IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Run Where You Are Launches to Inspire Women and Gender-Diverse Leaders to Step Into Politics
Run Where You Are is a virtual event helping future leaders take their first step into municipal politics
(Sudbury, ON) -A coalition of women-in-politics organizations from across Ontario is coming together to launch Run Where You Are, a free, non-partisan virtual event designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse people who are considering a run for municipal office or school board trustee positions in the October 2026 elections.
The online event will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST and is open to participants across Ontario.
“Municipal politics is where change starts — in our neighbourhoods, our schools, and our councils,” says Amanda Kingsley Malo, Founder of PoliticsNOW. “We created Run Where You Are to show women and gender-diverse people that you don’t need to have all the answers to take your first step. You just need the right support and community behind you.”
Only 37 per cent of Ontario’s municipalities are led by women or gender-diverse individuals. Run Where You Are aims to change that by breaking down barriers, demystifying the process of running for office and connecting participants with the networks and tools they need to step into leadership.
“The strength of our democracy depends on who is at the table making decisions,” says Kathleen Wynne, Former Premier of Ontario. “We need more women and gender-diverse leaders to bring their perspectives, experiences, and voices into public life. Run Where You Are is an important step in making Ontario’s leadership reflect the people it serves.”
The one-hour virtual kick-off on September 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST will provide participants with a mix of practical guidance and actionable tools to explore municipal leadership. Participants will hear a keynote address by an inspiring leader who has successfully run for office and navigated the challenges of a political life. They will also gain insights from a real talk panel featuring three diverse voices in politics sharing their experiences and lessons learned. Followed by interactive breakout sessions tailored to their stage in the journey, including Curious About Running, Deciding to Run, Running Again, and Supporting a Campaign.
“Our roots are in Northern Ontario, but the need for women in leadership is everywhere,” continues Kingsley Malo. “Run Where You Are is about giving women the tools, support, and community to step into politics with confidence — no matter where they live.”
Run Where You Are is co-hosted by a collective of regional organizations committed to advancing women and gender-diverse leadership in local government, including,
Run Where You Are is open to women and gender-diverse people across Ontario, whether they are simply curious about public leadership, preparing to launch a campaign, or looking to support others in politics. Please find the event details below,
Event Details
Date: September 23, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free (donations welcome — proceeds shared among host organizations to support women in politics)
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/run-where-you-are-tickets-1527433106539
To learn more about the coalition of women-in-politics organizations involved, please see below.
ABOUT RUN WHERE YOU ARE:
Run Where You Are is a non-partisan, virtual campaign school designed to inspire and support women and gender-diverse people across Ontario who are considering municipal office or school board positions. By providing practical guidance, mentorship, and access to regional networks, the program helps participants navigate the process of running for office with confidence. Co-hosted by a collective of organizations dedicated to advancing inclusive leadership, electHER Now, Leadership Féminin Prescott-Russell, Municipal Campaign School, PoliticsNow, The Jean Collective, and Waterloo Region Women’s Municipal Campaign School, Run Where You Are empowers the next generation of local leaders and strengthens Ontario’s democracy.
ABOUT POLITICSNOW:
PoliticsNOW is a grassroots catalyst group dedicated to electing women and advancing inclusive leadership in politics, with a special focus on Northern Ontario. Since their founding in 2017, PoliticsNOW has supported more than 80 campaigns across Ontario and helped elect over 60 women to public office. Through campaign training, governance workshops, and advocacy initiatives, the organization equips women and gender-diverse leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence they need to succeed in politics.
