The forum aimed to shed light on politics from a woman’s perspective. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Congresswoman Brenda Lawerence and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib were just a few of the women on the panel. Each panelist was asked one question from an aspiring politician. 

Vassar spoke about how she almost gave up on running for the Board of Trustees but had a change of heart after some advice from Senator Debbie Stabenow.

"The one thing that stuck out to me that you kept saying was ask for money," Vassar said.

Stabenow began the forum by talking about the importance of fundraising.

“I remember the first time that I asked somebody to contribute $25 and it was really hard,” she said. She attributes being able to ask for thousands of dollars now to organization and practice. She thinks of donations as asking people to join together to support shared ideas, rather than simply asking for money. 

Stabenow also talked about how many women are asked to run for office instead of deciding to do it themselves.

“Power and impact comes from having many, many women,” she said. Senator Stabenow was the first woman in Michigan elected to the senate after beating Republican incumbent Spencer Abraham.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was one of those women who had to be convinced before deciding to run for public office.

“You never see especially women of color coming together, organizing and supporting and uplifting each other,” Tlaib said.

Tlaib advises people not to always separate the policy from the politician.

"Many of my colleagues have become so numb and become very transactional,” said Tlaib. She believes women, in particular, are special because they “move with a sense of urgency”.

Women are naturally nurturing and Tlaib sees an emotional connection between women and the policies they fight for. She said, “When you walk into a room, you're not a democrat, republican, congress member, school board member — you're a mom first.”

During the forum, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence reflected on how she became active in politics. She too was encouraged to run for office after being frustrated with the little change she saw in her community. She encourages women not to be afraid, to speak their mind and always tell the truth.  

“When I found my voice, I found my power,” she said.

Other panelists included Mayor of Lathrup Village Kelly Garrett, Michigan State Board of Education Tiffany Tilley, Representative Sarah Anthony, Eva Garza Dewaelsche, Kesha Hamilton, Brandy Lovely Mitchell and Dashuna Robinson.