(Isabella Lee Tibbetts)
Our next LBJWCS in Action spotlight features Cohort 5 alum Isabella Lee Tibbetts, who is currently running for Jackson County Commissioner in Oregon. After attending LBJWCS, Isabella shared that one of the most valuable parts of the program was learning how to work across the aisle. She left with a deeper understanding of how leaders with different values and beliefs can find common ground and work together to better serve their communities.
What inspired you to apply to the LBJ Women's Campaign School, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
Honestly it was a last minute decision and I applied on the last day the applications were open and I thought “why not” and see what happens. Being from rural Southern Oregon opportunities like this are very hard to find so when I learned I was accepted I didn't know what to expect. My biggest hope was how it was bipartisan so that meant I would learn from both sides and how that knowledge would benefit me when I live. This was one of the best decisions I made.
How did your experience at LBJWCS influence your decision to run for office?
LBJWCS influenced my decision to run by providing me knowledge on all things campaign related whether its messaging, field work, fundraising or public speaking. It made me feel like I could run for office and also provided a network of friends, who all share the same goal to either run for office or to help someone run for office.
What is one moment, speaker, or lesson from Campaign School that has stayed with you and continues to influence your work today?
A lesson that stays with me was the training with Dasheika Ruffin. Her previous experience amazed me and as a storyteller this helped me identify and articulate why I decided to run. It also showed me how powerful you can be with words and how to bring people together regardless of party affiliation.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the LBJ Women's Campaign School but isn't sure if they're ready?
Just do it and see what happens. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was even hesitant to go to Texas. The experiences and knowledge I gained was worth every minute and this was essential in starting my path to running for office and helping other local candidates here in Southern Oregon. This program showed me that a voice like mine belonged.
Apply to the LBJ Women's Campaign School: https://apply.lbj.utexas.edu/apply/