AWA Seeks Applications for 7th Cohort

AWA invites progressive BIPOC (Black, Native American, People of Color)
​women of Alaska to apply by August 30.​

This year, Alaska Women Ascend (AWA) is proud to announce their seventh year of training progressive women to run for public office and effectively support the candidates and causes they care about. Applications are now open through the end of August and progressive BIPOC Alaskan women are encouraged to apply regardless of their level of experience with politics.

“This is great way for women to get their foot in the door and expand their network, or if they’re ready to run for office or be involved in campaigns or activism, AWA gives them access to information and trainers who can give them the leg up they need to be successful,” said Diane DiSanto, AWA Steering Committee Member, and former staffer for U.S. Senator Mark Begich.

Over the past seven years, AWA has trained hundreds of progressive women across the state who are pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ rights, pro-union, pro-racial justice, and environmentally minded. (They accept those that identify as a woman and /or are gender expansive regardless of the sex assigned at birth.) Just a few of their alumnae include Margo Bellamy, Savannah Venetis Fletcher, Austin Quinn Davidson, Deena Mitchell, Liz Snyder, Dora Wilson, Alyse Galvin, and Meg Zaletel.

The trainings begin in September and attendees meet once a month on a Saturday via Zoom where they learn about campaign strategy, public speaking, and critical skills.
“As an alumnus, steering committee member, former campaign staffer, and now candidate, I can tell you that one of the greatest aspects of AWA is the network you build during the class,” said Genevieve Mina. “You meet people who have so much experience from all across the state, and those are people you can call when you have questions or need support as you become active in your community.”
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Applications are being accepted now through August 30th online at www.akwomenascend.org. The fee for the class is $200 but scholarships are available upon request. Questions can be sent to the AWA Coordinator at [email protected].