We are Gen X, Y and Z (and some Boomers!) We are Single, Married, Moms, Immigrants, Dreamers, LGBTQA+, Straight, BIPOC, Black, Latina, Professionals, Students, Writers, Designers, Community Activists, Teachers, Mentors, Attorneys, Consultants, First-Time Candidates, Flip Red Districts, People Powered &
Woke Minders.
We are Women.
We are Democrats.
We Are.
We are Welead OC
Our
Story
Welead OC was created to seek out Progressive Women Democrats, especially in red and purple districts, to run for city council and school board seats, become active with campaigns/communities and to work as campaign professionals. Welead OC focuses on Women of Color, first-time candidates and those with a passion to walk through fire for equality and social justice.
The mission of Welead OC is not only to develop a strong qualified coalition of women candidates & activists, but to create a safe and supportive community for women, working together to ensure the election of more Progressive Women Democrats.
Welead OC is for Progressive Women Democrats, by Progressive Women Democrats.
People
Power
Campaign/Political Training
Affordable housing, rent control, homelessness, public education, parking, bike lanes, bus service, public health, city parks, beaches, city services, protecting our environment, economic development, infrastructure, public safety, social services, equal access, equal justice and combatting anti-hate, impact the majority of communities every day and rest solely in the hands of those elected to city councils and school boards.
To ensure constituents' best interests and civil rights are best served and preserved, Welead OC is seeking Women Democratic candidates, activists wanting to take a deeper dive into campaigns and those wanting to pursue a campaign professional career.
Did you know?
There are currently over 4,083 campaign managers employed nationally.
54% - Men and 46% - Women, an increase to be sure but we need to do better.
Since the 2016 election the decades-long, male-dominated campaign leadership industry has given way to women, once seen only as fundraisers and communications advisors, serving as significant influencers as campaign managers, media/mail advisors and pollsters.
In these significant positions, women are hiring staff, managing budgets, studying voter data, drafting messages and platforms and directing multi-level digital campaigns.
Welead OC is not about identity politics. Nor is it about giving women "a voice." Women have been using their voices for centuries. The campaign/policy playing field needs to be redesigned/reshaped to incorporate a more inclusive vision. Women need access to a platform that will embolden and inspire to become unequivocal partners in decision/policy-making.
Center Stage
Center Stage is a Welead OC initiative that promotes access and opportunity for the next generation of political leaders. We provide resources, mentorship and guidance to those interested in running for office and engaging in the political process. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment that is representative of the communities we serve. Through Center Stage Welead OC hopes to empower individuals to take ownership of their political future. Welead OC will provide the necessary tools and support to help individuals become successful and informed political leaders.
Jessie Lopez, Mayor Pro Tem
City Councilmember
Santa Ana, Ward 3.
Welead OC Alum
Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez, a first-time candidate in a five-way race, was elected to the Santa Ana City Council in 2020.
Jessie was born and raised in Santa Ana to immigrant parents. She is an unapologetic product of the Santa Ana public school system and the first college graduate in her family, working two jobs to fund her education.
She was elected the old fashioned way --- unbridled by corporate and billionaire interests --- her campaign was grassroots motivated, fueled by volunteers who together with Jessie, engaged voters by knocking on doors and phone banking. Once elected, she brought with her and elevated the concerns of Santa Ana voters to the city council.
Jessie has made a significant impact on the Santa Ana community since her election as a champion for her community. During her tenure, she has worked to provide resources to support the city’s underserved communities, such as increasing access to affordable housing and increasing access to mental health services. She has also worked to improve public safety through initiatives like increasing police presence and creating a task force to address homelessness. She is a leader in advocating for social justice and has been a strong voice for immigrant rights.