Change is here!

After Christmas, it was full steam ahead back to work on the next big project: the EMILY's List Inauguration luncheon. For most of you, you are intimately aware of just how much I really don't like putting on events, even the ones that seem a bit glamourous. This one was no exception. As I kept saying to my overworked, exhausted staff: The best thing about this event is it's happening in two weeks. The worst thing about this event is that it's happening in two weeks. Despite the tight timeline, we still managed to pull off what I am happy to say was the best event I have been a part of. Our speakers (Nancy Pelosi, Sec. of Labor Hilda Solis, Sec. of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, COngresswoman Gwen Moore, Senator Kay Hagan, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and NC Governor Bev Perdue) were each amazing and have the opportunity to speak with them each individually reaffirmed my belief that having these women in government keep the issues that I, and so many other Americans care about at the forefront. It was so obvious that each of these women were so grateful to the people who had entrusted them as their representatives and how seriously they take that job. You can watch the whole lunch here : (be sure to notice my C-Span debut at the end) http://www.c-span.org/Watch/watch.aspx?MediaId=HP-A-14304

After the lunch, to say I was spent would be and understatement, so I gave up my inauguration ticket in favor of having a front row seat to history on my couch. I have to say that while this election cycle was full of ups and downs for me personally, that I was without reservation optimistic about the possiblity that lies ahead of us. I don't know that anyone can dig us out of the mess we find ourselves in, but I think that we're off to a good start. Hearing the stories of the women I helped to elect and the inauguration address of our new President, I cannot help but feel renewed. I remember why I found this business my true calling. Why I believe, when so many others don't, that government can and should work for the citizens, all of the citizens, not just the privilaged few. Why I believe that most of the people we elect are good people with noble ambition, and that the few who are not cannot become the voice for all. Today there is promise and a sense that together we can accomplish what seems impossible.