
Obama for America Announces Launch of “Women for Obama”
CHICAGO – Obama for America launches “Women for Obama,” a campaign initiative designed to engage women across the country to join this grassroots movement to stand with the President.
“Women for Obama” is an arm of Operation Vote, whose mission is to expand the electorate and to maximize participation from crucial constituencies – including women.
First Lady Michelle Obama, will serve as the groups honorary chair. She kicked things off with a call to women across the country.
“Women are at the heart of everything we do, and they are at the heart of this campaign. You are all at the heart of your families, at the heart of your communities and your neighborhoods.”
“Issues like equal pay, family leave, child care, all the issues that we face are not just women’s issues - they're family issues. They're economic issues because when women make less than men for the work, or when they're charged more for healthcare, that hurts entire families who need that income.“
Women for Obama will give women a voice in campaign strategy and a means of communicating with campaign leadership, so we can respond to, share and spread their insights and ideas.
Leading the effort is the National Women’s Vote Director, Heather Colburn. A Wisconsin native, Colburn previously served as a political consultant for progressive non-profits, political organizations, campaigns and candidates for public office. Before arriving at the campaign, she worked on the Wisconsin Senate recall elections. She has also worked for EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood and the DSCC. Colburn is also an established trainer, having trained over 3,000 people in the fundamentals of organizing and fundraising. Heather graduated from the University of Wisconsin.
“Women have always been the heart of the Obama organization and they will play a crucial role in ensuring the President has four more years to protect and continue the progress we’ve made,” Colburn said. “I’m honored to be on board, and look forward to working alongside the thousands of women across the country who are already dedicating themselves and their time to help deliver the women’s vote next November.”