Tips From The Trail

How do you balance family life with running for office? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez is joined by guest co-host Sara Marie Ridley, Growth Strategist at Numinar, to discuss tips and tricks for running for local office with Houston City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman. Tune in for a candid episode on what it's like to include your family on the campaign trail, the importance of finding routines that keep you grounded, and why hustle beats money every time. A must-listen for women exploring a run for local office. Register for upcoming events at https://womenspublicleadership.net/events Mary Nan Huffman was sworn in as Council Member for District G on the morning of February 2, 2022, after winning a special election. Prior to serving on Houston City Council, Huffman spent 10 years as a prosecutor in the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, quickly rising to become Chief Felony Prosecutor in the Child Exploitation Division and over the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Division. She brings her background as a law-and-order prosecutor to City Hall with a focus on keeping neighborhoods safe and city government free from corruption. In 2024, Huffman was re-elected to continue serving the people of District G for another four-year term. Sara Marie Ridley is a Growth Strategist with Numinar, a tech political startup. She previously served as State Strategist for Majority Strategies, working with campaigns across Texas, New Mexico, and several other states.  Before that, she was Deputy Press Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy under Secretary Rick Perry and spent a decade in Texas politics and campaigns.  A Texas native, she earned her degrees from Fordham University in New York City and now lives in West Austin with her husband Brent and their sons, Danny and Jett. WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.  

What does it take to turn big ideas into real legislative change? In the Season 2 premiere of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Montana State Representative Courtenay Sprunger about the mental discipline required to take risks, the power of saying "yes" to leadership opportunities, and how to build the credibility needed to pass meaningful legislation. Courtenay shares practical advice on overcoming the confidence gap and why asking questions is the secret to effective advocacy. Whether you're considering your first run or looking to strengthen your leadership skills, this episode offers actionable insights for women in public service. -- This month, join our How to Lead in Local Office Series—a virtual training perfect for newly elected officials or anyone considering serving in public office. Secure your spot today: womenspublicleadership.net/events In 2026, we're launching State Impact Councils to bring together organizations and leaders committed to expanding opportunities for women in public service. Get involved: womenspublicleadership.net/state-impact-councils Join us in Philadelphia for our 2026 National Summit! Connect with women leaders from across the country and grow your leadership skills June 4-5, 2026. Tickets are on sale now: womenspublicleadership.net/national-summit  Check out what WPLN is reading, watching, and listening to this month on our blog: womenspublicleadership.net/blog -- WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.

What do you do after losing an election? In this episode of Tips From The Trail, WPLN Founder Larissa Martinez talks with Georgia State Representative Soo Hong about how she turned loss into victory. Soo shares her experience losing her first race, the lessons she learned from disappointment, and the strategies that helped her bounce back and win her seat in 2022. Learn about the importance of year-round constituent engagement, building trust across party lines, and how representation can mobilize first-time voters. Whether you're considering your first run or planning a comeback, this episode offers practical advice for women candidates. Learn more about WPLN at womenspublicleadership.net

What does it take to manage campaigns in the final stretch to Election Day and how can women candidates navigate the unique challenges they face on the trail? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Betsy Ankney, a seasoned campaign strategist who has worked at one of the highest levels of American politics: a presidential campaign. Betsy shares advice for women leaders on what it really takes to run a campaign and how to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This episode is essential for women who are considering running for office, working on a campaign, or starting a career in politics. Learn more about WPLN at womenspublicleadership.net

What cyber threats will you actually face as a candidate, and how can you protect your campaign without breaking the bank? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez sits down with Michael Kaiser, President & CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns, to break down practical cybersecurity strategies for women running for office. Learn why passkeys are the #1 security step you must take, how to create a culture of cybersecurity in your campaign, and what mistakes to avoid in high-risk environments. This episode is essential for candidates who want to understand risk management, protect campaign data, and secure their digital presence without overwhelming their budget or team. Visit defendcampaigns.org to view their free resources and take the first step to protect yourself and your campaign. ABOUT THE GUEST: Michael Kaiser is an internationally known cybersecurity and privacy expert. In the decade prior to becoming the President and CEO of Defending Digital Campaigns (DDC), Mr. Kaiser was the Executive Director of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). He led and grew NCSA's efforts promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted Internet, including signature programs such as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. NCSA's work earned several awards including in 2017 winning the SC Magazine Editor's Choice Award, and two Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America.  Earlier in his career, Mr. Kaiser held executive management positions at the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, DC and Safe Horizon in New York City. He led the development and implementation of programs for victims of domestic violence, stalking, teen victims, and others whose lives had been impacted by crime.  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.  

How do you build a winning team as a woman running for office? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, Larissa Martinez talks with Sandra Benitez from the LIBRE Initiative about what it takes to assemble a strong campaign team. Sandra shares insights on including diverse voices, leading with authenticity, and creating supportive environments that set your campaign up for success. Whether you're a first-time female candidate or a current leader looking to empower your staff, this episode offers practical advice on team building and leadership strategies.  Sandra Benitez is the Executive Director for the LIBRE Initiative, sponsor of WPLN's 2025 National Summit. With over a decade of experience in various policy, advocacy, and political campaign roles, Sandra specializes in targeting the rapidly growing US Hispanic electorate.

How do you raise the money you need to win your first campaign—without burning out or burning bridges? In this episode of Tips from the Trail, WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez sits down with political strategist Danielle Bradley to break down the fundamentals of campaign fundraising. With experience managing field operations, coalitions, and communications at every level—including serving as Executive Director of the Montana Republican Party—Danielle shares practical, battle-tested strategies for building a fundraising plan that works. Whether you're a first-time candidate or just refining your fundraising approach, this episode is packed with real-world advice to help you hit your campaign finance goals. Learn more about WPLN's resources at womenspublicleadership.net

Hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, Tips From The Trail explores the path to political office, from the decision to run, to election day. This program features women leaders who are working in or around politics or have run for office, revealing their best tips and tricks for success. Our next episode will feature June Cutter, who, after a nearly 20-year career as a civil litigator and a notable 2020 State Assembly campaign that launched her as a Republican rising star, now spearheads Highland-Illuminate, a top fundraising firm, and specializes in individual branding. Connect with June: https://www.junecutter.com

This month, Larissa is joined by Joel Noyes, Chair of WPLN's Board of Directors. In this latest installment, Joel and Larissa share practical advice for preparing support systems for public leadership challenges and shed light on how families, partners, and friends can better understand and provide support for women leaders. Discover how WPLN builds robust networks and get actionable advice for both women seeking support and for partners aiming to be a strong source of encouragement.

Join us for a special "Mother's Day" episode with Jennifer Nassour on running for City Council and motherhood. We delve into her experiences both on the campaign trail and off, the role of her support system during the journey, and her advice for other women considering taking that next step.

What drives you to lead? Larissa Martinez sits down with Maralyn Beck, founder of the New Mexico Child First Network, to explore how a strong sense of purpose is the foundation for effective leadership. Maralyn shares her personal journey and insights on overcoming hesitation, translating passion into action, and building a supportive network to lead with conviction. 

What is the Confidence Gap, and how does it affect women in leadership? Larissa Martinez (WPLN Founder & President) and Valerie Dowling (Vice Chair, WPLN Board of Directors) dive into why it's not only important to lead with competence, but also with confidence.

Ever wonder what it takes to run for office? In WPLN's debut podcast episode, Former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters shares her journey and path to political office, how she conquered her fears and and strategies for building consensus in elected office. Plus, get 10% off tickets to our 2025 National Summit in Orlando for a limited time with code PODCAST. Valid through 11:59 p.m. ET on February 9, 2025, for General Admission tickets only.