Women Lobbyists GOVERNMENT TO CORPORATE By Ariel Shaw, MBA & Brandeis Parkman, JD
The world of Lobbyists looks quite different today than even a decade ago. We catch up with a few women who are making their mark in a space that has been traditionally held overwhelmingly by white males. Meet the women who are effecting policy behind the scenes for government, nonprofits and corporate clients. First, let’s learn more about this field. What is a lobbyist? A lobbyist is a hired or volunteer advocate who influences an elected body to push a specific policy or political cause. Why are companies, nonprofits, government entities and organizations hiring lobbyists? Lobbyists are hired because of their knowledge of the legislative process, ability to offer keen analysis of policy, and for their relationships with decisionmakers. What makes your group of women lobbyists so unique? The women are comprised of a cross-representation of in-house government relations executives and contract lobbyists with clients who makeup non-profit, government and Fortune 500 companies throughout the state. What makes them unique is their ability to overcome odds and excel in a profession where there is very little representation. What key legislation or policies have any of the ladies been able to help push through? Addressed maternal mortality by advocating for the expansion of Medicaid from 30 days to twelve months for new mothers; Helped create a right to action for state and county employees who experience sexual harassment to protect dignity at work; Advocated for regulatory safeguards for economic development authority boards; Expansion of the DNA Database; Protection/Expansion of the HOPE ScholarshipGrant; State forgivable school loan for dental professional who locate in rural communities; Funding for infrastructure and programs at public university; Defended against the Atlanta Airport Takeover.
Is this field uniquely white and male? What challenges do women and black women face in this field? How do they overcome them? Traditionally policy and political work has skewed white and male. However, this year, Georgia saw the largest and most diverse class of new legislators and this is reflected not only in the chambers, but also in the hallways where we do most of our work. It’s all tied to growth and population of Georgia. We are glad to be pat of that growth and change in our state. What challenges do women and black women face in this field? How do they overcome them? The challenges black women face in this field are similar to the challenges faced in other fields. Until there are greater systemic changes and equity across our culture this is something that every woman will experience. As black women lobbyists we come into this work to make a difference by building relationships, educating clients on the importance of engagement with elected officials, and by providing knowledgeable, trust-worthy information to stakeholders. Now meet a few of the women making changes quietly behind the scenes.
SOUTHERN CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS MAGAZINE
