Take Office Accelerator - Nashville, TN

Our Take Office accelerators provide the skills, strategies and connections for women to take action towards a career in public policy or politics.

Take Office

We believe that every other senior leader in government should be a woman.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Nashville-Downtown

The Take Office Nashville 2026 Accelerator will take place across three days on January 17-January 19, 2026 and will welcome accomplished women who wish to sharpen their advocacy skills, policy knowledge and activism in their communities.ABOUT TAKE OFFICE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP INSTITUTETake Office advances gender equity in public policy and politics by creating highly customized leadership development accelerator programs for women leaders.Our program can prepare you for a role in public policy by maximizing your existing experience and providing concrete skills, steps and connections towards a life of service through public policy.The Take Office program will help you cultivate relationships with mentors in the political and policy community, develop new perspectives on career growth and opportunities, and sharpen skills such as:<ul><li>Fundraising</li><li>Working with the media</li><li>Leading a team</li><li>Advocating effectively</li><li>Deepening policy knowledge via robust course readings</li><li>And more</li></ul>Take Office Accelerator - Nashville participants will be invited to join the Take Office Membership Community with a one month complimentary membership.The Take Office Difference Take Office is building a community of practice where preparation and possiblity meet. In addition to traditional political campaign training, Take Office offers a powerful balance—expert coaching, high-level access to senior leaders, and the space to strategize your next move. Through both local and global programs, participants gain hands-on experience, international perspective, and a network of women who open doors for one another. The result: a modern, inclusive pathway for women ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and real-world connections.AGENDA (subject to change)Saturday, January 17, 20261:30pm: Doors Open; Light Breakfast Available2:00pm: Opening Remarks + Welcome2:15pm: Special Welcome, Ruby Powell-Dennis, Take Office Local Leader2:30pm: Opening Session: Advanced Gender Equity in Politics and Public Policy3:45pm: Keynote: Leadership in Action (Insights from a current senior leader)4:45pm Panel: Women with a Seat at the Table (featuring local advocates and elected officials)5:45pm: Networking Reception (light refreshments)6:30pm: Day 1 Close Sunday, January 18, 20269:00am: Doors Open; Light Breakfast Available9:30am: Session One: Setting Your Policy Agenda11:00am: Session Two: Advancing Policy at the State and Local Level in the Modern Era12:30pm: Lunch Served12:45pm: Working Lunch Discussion: Careers in Political Strategy (Communications, Advocacy, Consulting)1:45pm: Session Three: Leadership Masterclass (Insights from a former senior leader)3:15pm: Session Four: Managers of Managers - Leadership Development Workshop I4:45pm: Session Five: Managers of Managers - Leadership Development Workshop II6:15pm: Closing Remarks Monday, January 19, 20269:00am: Doors Open; Light Breakfast Available9:30am: Session One: Message Development and Executive Presence as a Woman Leader Today11:00am: Session Two: Cultivating Relationships: Fundraising Workshop I12:30pm: Networking Lunch1:45pm: Session Three: Cultivating Relationships: Fundraising Workshop II3:15pm: Session Four: Leading a Team - Insights from a Campaign Manager4:45pm: Session Five: Facilitated Workshop - Creating A Leadership Vision for Tennessee6:15pm: Closing RemarksFeatured Guest Lecturers<ul><li>Ruby Powell-Dennis, Take Office Local Leader, Political and Fundraising Expert</li><li>Jeri Powell, <a href="https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/communities-connections/faculty/jeri-powell" title="https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/communities-connections/faculty/jeri-powell" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Columbia University Professor</a> and <a href="https://takeoffice.org" title="https://takeoffice.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Take Office Founder</a></li></ul>Guest Lecturers<ul><li><a href="https://www.scsk12.org/board/?PN=44&MID=1&M=8" title="https://www.scsk12.org/board/?PN=44&MID=1&M=8" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Amber Huett-Garcia</a>, Public Servant and Nonprofit Leader.