Our Fabulous Political Woman of the Month: Ayanna Pressley

So given that so few political women get their due props, I’ve decided to highlight one woman at the beginning of each month that stands out as accomplished, dynamic, poised, politically savvy and just plain fabulous all the way around.

This month, that woman is Ayanna Pressley. Ayanna is Senator Kerry’s Political Director and serves as the liaison to Massachusetts elected officials and candidates, as well as Democratic party and committee organizations. Her role also includes coordinating outreach to local constituencies such as African Americans and women, and representing the Senator at events and meetings around the state.

Pressley arrived in the Kerry office at age 22, already a veteran of three campaigns and three years of constituent work as the Social Security Liaison for Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II under her belt (ok, I feel like a slacker). From 1997 to 2002, she served as the only African American scheduler on the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol, where she was a key architect of the logistics to mount a run for the Democratic nomination.

Ayanna Pressley is originally from Chicago, IL and moved to Boston, MA in 1992 to attend Boston University. Ayanna serves on the following Boards: Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, Emerge Massachusetts, UMass Boston Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy, and the Commonwealth Seminar. She is also a Mentor with the Young Black Women's Society. And as if that wasn’t enough, Ayanna is a popular public speaker. She participates in panels, career day seminars, campaign trainings and youth rallies throughout the Commonwealth, sharing her compelling personal story, message of civic engagement, diversity, and girls/women empowerment. In 2005, Ayanna was recognized with a Wonder Woman Award by the Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus, and in 2008, Unity First Magazine recognized her with a Visionary Woman of Excellence Award.

A good friend and mentor to me, I personally can attest that this woman is no joke and is certainly a mover and a shaker in the political arena.

So three cheers and two snaps for our Fabulous Political Woman of the Month! If you have someone you’d like to nominate for next month, hit me up!