Celebrating Running Start: A Partnership Built on Impact and Friendship

By Pro Bono Committee 

As we close out December, WWPR is wrapping up our two-year pro bono partnership with Running Start. What began as a professional commitment evolved into something much more meaningful—a true partnership built on shared values, collaborative spirit, and a genuine friendship that made every project a joy.

Throughout our time together, we've been privileged to support Running Start's vital mission of training young women to run for political office. From crafting compelling messaging that amplified their programs to developing communications strategies that helped them reach new audiences, we've watched this organization continue to grow its impact across the country. The work we did together wasn't just about deliverables; it was about empowering an incredible team of women leaders.

Beyond the campaigns and messaging frameworks, what we'll remember most is the warmth, dedication, and passion that Susannah Wellford and the entire Running Start team brought to every interaction. They challenged us to think bigger, welcomed our ideas with open minds, and reminded us why we do this work in the first place.

We're deeply grateful to our co-chairs who shepherded this partnership with such care and commitment: Kelsey Flora (2024), Alicia Aebersold (2024 & 2025), and Christina Crawley (2025). Your leadership made all the difference.

To the entire Running Start team: thank you for two incredible years. We'll miss our regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, and the energy you brought to every collaboration. While our formal partnership may be ending, we'll be staying in touch and cheering you on as you continue to inspire and train the women leaders our country needs.

Here's to the young women who will run—and win—because of Running Start's work.

Stay tuned: We'll be announcing our new 2026-2027 pro bono client in January!