DURHAM, N.H. - Women lawmakers from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts will kick off a training weekend for Elect Her Leadership Friday, Nov. 6, 2015, from 5-8 pm, in the Memorial Building Union Strafford Room. Hosted by the Women's Studies program at the University of New Hampshire, the multigenerational leadership event is free and open to the public. 

Elected leaders taking part include Maine legislators Bobbi Beavers, Lydia Blume and Patty Hymanson; New Hampshire state representatives Patty Lovejoy, Marjorie Smith, Marcia Moody, and Katherine Prudhomme O'Brien; former state senator Amanda Merrill; and Terie Norelli, former state representative and current president and CEO of the New Hampshire Women's Foundation.

After brief "how I got here" stories from each of the lawmakers, dinner will precede breakout motivational workshops for the 100 plus participants already registered. The unique composition of the attendees marks the special nature of this gathering. UNH Women's Studies students, faculty, staff, other undergrads and grads and feminist community activists in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts represent several generations. The 10-12 discussion groups will include all of these attendees as well as the elected leaders of our adjoining states.

"It is rare that grandmothers and grandchildren can share a table to exchange ideas on what has been and what should be," said Marla Brettschneider, women's studies program coordinator and professor of political science and women's studies. 

Women's studies at UNH is creatively seeking to educate and motivate its students to aspire to leadership positions in both the university and beyond. Faina Bukher, assistant WS coordinator and coordinator for the Social Justice Leadership Project says: "Women are underrepresented in leadership roles and are desperately needed to bring insight and attention to issues impacting all people. We have plenty of potential candidates right here at UNH."

For more information or reservations for this event, contact: Faina.Bukher@unh.edu.