Portia Shepherd has been accepted into the prestigious The Campaign School at Yale for its intensive 5-day Summer Session, taking place June 9–13 in New Haven, Connecticut. Only 80 individuals from across the country and abroad are selected each year to participate in this nonpartisan, issue-neutral political campaign training program.
Portia will join a dynamic and diverse cohort of aspiring candidates, campaign managers, and community leaders to gain hands-on tools and insider strategies necessary to run winning campaigns. The program includes training from campaign experts from both major political parties, covering topics such as campaign financing, digital organizing, public speaking, personal security, and the unique challenges women face on the campaign trail.
Women remain underrepresented in politics. While they make up over half the population, only 28.2% of the U.S. Congress and 33.4% of state legislators are women. The Campaign School at Yale is committed to reversing this trend by training women— and the men who support them—to run effective, ethical, and winning campaigns.
“Attending The Campaign School at Yale’s Summer Session is not just about learning the mechanics of politics; it’s about shaping the future with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to lead with positivity and resolve,” said Portia Shepherd. “I’m honored to join women from all parties at this esteemed program’s Class of 2025.”
Past faculty have included Betsy Ankney, campaign manager for Nikki Haley’s presidential run; Earnestine Dawson, Director of Strategic Planning & Special Projects for U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries; and Emmy Ruiz, Director of Political Strategy and Outreach at The White House. Graduates of the program include U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, and sitting Congresswomen Erin Houchin and Rebecca Balint.
About The Campaign School at Yale:
The Campaign School at Yale is a nonpartisan, issueneutral nonprofit organization committed to increasing the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office in the United States and worldwide. Though it holds its programming at Yale University, it operates independently.
For more information, visit www.tcsyale.org or contact Executive Director Patricia Russo at prusso@tcsyale.org.
