From campaign strategists and media specialists to a diverse roster of elected officials spanning parties and legislative positions, the list of presenters for Fairfield University’s third annual Ready to Run Connecticut women’s campaign training program packs a real political punch.

A reduced early bird registration rate for the nationally affiliated women’s leadership program ends on March 16, 2019, with regular registration available through March 29 at fairfield.edu/R2RCT.

Each of the program’s six workshops employ the expertise, advice, and proven track record of state, local, and regional experts to advance registrants’ political aspirations and equip them with the necessary tools to effectively run for office, work on a political campaign, or become more involved in their local legislation.

Leading the list of this year’s workshop presenters are State Representatives Laura Devlin (R-134) and Brenda Kupchick (R-132), who will deliver the conference’s keynote address. State Senator Marilyn Moore (D-Bridgeport) will join Alexa Mullady, vice chairman for the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Commission; Nancy DiNardo, Democratic National Committee woman; Caitlin Clarkson Pereira, Democratic activist; and Carolyn Vermont '82 MA '84, community liaison for the Bridgeport Mayor’s Office, to provide attendees with a “nuts and bolts” overview of Connecticut’s political party structure and discuss the many ways to get involved in politics, including party activism, political appointments, community advocacy, and more.

Additional presenters include political analyst and GOP strategist Liz Kurantowicz from The Drury Group, who will offer a comprehensive overview on developing and launching a successful campaign plan; Randall Thompson, president of Pulse Communication LLC, who will instruct participants on effective campaign messaging and fundraising; and Jennifer Schneider, vice president of television and digital advertising company Metro Square, who will coach participants on working with the media and executing a multi-media campaign strategy.

“Women attending Ready to Run Connecticut will learn from industry experts on both sides of the aisle and will walk away with insider knowledge and successful strategies to make a difference in their communities and local governments,” explained Gayle Alberda, PhD, assistant professor of politics and Ready to Run Connecticut program coordinator. “From winning legislative seats to engaging in community activism, our presenters have decades of experience under their belts and are dedicated to helping women succeed in the political arena.”

Ready to Run Connecticut is part of the Ready to Run national network of non-partisan political leadership and campaign training programs committed to electing women to public office. Developed by Rutgers University’s Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) in 1998, the program offers women an annual workshop series that equips them with the necessary strategies, knowledge, and networking tools to effectively pursue leadership positions in state and local government. In locations where Ready to Run is currently offered, 70% of all program participants who chose to run for office following their training have successfully won their political races.

For additional program details or to register for this year's conference, visit fairfield.edu/R2RCT.