This slate of candidates for this year’s midterm elections is more diverse than we’ve seen before. At least that’s how it appears to an executive from one political action organization that advocates for getting women into office. “What has been really interesting has been to be in this room and see the energy and see the commitment of women that we’re seeing,” said Vanessa Cardenas, Strategic Communications Director of Emily’s List. “We want to be at the table when these decisions are being made about our bodies, about our children, about our schools.” Emily’s List, which focuses on pro-choice, Democratic women, teaches its members the steps to running for office and holds events where community members can support said candidates. Cardenas says 26,000 women signed up for its programs after the 2016 presidential election, and there’s already been an impact. She points to victories by female candidates in Virginia last November and the voter turnout in Alabama that swayed last month’s special election for the U.S. Senate as examples. And there’s more diversity on the ballot for the midterms. “In Chicago, for example, we have Sol Flores, who is a community activist that built-up a non profit from the ground up, advocating for the homeless community there. She’s a first-time candidate,” Cardenas said. “In El Paso, Texas we had the opportunity to elect the first Latina elected for Congress and she’s a judge, and she has an amazing background.” Cardenas’ comments come before this weekend’s second annual Women’s March. Last year’s event, held in cities across the globe, drew 6 million people and became the largest organized march in U.S. history. But while the movement was criticized by some for ignoring issues affecting women of color and trans women, Cardenas says that “younger, more diverse women” are now committed to march to a different beat. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/what-to-expect-from-the-second-annual-womens-march).

Share:
More In Culture
Robin Hood Foundation Supports Families, Nonprofits in New York City
The Robin Hood Foundation is New York City's largest poverty-fighting organization. For more than 30 years, Robin Hood has built and fueled non-profits across all five boroughs. CEO Richard Buery joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell ahead of his ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange and later, lighting of the NYSE Christmas tree.
Creator Commerce Platform LTK Raises $300 Million
Creator commerce platform LTK raised $300 million in a recent funding round, now valuing the company at $2 billion. LTK is the world's largest influencer marketing platform and is known for helping to pioneer the so-called 'creator economy.' The company helps content creators make money off of their social media posts by hosting them on one central marketplace. LTK says more than $3 million in products are bought each year on its website and app. Now, the company is looking to continue its growth. LTK co-founder and president Amber Venz Box joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Defining a Truly Flexible Workplace
Scott Bonneau, VP of Global Talent Attraction at Indeed, joins Cheddar to discuss why employee happiness and workplace flexibility go hand in hand, and how to track employee productivity while offering flexible work options.
'iCarly' Star Miranda Cosgrove Talks Season 2 Reboot, Tackling the Climate Crisis
Miranda Cosgrove joined Cheddar's "Between Bells" to talk about the upcoming Season 2 premiere of the "iCarly" reboot on Paramount+. She talked about the distinction between filming the reboot versus the original series and noted that this time around she has more creative input. Cosgrove also talked about her partnership with HP's Girls Save the World and efforts to address the climate crisis.
Omicron Spread, School Shooting & Cuomo Suspended
Jill and Carlo cover the latest on Omicron, another school shooting in America and more. Plus, bidding farewell to 'transitory' inflation, and the controversy surrounding 'Lovely Bones' author Alice Sebold.
New HBO Documentary Remembers 'Waitress' Filmmaker Adrienne Shelly
Adrienne Shelly was behind the critically acclaimed 2007 film 'Waitress' but was killed before she could witness the film's success. Now, the HBO documentary 'Adrienne' takes viewers along her husband Andy's personal journey to share his wife's story and gives a rare window into how a family confronts the unthinkable. Andy Ostroy, director of the film joins Cheddar News to talk about his creative process.
Animation Writers To Negotiate Higher Pay
Elaine Low, Senior Entertainment Business Reporter at Insider joins Cheddar News to discuss the Animation Guild's upcoming contract negotiations, hoping to close pay gap with live-action counterparts.
Load More