Atlanta, GA—Emerge Georgia, the state’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office, announced it has accepted 19 women into the organization’s Class of 2022. This cohort of trailblazing women come from communities across the state and have already proven themselves as leaders and trailblazers with the unique backgrounds, experiences, and identities that make up Georgia. Upon completion of Emerge’s six-month signature program, they will join a powerful sisterhood of 47 Emerge Georgia alums and over 5,000 alums nationwide.
The Class of 2022 represents one of the most diverse classes in Emerge Georgia history with 95% of the cohort being women of the New American Majority–Black, Brown and Indigenous women and women of color, as well as LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women. These women come from communities across Georgia who have been intentionally kept off the decision-making table and will help provide powerful representation both on the ballot and in office as they look to run–and win.
“Emerge Georgia is thrilled to welcome our Class of 2022,” said Maggie Chambers, Executive Director of Emerge Georgia. “These women are already exceptional leaders with unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences across Georgia who are eager to learn how to take their next step into public office and bring these tools and skills back to their communities. At a time when we desperately need more women, especially women in the New American Majority, in our public offices and institutions, our cohort members are stepping up to show the power of women in leadership. We’re incredibly proud of them and can’t wait to help guide them on the next step of their political journey.”
Emerge Georgia Class of 2022:
Sanaa Abrar, Powder Springs
Andrea Alabi, Snellville
Kelly Beaty, Atlanta
LaDena Bolton, Decatur
Mickeayla Brockington, Douglas
Sherrell Byrd, Albany
Denise Cambridge, Columbus
Emily Fultz, Sandy Springs
Nicole Golden, Tucker
Samantha Hudson, Fairburn
Lynn McKeel, Atlanta
Shanequa Moore, Mableton
Han Pham, Decatur
Stacy Robinson, Lawrenceville
Jennifer Sarrett, Atlanta
Kimberly Scott, Atlanta
Stefanie Sparks, Atlanta
Mary-Kate Starkel, Scottdale
Nia Williams, Columbus
Emerge Georgia’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive 70 hours of in-depth education over six months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. The program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the country, who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles. Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alums serving at nearly every level of public office.
Emerge Georgia has a proven track record for getting Democratic women elected. Since the organization launched in 2019, the program has equipped 47 women with the skills needed to bring change to their communities. The organization has had 12 alums go on to run for office and win including Lucy McBath, Jen Jordan, and Nicole Hendrickson. 17 Emerge candidates are on the ballot for November 2022, including two statewide candidates, in some of the most competitive races in Georgia.
Emerge is committed to reaching 100,000 women of the New American Majority, repowering political structures, and fostering a lift as you climb culture over the next 15 years. In fact, 70% of Emerge Georgia’s graduates are part of the New American Majority.
Headshots and full biographies available upon request. For more information, please visit emergega.org.
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