GTAZ Welcomes Women in Politics Delegation During Women’s History Month
This Women’s History Month, Global Ties Arizona had the opportunity to host a Women in Politics Delegation traveling through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program. Thanks to our local partners, women hailing from Brazil, Bulgaria, Dominican Republic, Eswatini, Israel, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa examined the participation of women leaders at the city level in Arizona, learned about the role that women’s organizations take in shaping political dialogue and gained an understanding of effective interaction and support among women across various sectors, explored initiatives and legislation that address women’s needs in the social arena including health care, employment, education and child care; and mingled with women locally to understand women’s political and civic interest and contributions to broader policy issues such as legislation that affects foreign and economic policy.
Exploring Women’s Roles in Arizona’s Politics
Upon their arrival in Phoenix, the delegation was first greeted by the City of Phoenix Mayor, Kate Gallego. Mayor Gallego shared with the women about her path to office: explaining how she came from an environmental background and ran because she wanted to see change in her community. Mayor Gallego discussed the city’s commission on women’s issues, and topics it addresses, such as pay equity. She also talked about other Phoenix initiatives related to bioscience and healthcare, climate change and water, and how she connects with citizens about these and other issues through social media and neighborhood meetings.
Next, the delegation visited the Arizona Foundation for Women to meet Ms. Mesha Davis, CEO, and Ms. Tricia Livermore, She Leads! Program Director. Ms. Davis and Ms. Livermore shared an overview of the organization and insights into their nine-month training curriculum that focuses on foundations of leadership, confidence, growth-oriented thinking, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.
The group continued their exploration of Arizona’s women and political landscape with a meeting at Arizona Town Hall with Ms. Tara Jackson, President, and Ms. Mary Grier, retired attorney and volunteer. Ms. Jackson provided an overview of the research and policy development efforts of Arizona Town Hall, and how they work to increase equity for Arizonans to empower citizens and communities to maximize their potential.
The Worldly Women Collective, a Phoenix-based group designed for fellowship and mentorship amongst globally-minded women and program of Global Ties Arizona, hosted a networking event with the delegation, featuring remarks from Councilwoman Christine Ellis of the City of Chandler around the role of women in positions of public office, followed by introductions of each delegate. The women networked and connected with attendees including Global Ties Arizona Board members, local partners, volunteers, and Worldly Women members.
The women had the opportunity to meet Councilmember Christine Ellis twice, with the second time being at Chandler City Hall. Councilmember Ellis shared her journey to city government and the different challenges she faces as the first Black woman to serve on the Chandler City Council. She exchanged powerful words of encouragement and wisdom with the delegation and followed up the meeting with a tour of Chandler City Hall.
The delegation also met Glendale City Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff for lunch at the Thunderbird Pub at Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU. Councilwoman Tolmachoff shared how the recent superbowl brought awareness to the city of Glendale,
Discussed the homelessness issues in the city and safety procedures in place for some women in politics.
To end the programmatic portion of their visit, the delegation visited the Arizona Capitol Museum and received a tour that focused on women’s suffrage in Arizona.
Sedona and Home Hospitality Visits
After a successful program, the women closed out their visit with a day-trip up to Sedona.
And to round out the group’s time in Arizona, the women were kindly hosted by Chris & Trista Glover, and Camilla Innes. During their home hospitality visits, the ladies were able to experience what a casual, in-home dinner might be like over conversations with our considerate hospitality hosts.
“All of a sudden, sitting around my dining room table with 5 women from different countries and continents and sharing our work and personal life experiences made the world feel so much smaller. It also made me realize how much we can all learn from each other and how much we have in common too. It has made me curious to learn more about their countries and policies and how we can help each other. I look forward to hosting more groups at my home in the future.””