WPI Team

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!

-Betsy Fischer Martin, Julie Russell, and My-Lien Le

About the Team

Betsy Fischer Martin, Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute

Betsy Fischer Martin is an Emmy-winning journalist and TV news executive. Currently she is Executive Director of AU School of Public Affairs' Women & Politics Institute and an SPA Executive in Residence. She is also a former co-host of Bloomberg Politics' Masters in Politics Podcast. She also founded her own consulting business, Fischer Martin Media, where she specializes in providing media training to corporate executives.

Julie Russell, WeLead Program Director

Julie is an experienced consultant with a Master of Science Degree in Economics. She is skilled in communications, event management, fundraising, nonprofit organizations, project management, and strategic planning. She has extensive advocacy, analytical, and sales experience in energy and finance.

My-Lien Le, Associate Director, Women & Politics Institute

My-Lien completed her M.A. in Comparative Politics of Gender & Development from American University in 2010. In 2008, My-Lien received her graduate certificate in Women, Policy & Political Leadership (WPPL) from the Women & Politics Institute. She completed her bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University.