Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Madam Policy welcomes Running Start alumnae Nykarlis Santos Núñez and Jessica Vallejo, political powerhouses and experts in legislative affairs and policy. Hosts Dee Martin and Kendall Mitchell sit down with Nykarlis and Jessica to highlight the vital contributions of Latina leaders in shaping policy, what it was like to go through Madam Policy alum Susannah Wellford’s Running Start program which trains young women to join the political space, and the amazing work that Nykarlis and Jessica have done since the program. Spoiler alert, Nykarlis Santos Núñez is currently serving as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Agency of International Development and Jessica Vallejo is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania’s world-renowned Wharton Business School! Want to hear about Jessica’s emotional experience being in Congress during the passing of the Dreams and Promise Act? Want to know about Nykarlis’ journey from immigrant to Foreign Service Officer? Then tune in!

Political powerhouse and Legislative Counsel for Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), Donni Turner, joins the Madam Policy Podcast to talk about her extensive experience in legislative advocacy, the importance of representation and mentorship in politics, and the impact of education policies in the United States. Hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao sit down with Donni to discuss her work shaping the College for All Act, the Cancel Student Loan Debt proposal, the Universal School Meals Deal, and the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Donni also shares valuable advice on negotiation and networking, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Curious about student loan policies, negotiating in the workplace, or advocating for diverse representation in Congress? Then tune in to learn more!

Madam Policy welcomes champion and advocate for mental health services and LGBTQ+ rights as well as a fighter for all things Vermont, U.S. Representative Becca Balint (D-VT). Rep. Balint joins Madam Policy hosts Dee Martin and Ihna Mangundayao to discuss her key policy priorities for Vermont including housing, healthcare, and climate issues. Tune in as former middle school teacher, Rep. Balint, gives her take on whether teaching members of congress or teaching middle schoolers is more challenging. Tune in to hear more about the Congresswoman’s journey and the importance of being the first openly gay person to represent Vermont in Congress. Want to know how Rep. Balint cultivates bipartisan support for some of the most critical issues facing our nation? Then listen now!