Women's History Month: Gretchen Whitmer

Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, has made strides for American women in politics. Born and raised in Michigan, she has had a long love of politics and public service. She was born to two lawyers and grew up surrounded by the importance of law and public service. Whitmer attended both undergrad and law school in Michigan at Michigan State and the Detroit College of Law, respectively. 

She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and served from 2001 through 2006. Then, she ran for and was elected to the Michigan Senate where she served until 2015. During part of her term in the Senate, she became the first female Democratic leader in the body’s history. Whitmer continued to progress up the political ladder and in 2019 was sworn in as the state’s 49th governor. 

We admire Whitmer for her perseverance and stances supporting women’s rights. As the second woman to ever serve in this state’s position, her presence is a reminder to us all that women belong in all places of leadership. 

Want to meet amazing women like Gretchen and learn how you can flex your political power? Register for IGNITE's virtual Young Women Run conference here!