FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women’s political organization celebrates one year and numerous successes
LEAD (Leaders Engaged and Determined) to hold anniversary event
Saturday, November 18, 3-5 p.m. at Icon Lounge
November 14, 2017 – LEAD, which stands for Leaders Engaged and Determined, will celebrate a year of getting more women involved in the political process and look ahead to the 2018 election. What started as a response to the 2016 elections has evolved into an organization that recruits, educates, and supports women and minorities getting more involved in local and state politics.
“We know that diversity creates success, whether in business, on boards or in the legislature. More voices at the table result in new ideas, creative solutions. We just want to support candidates that lend some fresh ideas to South Dakota’s most challenging issues.” Susan Kroger, Co-Founder LEAD
In the year since its inception LEAD has built its online following to over 2400, been featured in the Washington Post, added a Brookings chapter, held dozens of events, and started candidate training with 17 members ready to run in local and state elections next year.
“When we decided to start this whole thing, we had no idea what to expect. After having our initial meeting with an attendance of over 100 women we knew there was a passion for creating change. A year later, that passion has only gotten stronger. It’s been amazing.” Carmen Toft, Co-Founder LEAD
Susan Kroger and board member Kelly Sullivan will host the anniversary event. Meet the candidates that LEAD is working with and hear Jolene Loetscher—Sioux Falls’ only female mayoral candidate—speak about why she decided to run. “Still Fired Up” will include raffles and other opportunities to support the organization as they head into year two.
“As we work to build the next generation of public servants and leaders, I’m grateful for organizations like LEAD, that invest in building the diversity of voices and candidates in Sioux Falls and across our state and encourage visionary leaders to come forward and serve.” Jolene Loetscher, Sioux Falls Mayoral Candidate
LEAD has no intention of slowing down. They hope new members of the community will join them Saturday and consider getting involved.
“My hope is that we have a bunch of new people who have never engaged with LEAD, who maybe have never been involved in the political process, but are being pulled to do so now, and that they will join us,” Kroger said
For more information, contact Susan Kroger at 319-404-8368 or susanckroger@gmail.com
Or Carmen Toft at 605-630-1867 or carmentoft@gmail.com