FEMINIST & Emerge Host a Salon Dinner at the 2024 Democratic National Convention
Photography By LeVern A. Danley III — Emerge President A’shanti F. Gholar co-hosted the event with FEMINIST’s Co-founders Aisha Becker-Burrowes and Ky Polanco.
FEMINIST partnered with Emerge, the nation's largest network of women elected officials and candidates, to host a dynamic salon-style at the Democratic National Convention to bring together content creators, changemakers, and political leaders to celebrate feminist leadership and discuss the importance of building feminist political power.
The evening, themed "Beyond Firsts: Building a Legacy of Feminist Leadership," showcased a powerful lineup of Emerge alums who graduated from one of Emerge's training programs that show women how to run for office, and win, including:
Virginia State Senator Danica Roem, Tennessee State Senator London Lamar, Emerge Alum Stephisha Ycoy-Walton candidate for Alameda County School Board, Ellie Sato, candidate for Maine State Representative House District 109, who would be the first East Asian and first Japanese American elected to the Maine state house, RaeShanda Lias-Lockhart, Emerge Kentucky alum who ran for Louisville Metro Council District 2 in 2020.
These trailblazers shared their experiences and insights, highlighting the crucial role of women in shaping policy and driving social change.
Photography by LeVern A. Danley III — Nupol Kiazolu, Kyra Valley, Chelsea Miller, Issa Okamoto, Nadya Okamoto
Emerge President A'shanti F. Gholar co-hosted the Salon dinner and shared about the critical need to empower women to run for office at all levels of government. — Photography by Julie Ann Pixler
“For decades, the indomitable spirit of feminist leaders has been at the heart of progressive politics. Our bodies and voices have served as instruments of change, wielding political power as a tool to transform oppressive systems.”
Photography by Julie Ann Pixler and LeVern A. Danley III
Senator Danica Roem, the first openly transgender state legislator in the country, discussed how her identity has shaped her approach to policymaking and constituent service. Senator London Lamar spoke about her viral moments advocating for maternal health and education funding, demonstrating the power of passionate and authentic leadership.
Photography by Julie Ann Pixler —Nadya Okamoto, Deja Foxx, Issa Okamoto
Photography By LeVern A. Danley III —Nimay Ndolo and Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs
This event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work needed to advance women in politics and the vital role that feminist leadership plays in creating a more just and equitable society. As attendees left inspired and energized, the message was clear: the future of feminist leadership is bright, diverse, and ready to build a more inclusive world for generations to come.
We asked our guests what their superpower was!
Listen back what they had to say. Interviews by Haley Lickstein
Photography by Julie Ann Pixler
