Tips From The Trail

Moms on the Trail: Motherhood, Military Service, and Running for Office with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans

What does it take to bring real-world experience, military service, motherhood, and public service together? In this special Mother's Day episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to discuss her path from Navy helicopter pilot and geriatric nurse practitioner to elected office. Congresswoman Kiggans shares how her family and background in service shaped her decision to run, what it's like to navigate public life while raising children, and why women's lived experiences matter at decision-making tables. Tune in for a conversation on civility, resilience, family priorities, and why building a career rooted in service can prepare women to lead. -- Join WPLN and Level Up in Philadelphia on June 4–5, 2026 for our 2026 National Summit [https://womenspublicleadership.net/events/fifth-annual-national-summit] at the historic Union League of Philadelphia as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit Learn more and register at womenspublicleadership.net/events [http://womenspublicleadership.net/events] -- WPLN is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.

Moms on the Trail: Navigating Running for Office and Raising Children with Rose Pugliese

What does it look like to balance motherhood and public service? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder and President Larissa Martinez sits down with former Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese for a candid conversation about raising children while serving in elected office. Rose shares what it was like to campaign while pregnant, bring a baby on the trail, and navigate the realities of leadership as a single mom in public life. Tune in to hear her insights on building a strong support system, setting boundaries, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and why knowing your "why" is essential for any woman considering a run for office. -- Join WPLN on April 17 for our Women's Political Leadership Training [https://womenspublicleadership.net/events/wpln-mcallen-texas] at Casa de Palmas in McAllen, Texas. This half-day experience is designed to equip, inspire, and connect current and aspiring women leaders in the Rio Grande Valley who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-political-leadership-training-tickets-1908417651569 Join WPLN and Level Up in Philadelphia on June 4–5, 2026 for our 2026 National Summit [https://womenspublicleadership.net/events/fifth-annual-national-summit] at the historic Union League of Philadelphia as we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit Learn more and register at womenspublicleadership.net/events [https://womenspublicleadership.net/events]. -- WPLN is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.

Women's History Month: Why Women's Voices Matter In Local Politics with Amber Benzon

"People can't achieve what they can't see." In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Amber Benzon, President and Founder of Level Up, to celebrate Women's History Month with a powerful conversation about why women's voices matter in politics — and what it takes to step into leadership with confidence. Tune in to hear how women across the aisle are collaborating to advance legislation, why governance is stronger when it reflects the full diversity of our communities, and how the journey from local to federal office starts with one bold step. Learn more about Level Up at www.lvlupwomen.org [https://www.lvlupwomen.org]. Learn more about WPLN and register for events at womenspublicleadership.net [http://womenspublicleadership.net/] WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.

Running for Local Office: Advice For First-Time Candidates with Council Member Mary Nan Huffman

How do you balance family life with running for office? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez is joined by guest co-host Sara Marie Ridley, Growth Strategist at Numinar, to discuss tips and tricks for running for local office with Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman. Tune in for a candid episode on what it's like to include your family on the campaign trail, the importance of finding routines that keep you grounded, and why hustle beats money every time. A must-listen for women exploring a run for local office. Register for upcoming events at https://womenspublicleadership.net/events [https://womenspublicleadership.net/events] Mary Nan Huffman was sworn in as Council Member for District G on the morning of February 2, 2022, after winning a special election. Prior to serving on Houston City Council, Huffman spent 10 years as a prosecutor in the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, quickly rising to become Chief Felony Prosecutor in the Child Exploitation Division and over the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division. She brings her background as a law-and-order prosecutor to City Hall with a focus on keeping neighborhoods safe and city government free from corruption. In 2024, Huffman was re-elected to continue serving the people of District G for another four-year term. Sara Marie Ridley is a Growth Strategist with Numinar, a tech political startup. She previously served as State Strategist for Majority Strategies, working with campaigns across Texas, New Mexico, and several other states. Before that, she was Deputy Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Rick Perry and spent a decade in Texas politics and campaigns. A Texas native, she earned her degrees from Fordham University in New York City and now lives in West Austin with her husband Brent and their sons, Danny and Jett. WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.

Why I Ran for Office (And Why You Should Too!) with Montana Representative Courtenay Sprunger

What does it take to turn big ideas into real legislative change? In the Season 2 premiere of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Montana State Representative Courtenay Sprunger about the mental discipline required to take risks, the power of saying "yes" to leadership opportunities, and how to build the credibility needed to pass meaningful legislation. Courtenay shares practical advice on overcoming the confidence gap and why asking questions is the secret to effective advocacy. Whether you're considering your first run or looking to strengthen your leadership skills, this episode offers actionable insights for women in public service. -- This month, join our How to Lead in Local Office Series—a virtual training perfect for newly elected officials or anyone considering serving in public office. Secure your spot today: womenspublicleadership.net/events [https://womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit] In 2026, we're launching State Impact Councils to bring together organizations and leaders committed to expanding opportunities for women in public service. Get involved: womenspublicleadership.net/state-impact-councils [https://womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit] Join us in Philadelphia for our 2026 National Summit! Connect with women leaders from across the country and grow your leadership skills June 4-5, 2026. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit [https://womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit] Check out what WPLN is reading, watching, and listening to this month on our blog: womenspublicleadership.net/blog [https://womenspublicleadership.net/blog/what-wpln-is-reading-watching-listening-to-and-excited-for-december-2025] -- WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.