We are honored to have them in our inaugural cohort.
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