Dear Friend,
We’re a bit late getting this newsletter out after the holidays—and I’m giving myself grace for that, in the midst of the trauma so many of us are living through. I hope you’re giving yourself some grace, too. I’ve never marked time by calendar years—I mark it by election cycles. So January doesn’t feel like a beginning as much as a pause: a moment to reflect, take stock, and prepare for what comes next.
Like many of you, I’ve been glued to the news—in Minnesota, across the country, and around the world, including the uprising in Iran. The horrific raids, the cold-blooded murder of Renee Nicole Good, the termination of visas, the retreat from global leadership, and the rise of authoritarian threats everywhere have left my heart broken.
And yet, I am in awe of the heroes stepping forward to push back—often at extraordinary personal risk. Their courage is a reminder of something essential: democracy is defended by people long before institutions protect it. I’m also grateful for Governor Walz’s leadership in this dark time. I encourage you to watch his address if you haven’t already.
I’ve just returned from Rwanda, a place I consider home, which has reinforced something fundamental about our work. Democracy is global—and so are the threats against it. Through Global GAIN, we have long supported women’s leadership and democracy work internationally. But this moment demands that we look closer to home. Women, communities of color, and democracy itself are under attack here like never before. Because of that reality, Global GAIN is pivoting to focus more of its work domestically in the months ahead.
Last week also brought the news of Congressman Steny Hoyer’s retirement, and I want to pause to offer deep gratitude. Steny has been GAIN Power’s strongest and most consistent champion in Congress—a leader who understood the importance of investing in the people who power democracy, not just the outcomes. His support mattered, and it made a real difference. I shared a more extended reflection on his legacy and leadership on Substack
At GAIN Power, our focus has always been—and will always be—you.
The people.
The talent.
The organizers, strategists, technologists, communicators, fundraisers, advocates, and leaders who power our democracy every day.
That’s why our guiding theme this year is intentional and straightforward:
thinking globally, acting locally.
Right now, we’re deep in our Year in Review and finalizing our 2026 plans. You’ll be hearing much more soon about:
One personal note: on January 23, I’ll be undergoing a double mastectomy as part of my effort to put breast cancer behind me, and I’ll be stepping back for several weeks to recover. I’ve been working closely with our team to ensure they have everything they need—and I know they do. You’ll be hearing more from them than from me this quarter, though if I know myself, I won’t be resting much.
Many of you have asked how you can support me during this time. The answer is simple: support this community. GAIN Power is everything to me—and I hope it means a lot to you, too.
