Tamie Wilson - Empowering Women in Politics
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce my guest, Tamie Wilson, the 2024 Democratic candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's Fourth Congressional District. Tamie's proactive, get-things-done mindset and common-sense approach to community service naturally propelled her into the realm of politics. She's an entrepreneur, a single mom, and an advocate for all Ohio families. This conversation is especially timely given the upcoming election and the many issues on the table that impact women. Without further ado, let’s dive into our conversation.
Tamie's Journey into Politics
As a biracial woman and a single mom, Tamie’s experiences have deeply influenced her decision to run for Congress. The rise in racism and the direction our country has been heading greatly concern her, along with the impact of the pandemic and witnessing events like George Floyd’s death. All of these sparked her commitment to getting involved and making a difference.
The Unique Qualification of Motherhood in Politics
One aspect of our conversation that I loved was Tamie's belief that being a mother uniquely qualifies women for politics. She highlighted how women, especially mothers, bring a compassionate and community-focused perspective to leadership. We discussed how mothers are natural multitaskers who often think about the bigger picture and the safety and progress of their communities. Tamie's approach to politics is like childproofing a home—anticipating potential harm and working proactively to create a safer, better environment for all.
Facing Criticism and Staying Resilient
Running for office, especially as a woman, comes with its fair share of criticism and scrutiny. Tamie opened up about the challenges she faces, from being judged on her appearance to receiving hateful messages. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing that not everyone can be won over. Her resilience and ability to stay focused on her goals despite the negativity are truly inspiring.
The Power of Empathy in Leadership
Tamie shared her belief that strong advocacy must be paired with compassion and active listening. People need to feel heard and understood; one must genuinely advocate for others’ needs and work towards meaningful change.
Encouraging Women to Step Up
I loved hearing Tamie passionately encourage women to step up and get involved in politics. She shared how many women doubt their abilities (don’t we all?) or feel they need more experience before running for office. Tamie’s message is clear: just do it. Women are resourceful and capable of figuring things out as they go. Her advice is to use your skills, passions, and sphere of influence to make a difference and help create a better world.
Top Five Takeaways
Recognize the importance of women's voices: Women bring unique perspectives into politics, informed by their experiences and insights, which are crucial for meaningful change.
Allow major life events to ignite passion: Life events, whether personal challenges or societal issues, can spark a passion for change. Listen to your gut and take inspired action.
Accept that you can’t win over everyone: Criticism is inevitable, and some people won't support you no matter what. Stay true to your values and keep moving forward.
Lead with empathy: Advocacy must be paired with empathy and compassion. Actively listening will help you genuinely advocate for others’ needs.
Step up and get involved: If you feel called to lead or serve, use your skills and passions to get involved in politics.
I loved how approachable and real Tamie was. It's inspiring to realize that this down-to-earth mom is a candidate for Congress…it really reminded me that we don’t have to be born into a wealthy family or hyper-connected to want to serve and participate in our democracy in this way.
To learn more about Tammy and her campaign, visit tamiewilson.com.
