Dear Reader--
In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, Washington D.C.-based chef and restauranteur José Andrés wrote a powerful blog on the significance of food in our culture. Time and energy are used to make a hot meal, so receiving one means that someone cares about you. Andrés emphasizes that a meal is more than sustenance—it’s a way to connect, celebrate diversity, and foster community. Sharing a meal has the power to unite people and bring hope for a bright future, especially in dark times. RepresentWomen is fighting to build diversity and community in politics by highlighting data-driven solutions for a healthy democracy. Shirley Chisholm needed the bring a folding chair to the table, RepresentWomen hopes for a future where everyone already has a seat.
“Every day we should be thinking about how to make room at the table—pulling up as many chairs as are needed so everyone has a seat.”- José Andrés.
As the holiday season kicks off, let’s gather around the dinner table and celebrate each other. RepresentWomen is reflecting on what makes this time of year special for them and their hopes for the year to come. While there is progress to be made, we won’t stop celebrating each other and the small milestones we reach. In this week’s Weekend Reading, learn more about the team fighting for a fair democracy.
Alissa Bombardier Shaw, Outreach Manager
Alissa with her sisters
My favorite Thanksgiving dish is green bean casserole, but I always loved breaking the bread for the stuffing while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade as a kid!
I am grateful for my two amazing big sisters and all the laughter and joy they bring. They are my best friends in the world and have helped me through the hardest moments of my life. I can call them without fail and leave the conversation feeling lighter. For 2025, I hope we can build a stronger and more unified movement to build a better representative democracy. I am inspired by the resilience of all the women and activists who have come before me as we head into uncertain times.
Arianna Conte, Communications Manager
In 2024, I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to join the RepresentWomen team! I have had a fantastic few months learning about systems strategies to elect women and forming partnerships with new team members. More importantly, I am so thankful to be a part of an organization that prioritizes women and women’s leadership. That focus is giving me hope now during this uneasy time, and through all of the changes and challenges that will come up over the next year. Outside of work, I am so truly lucky to have a strong network of family and friends to rely on for support, laughter, and community.
Marvelous Maeze, Research Associate
My favorite Thanksgiving recipe is herb stuffing—it's the ultimate savory holiday dish! I am grateful to all the women who fought for my rights, paving the way for me to pursue a brighter future. Their courage and determination have given me the opportunity to dream, grow, and make my own path forward. I find inspiration in history. Revisiting the events of the past reminds us that nothing lasts forever, and change is always on the horizon. While some changes can be difficult and even harsh, others bring remediation and progress. This balance of challenge and renewal gives me hope for the future.
Steph Scaglia, Research Manager
As 2024 comes to a close and 2025 approaches, I am grateful for those I love, those I work with, and California’s eternal sunshine. I find hope in history— despite the incredible amount of setbacks humans have faced and caused, progress has been made in many areas, and progress remains possible. Although many of us may not be looking forward to 2025, there is still an opportunity to make positive change, and just that offers light.
Ria Deshmukh, Digital Media Manager
Digital Media Manager Ria Deshmukh at a Friendsgiving in 2019
I am grateful for all the people I can lean on during these difficult times. My family and friends have supported and inspired me to pursue my dreams of building an inclusive and thriving society. To show my love, I am hosting not one but two Thanksgiving parties that will be filled with warm meals, flowing cider, and joy.
In 2025, I hope that people do not lose sight of what is important to them and we work together to create an equitable world despite the adversity we will face.
Thank you,
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P.S.
RepresentWomen dedicated this special edition Weekend Reading to our donors and supporters. 🧡
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us break down barriers to women’s representation. From our table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!