Twenty-two graduates completed the in-depth training program for Democratic women
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Today, Emerge Pennsylvania held a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate the sixth cohort to complete the program. The 22 graduates from the 2021 cohort will continue to be a part of the Emerge network, which consists of over 150 alumnae, 40 of whom are currently serving in elected office, including 10 women in the State Legislature.
Running for office as a woman comes with a unique set of challenges, in addition to the unique circumstances that come along with running for office during a pandemic. The 2021 cohort met virtually one weekend per month beginning in March for training on how to run successful campaigns for office at any level in the state. The participants received in-depth training in real time as well as the opportunity to offer each other support, feedback and encouragement.
“Building a network of support feels even more important when we are all working remotely and tackling new challenges related to the pandemic,” said Emerge Pennsylvania Executive Director, Rebecca McNichol. “Peer feedback and encouragement is so important when we are training for skills such as public speaking, communications, fundraising, and developing grassroots campaigns.”
Eight members of the 2021 class are putting their training to use in their own elections this year for local positions such as mayor, district attorney, school board, and city council.
“One of the great things about a statewide program is seeing our alumnae run for positions at all levels of government,” said McNichol. “Our alumnae are changing the face of leadership in communities all across Pennsylvania.”
The Emerge Pennsylvania 2021 Cohort includes:
Adrienne King, Bucks Co*
Antonetta Stancu, Bucks Co*
Audrey Ware, Montgomery Co*
Bernadette Hannah-Barone, Bucks Co*
Carol Taylor, Blair Co
Darlene Yanakos, Allegheny Co
Elizabeth Throesch, Allegheny Co
Hope E Christman, Monroe Co
Jacqueline Santos-Rocco, Montgomery Co
Janee Taft, Philadelphia Co
Jannie Lau, Delaware Co
Karen Mallah, Cumberland Co*
Kathryn DiVittorio, Erie Co
Kearni Warren, Delaware Co
Kenyada Posey, Philadelphia Co
Kimberly Koch, Montgomery Co
Lillian DeBaptise, Chester Co*
Millicent Bond, Philadelphia Co
Monet Reilly, Delaware Co*
Sarah Tarlow, Montgomery Co
Taiba Sultana, Northampton Co*
Tiffany Haley, Delaware Co
*Running for office in 2021
Media Contact: Rebecca McNichol | Rebecca@emergepa.org c. 267-239-3399
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Emerge Pennsylvania empowers Democratic women leaders who reflect the communities they serve to run for elected office — and WIN. Emerge Pennsylvania’s signature program is a 6-month, intensive training program for Democratic self-identified women who are planning to run for elected office. The program was co-founded by PA State Representatives Tina Davis and Mary Jo Daley in 2015. For more information, visit pa.emergeamerica.org.