From the day that she introduced herself to us at the Minnesota Go Run in 2008, Laurie Olmon has stayed involved with The White House Project as an avid volunteer, mentor, ambassador, donor, and training attendee.
Since then, Laurie has won two elections, lost one, and is planning her next campaign. Committed to further development of her leadership skills, she continues to attend trainings offered by The White House Project and other organizations. On top of that, she is always eager to share her stories and insights when we call on her to be a panelist or talk with a future candidate.
“At my first Go Run, I had no clue where it would lead me,” said Laurie. Within that year, her community of Nowthen incorporated and a city council was born. Laurie threw her hat into the ring and won her first election and subsequent re-election. Her visibility and leadership in Nowthen and her surrounding district has grown steadily.
When Laurie took office, she was no stranger to life’s challenges. A survivor of an abusive first marriage and afflicted with epilepsy, Laurie is an outspoken advocate on behalf of women, and the Minnesota Epilepsy Foundation. She is also staunch in her efforts to end bullying and bring equality to LGBT students. The LGBT issue especially has risen as a hot topic in her local public school system, and her efforts will have far-reaching implications for other districts.
Increasingly vocal on issues she is passionate about, Laurie is grateful to The White House Project for the coaching she has received through Go Run, Masters Classes in Public Speaking, and Debate Boot Camp.
“Being able to speak proficiently and quickly, and being able to do it with strength is so important, especially when you care deeply and want people to listen,” she advised. “The trainings are not just for women in politics, but also those in business or anywhere. Any woman I know that wants to make a difference, I send to The White House Project. “
