Leadership Workshop Encourages Girls to Run for Office

On Wednesday, January 24, more than 20 MBS Upper School girls participated in a half-day workshop designed to empower young women to get involved in politics and transform our world. As part of the workshop, which was led by the nonpartisan nonprofit organization Running Start, the students participated in a series of activities designed to prepare them to run for leadership positions, including personal branding, networking, and designing elevator pitches. MBS parent Rosemary Becchi P’20, P’24, a leading tax policy attorney, consultant, former local political candidate, and board member of Running Start, participated in a Q&A along with student representatives from the SGA. 

This "Elect Her" workshop was attended by members of the School’s GLOW (Girls Leadership Outreach and Worth) Club and the Ethics, Leadership & Justice cohort of the Interdisciplinary Concentrations Program (ICP).

In a series of exercises, students explored issues that are important to them, created a mock campaign plan, and discussed the importance of building a strong support network. They also learned about campaign strategy, networking, and messaging basics — including how to craft an elevator speech.

Ms. Becchi spoke to the students about why she decided to run for office, the importance of networking, how to fundraise for a campaign, why it’s important for women to be public leaders, and the challenges women face in public leadership.

She emphasized that women need to support each other and be confident in their abilities. “Have confidence in yourself to push forward,” she told the students. “Don’t let anyone define your limits or tell you that things aren’t possible.”

Workshop participants included:  Mia Azevedo ’25, Gianna Becchi ’24, Alyssa Benbassat ’26, Katherine Chandler ’26, Kimi Freeman ’25, Sarah Freeman ’25, Shaylla Gonzaga ’26, Abigail Jeffries ’24, Julia Karosen ’26, Evangeline Lisk ’25, Sarah Marine ’26, Alice McNamara ’24, Taylor O’Neill ’26, Maria Pimenta ’27, Angie Ramons ’24, Danica Rosenbloom ’24, Kayla Ruggiero ’24, Marlee Ryan ’24, Hayley Sgro ’24, Grace Tuttle ’26, Marilee Vartanian ’26, and Jackie Velikiy ’24. 

Since its founding in 2007, Running Start has trained and inspired more than 25,000 high school, college, and young professional women. Each year, Running Start hosts at least 100 training workshops around the country. To learn more, visit www.runningstart.org.