Where strength meets wisdom, and movement becomes leadership.
Our Mission
We believe communities are stronger when women's voices are heard and they're in the room where decisions happen. Through non-partisan education, guidance from successful leaders, and meaningful connections, Rise & Run prepares women to lead with courage, integrity, and purpose.
We believe imposter syndrome is just a misunderstanding. It's the belief that someone else is more qualified or more prepared. In reality, effective leaders are lifelong learners. Through education, mentorship, and practice, we help women replace self-doubt with confidence and discover that they are more ready than they think.
About the Founder
Nina Needleman
Program Catalyst | Underwriter
After a successful career in financial services, Nina has done many things--including devoting her energy to strengthening civic leadership and nonprofit capacity. She is the Founder at Rise & Run 4 Women, our nonpartisan initiative that equips and encourages women from across the political spectrum to run for public office, with a focus on practical campaign skills, leadership development, and expanding civic participation. She also is an active community member -with Spirit of St Louis Women’s Fund, and as Board Member of the Missouri History Museum and the Sheldon Foundation. 7 years ago , she initiated a Capacity Building Scholarship for small non-profits at Network for Strong Communities, that is now on it’s 6th cohort.
Why non-partisan training is a key value of our programs.
We strongly believe that with a couple exceptions, if you get caring women in a room together, it won’t matter what “hat” they wear. It won’t be about egos, it’ll be about helping kids, removing barriers, solving community problems. For this reason, none of our speakers or programs are Democratic or Republican or Green or any other flavor. We intentionally do not cover issues or provide issue trainings or commentary at all. Our focus is logistics and skill building to help women be heard – as advocates, as campaign workers, as candidates, and as leaders to making our communities a better place for all.