</li><li><a href="https://change-collective.org/members/gipson-arriell/" title="https://change-collective.org/members/gipson-arriell/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Arielle Gibson-Martin</a>, Community Engagement Manager for Shelby County’s Crime Victims &amp; Rape Crisis Center</li><li>Brianna "Bre" Swims, Community Organizer and Diversity Practitioner</li><li><a href="https://change-collective.org/members/bianca-charity/" title="https://change-collective.org/members/bianca-charity/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Charity Bianca</a>, Founder and CEO, Courageous Circle</li><li>Civil Miller Watkins, Educator and Political Activist</li><li><a href="https://earlylearningnation.com/2022/03/demetrus-coonrod-the-inspirational-path-from-prison-to-city-council/" title="https://earlylearningnation.com/2022/03/demetrus-coonrod-the-inspirational-path-from-prison-to-city-council/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Demetrus Coonrod</a>, District 9 Councilwoman in Chattanooga, Tennessee</li><li>Elizabeth Gray, Civil Engagement Professional</li><li><a href="https://www.oursmc.org/erica-perry" title="https://www.oursmc.org/erica-perry" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Erica Perry</a>, Movement Lawyer and Co‑Founder of the Southern Movement Committee</li><li><a href="https://shelbycountytn.gov/3472/District-12-Erika-Sugarmon" title="https://shelbycountytn.gov/3472/District-12-Erika-Sugarmon" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Erika Sugarmon</a>, Educator and Community Activist</li><li><a href="https://emergeamerica.org/staff/freda-player/#" title="https://emergeamerica.org/staff/freda-player/#" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Freda Player</a>, Political Operative and Policy Leader</li><li><a href="https://www.jenniferlsharp.com/about-me/" title="https://www.jenniferlsharp.com/about-me/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jennifer LaRose Sharp</a>, Communications Professional and Public Servant</li><li>Joanna Theolene, Manager of Policy and Advocacy for the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga</li><li>Joni Cochran, Civic Volunteer and Former Candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 46</li><li><a href="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/bcc/bccac-councilwoman-joy-styles/" title="https://www.vanderbilt.edu/bcc/bccac-councilwoman-joy-styles/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Joy Styles</a>, Member of the Nashville Metro Council representing District 32</li><li>Karen Reynolds, Retired U.S. Army Veteran and Civic Leader</li><li>Megan Lange, Democratic Activist and Member of the Tennessee Democratic Party’s Executive Committee representing District 18</li><li><a href="https://www.tndp.org/leadership" title="https://www.tndp.org/leadership" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rachel Campbell</a>, Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party</li><li>Darrah Hall, Policy Advocate</li><li><a href="https://forgeorganizing.org/author/jess-moore-matthews/" title="https://forgeorganizing.org/author/jess-moore-matthews/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Jess Moore Matthews</a>, Digital‑Organizing Strategist and Disability‑Justice Advocate</li><li><a href="https://krislknight.com/about/" title="https://krislknight.com/about/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Kristal Knight</a>, Democratic Strategist and Campaign Trainer</li><li><a href="https://jewishscenemagazine.com/inspiring-people-meggan-wurzburg-kiel-runs-for-memphis-city-council-district-5/" title="https://jewishscenemagazine.com/inspiring-people-meggan-wurzburg-kiel-runs-for-memphis-city-council-district-5/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Meggan Kiel</a>, Educator and Community Advocate</li></ul>About the Meeting SpaceWe’ll gather in the Hendricks Ballroom at the Homewood Suites Nashville-Downtown, an all-suite property located in the heart of the city. The venue includes complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient onsite valet parking with 24-hour surveillance ($59 per night).The property also features Frankie Rose coffee shop (open daily at 6:00am) and Hwy 65 Bar (service begins at 4:00pm), with Nashville’s top attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues just steps from the front door.<h3>For more details visit<a href="https://www.takeoffice.org/" title="https://www.takeoffice.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> www.takeoffice.org</a></h3>

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