On Saturday, a significant event unfolded as women from various parts of Colorado gathered for “Ready to Run,” a nonpartisan training initiative focused on political campaign strategies. Coordinated by Colorado 50-50, this program aims to empower women to pursue public office and to enhance female representation in politics.
Empowering Women in Politics
The “Ready to Run” event is designed to equip participants with essential skills necessary for launching a successful political campaign. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including:
- Fundraising techniques
- Media relations
- Understanding ballot access
- Community engagement strategies
Erin Hottenstein, the founder of Colorado 50-50, articulated the driving force behind the initiative, stating, “I think better decisions are made and better communities are created when women are involved. I wanted to train women to get involved in office and give them a seat at the table.”
Voices of Change
Among the attendees were Amanda Pedrianes and Doris Crespo, two women with distinct backgrounds yet a shared objective — to advocate for increased representation in local government. Pedrianes, hailing from Thornton, is gearing up to run for city council.
“We need to fight for our own lives and communities before losing them,” she emphasized, adding that her motivation lies in the necessity for younger perspectives in political office.
Crespo, who serves on the Dacono City Council as the first Hispanic woman in that position, echoed a similar sentiment. “Being able to represent my community and work together so everyone is represented is incredibly important,” she noted.
A Network of Support
For both Pedrianes and Crespo, participating in “Ready to Run” transcended mere training; it became a vital space for connection and encouragement among peers facing similar challenges. “The support, having each other,” Crespo remarked, “we can do this. That’s huge.”
