(Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile)
A proud Cohort 2 alum, Senator Gile has served in the Maryland State Senate since her election in 2022. Driven by a desire to provide a voice to each and every person in our community, she ran for office to support working families, protect the environment, invest in schools, and help small businesses thrive. Senator Gile currently serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, and as Senate Co-Chair of the Protocol Committee.
What inspired you to apply to the LBJ Women's Campaign School, and what were you hoping to gain from the experience?
I had spent my career as an attorney and was deeply involved in my community through volunteer work and nonprofit leadership. As the spouse of an active-duty Army servicemember, I had also seen firsthand the importance of public service and advocacy. I knew I wanted to make a greater impact, but I had never run for office and wanted to understand what that journey looked like.
I applied to the LBJ Women's Campaign School hoping to gain practical campaign skills, but I left with something even more valuable: the confidence to believe that I could do it.
How did your experience at LBJWCS influence your decision to run for office?
Campaign School made running for office feel attainable. It took something that seemed overwhelming and broke it down into practical, manageable steps. More importantly, it helped me realize that women don't have to wait until they feel "100% ready" to lead.
The experience gave me the confidence to eventually run for the Maryland Senate. Looking back, I can honestly say that without LBJWCS, I'm not sure I would have taken that leap.
What is one moment, speaker, or lesson from Campaign School that has stayed with you and continues to influence your work today?
One lesson that has stayed with me is that voters connect with authenticity. Campaign School encouraged us not to try to fit someone else's idea of what a candidate should look like, but to lead with our own experiences and values.
That has shaped the way I serve today. Whether I'm talking with constituents at their doors or debating legislation in Annapolis, I try to be approachable, honest, and focused on listening first.
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?
Apply! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that very few women ever feel completely "ready." Don't let that stop you. Whether you're thinking about running for office someday, managing campaigns, serving on a board, or simply becoming a stronger leader in your community, LBJ Women's Campaign School will give you skills and confidence that will stay with you for a lifetime.
I can honestly say it changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me the knowledge, network, and confidence to eventually run for the Maryland Senate, and I will always be grateful that I took that leap. If public service is even a small thought in the back of your mind, apply. You never know where it might lead.
Apply to the LBJ Women's Campaign School: https://apply.lbj.utexas.edu/apply/