AUSTIN, TEXAS — The LBJ Women’s Campaign School, part of The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, proudly welcomes 55 exceptional leaders into its seventh cohort. The campaign school’s training provides comprehensive support for change-makers seeking to run for office or lead political campaigns, regardless of party affiliation.
This year’s cohort is composed of potential candidates and campaign managers of all ages from various professional backgrounds and across the political spectrum. A majority of our class is from Texas, with participants representing five additional states: Maryland, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, and California. They identify as Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, and are eager to learn in a politically diverse classroom. Among the stellar group, we already have five sitting elected officials that are ready to take the next step and run for higher office.
“We are excited to welcome an extraordinary cohort to the LBJ Women’s Campaign School,” said Executive Director Hope Osborn. “In just these first few months of 2026, we have already had 15 LBJWCS alums on the ballot and so many more declaring their candidacies. I can’t wait to see our new cohort take on this next step in their political journey and shape the future of our democracy. We’ll be here to help them every step of the way!”
The class of 2026 will kick off the program in Austin, Texas from May 13th-15th with a three-day intensive training that launches into a six-month hybrid curriculum. Participants will receive hands-on training from top political experts from across the country in topics ranging from polling, public speaking, fundraising, cybersecurity, to grassroots organizing – gaining the critical skills needed to run successful campaigns and lead in the political arena.
We are grateful for the support that makes our program more accessible and strengthens representative leadership, especially from the Center for Women in Government (CWG) at Texas Woman’s University. Through its program within the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, CWG has provided 24 full-tuition reimbursement awards and funded more than 200 participants since 2020, helping remove financial barriers to women’s political participation. Additionally, we are grateful for the support from Southwest Airlines, Arnold Ventures, and the Texas Business and Professional Women’s Foundation that further expand access to the program.
Below are the change-makers in the seventh cohort:
Jovahana Avila | Victoria Gomez | Diana Martinez Alexander | Kelley Redmon |
Gabriella Bermea | Melissa Gonzales | Lauren Mckenzie | Yvette Reyna |
Kelsey Black | Imelda Gutierrez | Kayla “Kitty” McLeod | Mikeshia Rollins Contreras |
April Brownlee | Jenna Harlan | Madison McNair | Myi’a Sanders |
Heather Coffee | Maria “Lola” Hermosillo | Kelly McNeil | Jacqueline L. Shaw |
Avery Cordero | Dr. Jada Jackson | Lizeth Mendoza | Sheria Smith |
Kathy Coronado | Reilly Jackson | Kimberlyn Moore-DeBrossard | Faye Suficiencia |
Natasha Cruz-Sanchez | Veronyka James | Ashley Nwonuma | Rebecca Torres |
Jordan Dolen | Erin Jamieson | Jennifer Peace | Maria Trevino-Rodriguez |
Kathryn Ferguson | Lanelle Jarmon | Ciara Perez | Selene Verhofstad |
Nicole Freeman | Mariyah Kazim | Sarah Permenter | Laura Vola |
Isabella Fuentes | Julie Lass | Dr. Colette Portis | Niky Wooding |
Selena Garcia | Patricia (Pati) Limón de Rodríguez | Devin Powell | Tiffany Young |
Ileana Garza-Rojas | Dyan Lofton | Dr. Mehwish Rashid |
ABOUT THE LBJ WOMEN’S CAMPAIGN SCHOOL
The LBJ Women's Campaign School supports women in politics by training and empowering change-makers to lead in the political arena. We provide practical skills and high-level insights to build confidence in those interested in running for office, managing a campaign or supporting women candidates at all levels. We work to ensure all voices are heard, which unlocks the best public policy solutions and strengthens our democracy. Through training, mentorship, and networking, we encourage collaboration across differences, and provide the political "know-how" to change the world.
ABOUT THE LYNDON B. JOHNSON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the nation's premier public policy schools, uniquely positioned within a top-tier research university, the state capital and one of America's most innovative cities. Founded in 1970 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to expand access to the halls of power, the school offers a range of nationally ranked degree programs that prepare students to take on society's most pressing challenges. The LBJ School also provides career development and leadership training to emerging policy leaders and operates numerous research centers that develop solutions to complex local, state, national and global challenges.
MEDIA CONTACT
Annalissa Garcia, Program Coordinator, LBJ Women's Campaign School
lbjwcs@austin.utexas.edu