WeLead Team 4

WeLead successfully positions young professional women to serve in a political leadership position by gaining the confidence and skills to run for office or run a campaign through a combination of research, tactical skills, and best practices in Communications, Fundraising, Campaign Management and more. WeLead also provides an expansive and supportive network of expert practitioners and alumni.

Only with your help can the Women & Politics Institute continue to provide practical training to encourage more women to become involved in the political process, conduct more research, convene more special events, and ensure that more women have a seat at all of the tables, where the most important decisions are made.

Thank you so much for your support. Together, we will change the face of politics!

Kailynn Cummings
Elizabeth Cooper
Katherine Ryan

ABOUT THE TEAM

Kailynn Cummings is a qualified higher education professional, and well respected servant leader that began her career in the public service as an Americorps Vista for the GEAR UP Program at Western Michigan University. A Michigan Girls State Alum and former Legislative Intern in the Office of Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence. Kailynn attributes her career success in Washington, D.C. to the post-secondary education leaders she’s learned from and federal officials she’s served.

Prior to working in the Biden-Harris Administration, she was a College Access and Success Consultant for Strategic Community Partners in Detroit, Michigan. In 2021, she co-authored a Tri-County Future Ready Communities Strategic Plan. The initiative was awarded $5.7 million dollars from the Balmer Group, and the Superintendent of Detroit Public School Community District implemented the program in all DPSCD High Schools.

At her core Kailynn Cummings is an academic. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Western Michigan University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with a K-12 Administration Certificate from Wayne State University, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program at Ferris State University. Kailynn believes her role in state & federal government is to ensure that students and families have quality education, affordable housing, and good health care.

Elizabeth Cooper is a dedicated public servant with a passion to help Americans thrive. She currently serves as a Legislative Correspondent/Legislative Aide in the Office of Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton and has worked with the Wexton team to pass legislation to fund pediatric cancer research, create a comprehensive national plan to treat and cure Parkinson’s disease, protect women and families, and even the playing field for women in the federal workforce. She previously worked for Senator Tammy Baldwin where she acted as a liaison between the office and the constituents of Wisconsin and created an internship program designed to uplift and provide opportunities for students interested in public service. She aims for her career path to be focused on the protection of people and the environment, and is working to ensure that women’s voices are present in all spaces where decisions are made about our future.

Katherine Ryan is a dedicated professional with expertise in security policy and government affairs. Katherine is jumpstarting her career in technology and acquisition consulting for Dcode, helping streamline government processes and connecting small businesses to government contracting opportunities. Previously, she was a national security analyst at The American Legion, where she led initiatives on immigration, U.S. humanitarian and military strategies in Africa, and the role of artificial intelligence in defense policy. Katherine has played a key role in drafting grassroots campaigns and developing policies on transnational crime in the Americas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Spanish, graduating magna cum laude from Rhodes College. Katherine is passionate about fostering international cooperation and advancing U.S. strategic interests to ensure the prosperity of the homefront.