1. Political Motivations of Women of Color Leaders: Existing Challenges
Martina Cruz Research Fellow
A Research Partnership between the Center for Women
in Politics and Public Policy at the Women’s Pipeline for Change

2. Research Question
Women who are well-known and play an influential role in their community have important qualities that are necessary in policymaking bodies.
Yet many respected women of color leaders don’t pursue elective office.
Why don’t they run for political office?

3. Research Design
Interviewed 10 women of color active in their communities who have not been elected to political office
Population included:
Five women from Lawrence
Five women from other Massachusetts cities
Boston, Brockton, and Springfield

4. Women of Color Leaders Women of color leaders
Uniquely positioned and possess relevant skills and knowledge to address specific needs in their communities
Have strong commitment to promoting social justice and addressing injustices in their communities
Major motivator for considering political office
Family is a source of knowledge and provides important experiences for making decisions
Politics provides an important opportunity for:
Women to serve as role models in their families
Exposure of children to strong models of leadership and community engagement

5. Community Activism and Values
Community involvement
Often started at young age
Became a central part of their lives and identity
Perception of stronger impact as a community activist than as a public official
Values
Integrity, honesty, respect very important
First-hand experience with corruption and dishonesty in political sphere
Concern about compromising values in politics

6. Campaign Resources Financial resources
Underlying need to feel confident about capacity to raise funds
Own knowledge of resources and networks
Solid campaign team
Team of politically experienced advisors
Network of knowledgeable and experienced women
Campaign workers and volunteers
Committed individuals to help with campaign needs to following encouragement to enter race

7. Ensuring Support and Resources
Martina Cruz summarized the importance of providing specific kinds of supports for women of color running for office:
“…look for ways to facilitate those resources and information about where a woman who wants to run can go to learn or get trained…
It’s important to realize you need people to develop a campaign. We need a way to facilitate the way in which you get to build that team.
…Create mechanisms that help connect women who want to run with other women who have had experience in the political arena.”

8. Recommendations Increased Supports for Women
Need additional and improved resources on how to run
Make this information available in the community
Involvement of Young Women
Think about the “pipeline” as starting with girls, not just adults
Recognize that early exposure to politics may increase the likelihood that they will stay involved
Network of Women to Support Each Other
Create mechanisms that help connect women who want to run with other women with experience in the political arena

9. Or visit: www.umb/pipeline
For more information about Martina’s study, including video clips, photos, and summaries, please go to:
Martina Cruz's Project
Some Spanish content is available on Martina’s webpage.
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