In the words of our fellows.

Participating in the Leadership in Election Administration Program (LEAP) has been a timely and valuable experience for my professional growth and for strengthening how I approach election administration in a rapidly changing environment.

At the beginning of the program, I entered with a general goal of improving my career goals within election administration. However, through the in-person sessions, panel discussion, and guided exercises, I quickly realized that my original framing needed to evolve. The election landscape has shifted significantly over the last several years; budgets are tighter, federal funding is uncertain, and security risks continue to increase. LEAP helped me reassess the goals I wanted to achieve, but also how to clearly and effectively communicate those needs.

One of the most impactful sessions I participated in was developing a professional bio and refining an elevator pitch. Prior to LEAP, I had not given much thought to either. Through this process, I recognized how much knowledge I had gained working with grants and developed a stronger understanding of how funding supports secure and reliable election equipment and addresses cybersecurity risks within the industry. Refining my bio and elevator pitch has better equipped me to clearly communicate why investments in our election systems are not optional but essential to maintaining public trust. This has influenced how I frame conversations around funding and communicate support for additional funding in our budget. I now not only feel more confident in my ability to advocate for more resources, but can also clearly see, through my own experience, that I am well qualified to do so.

I am confident that these newly refined tools will continue to support me in future endeavors. This growth not only benefits me professionally, but also strengthens my ability to support sound, informed decisions and advocate for the resources necessary to maintain safe, secure, and accessible elections for the District of Columbia.

Initially, I thought the LEAP Program would be similar to the Election Center's Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) Program. After the first in-person meeting, however, I realized this program offered something far more valuable—it helps you dive into your inner self and identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, I assumed the BIO would be similar to a resume, but I quickly learned that it is truly about who you are as a person and what you want to accomplish.

I am not the most vocal person - I consider myself an introvert who leads by example. However, the group's communication was excellent, and it drew me out. Through the topic discussions, I began to feel like an expert in certain areas of elections, which was both surprising and empowering.

Dr. King, of course, makes the discussions very engaging with her depth of knowledge in elections. At the same time, the exercises push you to think outside of the box and beyond what you are accustomed to.

I would love to see this program continue and expand to others who would greatly benefit from engaging with fellow election officials and learning more about the important roles they play within their jurisdictions.