Hi everyone!
I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted into the next cohort of the Lyndon B. Johnson Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas at Austin, one of the most competitive training programs for women in politics.
The LBJ Women’s Campaign School is a seven-month, hands-on program designed to train women to run for office and manage political campaigns. For me, this opportunity is more than just a program; it’s a chance to grow alongside a network of women who are committed to creating real change in their communities.
For those who may not know my story, I didn’t always see myself in this space.
I grew up in Venezuela, where politics wasn’t something you talked about; it was something you experienced. My family moved to the United States when I was 15, and I had to navigate a completely new environment while figuring out my future.
As a first-generation college student, I started at community college and faced challenges early on, including taking developmental courses before transitioning into college-level work. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped my resilience and introduced me to mentors who encouraged me to step into leadership and find my voice.
That path led me to public service.
What started as a hesitant step into a student organization quickly became a passion. Through programs like IGNITE, the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN), and New Leadership Texas, I found mentorship, community, and the confidence to step into spaces I never imagined myself in. Along the way, I was fortunate to earn scholarships that allowed me to continue pursuing these opportunities and investing in my growth.
At 19 years old, I joined a political campaign and helped elect someone I deeply believed in to public office. That experience changed everything for me. It showed me that this work is real and that the people behind campaigns have the power to create meaningful impact in their communities.
Since then, I have continued on a path to a career in public service, working on campaigns, supporting constituents, and building relationships across my community. From helping individuals navigate complex systems to contributing to efforts that shape entire elections, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have leaders who truly care about the people they serve.
Everything I’ve done so far, I’ve built from the ground up, seeking out opportunities, earning my place in rooms where decisions are made, and building a network rooted in service, community, and change makers (like you!).
I’m so excited to learn more political leadership skills so I can help elect leaders who prioritize people over politics.
While I'm grateful to be accepted into the LBJ Women’s Campaign School, I have to be intentional about my financial decisions. I’m currently working to raise $2200 to help cover tuition and related expenses.
And that’s why I’m turning to friends, like you, to help me on this leadership journey. How might you help me?
- Tuition: After receiving a $750 scholarship, I am working to raise the remaining $1,300. That breaks down to about $6 per day of the program, a small investment that helps make this entire experience possible.
- Lodging: A donation of $192.78 will pay for one night at the hotel (I’ll be there 2 nights).
- Food: A donation of $25, $35, or $40 will help me pay for meals.
- Transportation: A donation of $25-$60 helps cover gas for the 460+ mile round-trip drive to Austin.
Even a small contribution of $10, $20, or $25 makes a meaningful difference and helps me get one step closer to this opportunity.
Because of your help, I can build a career in public service, working to elect leaders who are deeply committed to their communities, not just holding office, but creating real, lasting change.
My goal is to expand my impact across Texas and eventually nationwide, helping build campaigns to increase representation and uplift communities that are too often overlooked.
Thank you for your support, encouragement, and belief in a better future.
With gratitude,
Isabella