Lindenwood College of Arts and Humanities, alongside political strategist Nina Needleman, welcomes back the Rise and Run initiative with its first of three lunch Q & A’s following the launching workshop focused on running for school board positions. Held during National Women’s Month in March, the event continued the University’s push to empower women to step into leadership roles even at the local level.
This second workshop shifted from broad political preparation to a more targeted conversation about what is actually needed to run for and serve on a school board. With the second event being held on May 14, focusing on Finance and Fundraising, and the third event being held on Oct. 15, focusing on Effective Presentation Skills for Leaders & Candidates of this year. Attendees were able to hear from both Jill Schupp, a former Missouri State Senate member, and Jamal Bailey, Assistant Secretary for the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
One of the highlights of the day came during the “Lunch and Learn” session, where the former Missouri Senator Jill Schupp joined Bailey for an open and honest conversation about leadership and public service. Schupp emphasized the importance of building genuine support systems, noting that “the people who sponsor you have to know who you are… They have to know you and invest in you, not necessarily financially,” highlighting the value of relationships and trust in political spaces.
During the session, Bailey spoke candidly about the responsibilities that come with leadership. Drawing on his own experiences, he emphasized that “anytime you’re in a mentor role, not just a teacher role, you are educating a child,” reinforcing the idea that “it takes a village” to support a community. He encouraged the attendees to stay grounded in their purpose, noting that leaders must constantly ask and reflect on “why you serve” and the values that guide their decisions. Bailey also highlighted the broader role of schools, explaining that it is not just a place for children’s education, but a community space often used for concerts, voting spaces, or community gatherings.
Bailey acknowledged the challenges of leadership, noting “leadership is lonely at the top,” while reminding the participants that their accountability ultimately lies with the community. “I do not work for the superintendent, I work for the community that elected me,” he said. He also compared politics to athletics, stating that “politics is a contact sport,” emphasizing the importance of understanding both your role and your position when stepping into public service.
In addition to the speaker session, the workshop included a lunch and networking opportunity, allowing participants to connect and build relationships with others in a supportive environment. The event also featured an open Q & A, where attendees asked questions about campaign strategy, qualifications, and how to begin the process thoughtfully and realistically.
A key theme throughout the workshop was understanding both the demands and the impact a local leader, one who has grown up and experienced issues are. Speakers shared what they wished they had known starting, giving attendees a clear and more honest picture of what running for a school board position entails.
Ultimately, this second Rise and Run workshop reinforced the idea that change often starts at the local level. By focusing on school board leadership, the program continues to push women to move from interest to action, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to take that first step into public service.
