2026-28 LWVUS Board and Nominating Committee Slate - Convention 2026: Women Unite & Rise

Dr. Sania Irwin serves on the League’s National Board and has been deeply engaged in transformation, activation, advocacy, DEI, and leadership development initiatives. A member of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn (Illinois), she is a committed leader for inclusive democracy. Her work includes spearheading Get Out The Vote efforts, mobilizing community, advocating for League positions, and organizing forums to inform voters. Sania believes the League must play a pivotal role in bolstering democratic principles to bring about a more just democracy—that we must “go the distance,” with the commitment, preparation, and grit to ensure every voter has a voice and is heard.

Sania is Co-founder and President of One Community, a social justice nonprofit advancing policies and programs that build just communities. The organization hosts Conversations on Race, activates communities to stand for inclusive values, and was instrumental in the adoption of a municipal Welcoming Community Resolution and Community Relations Commission (CRC). As Chair of the CRC, she led the development of policies and initiatives for a more equitable society.

Dr. Irwin received a U.S. Congressional Commendation recognizing her efforts to increase voter participation, strengthen democracy, and advance social justice.

An accomplished technology executive, Sania is Senior Vice President at EagleRail and previously held senior roles at Motorola, Nokia, General Motors, and Xerox, leading complex, multidisciplinary initiatives at scale. She holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Northwestern University, serves on Northwestern University’s Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences Advisory Board, and is a named inventor on multiple U.S. patents.

My leadership is grounded in service, shaped by decades of experience at the intersection of healthcare, governance, community, and civic engagement. As a healthcare clinician, elected community member, and national leader within the League of Women Voters, I can navigate complex systems, build trust across differences, and lead with empathy, clarity, and accountability. My core talents include strategic thinking,

relationship-building, active listening, and translating complex challenges into actionable solutions that move organizations forward.

My commitment to the League’s mission is unwavering. I believe democracy must be accessible, protected, and actively practiced. Voting rights are foundational, but so is ensuring that all communities, particularly those historically excluded, are equipped, informed, and empowered to participate fully. This work is not just about access; it is about belonging, representation, and ensuring our efforts reflect the full breadth of the

communities we serve. Our nation is at a precipice, and the League must rise to meet this moment. Strengthening our future will require clarity of purpose, disciplined governance, and the courage to evolve. We must be bold in how we engage, more intentional in building leadership pipelines, and more connected in aligning our national, state, and local work.

This includes expanding multigenerational membership, deepening outreach to underrepresented communities, and ensuring our structures support, rather than hinder, our mission. I am committed to guiding the League with focus, integrity, and courage grounded in our values and prepared for what lies ahead, with purpose and shared responsibility

Toni brings more than a decade of leadership and service to the League of Women Voters, with experience at both the state and local levels since 2014, including as Voter Services Co-Director in Nebraska and Omaha. She made history as the first African American woman to serve as Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska (2021–2022) and is currently serving her second term as LWVUS Board Secretary. As Co-Chair of the national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, she has helped push the League to more intentionally center equity in its work and expand access to civic engagement.

Professionally, Toni is the Assistant Director of the Office of Engagement at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she builds pathways for students to engage in civic life, strengthens community partnerships, and advances equitable participation in our democracy. Her work reflects a deep commitment to developing informed, engaged leaders who understand both the power and responsibility of voting and advocacy.

Beyond the League, Toni serves as Chair of Zetas in Action, the national 501(c)(4) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., advancing policy efforts focused on social, health, and economic justice.

In this moment, Toni is prepared to lead with clarity and courage. She is committed to strengthening the League by repairing community trust, expanding engagement among underrepresented and young voters, and positioning the organization to meet the demands of a rapidly changing political climate—grounded in its mission, unapologetic in its defense of voting rights and racial equity, and innovative in building the people power necessary to push back against anti-democratic policies and practices.

Julie Stackhouse is a former executive vice president of Supervision, Credit, Community Development, and Learning Innovation of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Julie retired from the St. Louis Reserve Bank in February 2020. Since that time, she has remained active in numerous financial and nonprofit organizations, including the boards of Simmons First National Corporation and Simmons Bank (Little Rock, Arkansas) and the League of Women Voters of Larimer County. She is also an active member of the City of Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Commission. In service to her community, she serves on the Audit Committee of the Colorado State University Foundation and volunteers regularly with Neighbor to Neighbor, a rental assistance nonprofit.

Julie believes that a healthy democracy depends on informed and empowered communities, where every voice - including those historically marginalized - is heard and valued. She understands that the League’s potential will be realized as we move along our transformation journey, building membership and shaping our impact as one organization. By prioritizing collaboration and transparency, Julie is confident the League can continue to be a trusted, nonpartisan force for a more accessible and representative democracy in the years ahead

Dr. Tracy Adkison is an accomplished leader, advocate, and corporate professional with a distinguished career spanning military service, project management, and nonprofit leadership. Currently working as the Interim Assistant Director of Asset Management at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Tracy has leveraged her extensive background in business, project and facilities management, as well as military intelligence, and community advocacy to make a significant impact in both the public and private sectors.

Her work with the League has impacted millions of voters, preparing them for elections and safeguarding their rights in courts. Tracy has led national committees including the Elections Taskforce and the Bylaws committee. She has served as a Shur Fellow, coaching states across the country in membership and leadership development. She has also served on the League Structure Task Force, which was pivotal in creating framework for the 106-year-old organization’s Transformation Plan.

Dr. Tracy Adkison envisions a bold, nimble and influential League of Women Voters that will be the sought after leader in the voting rights arena. She will work tirelessly to position the League for continued impact and success. She has a passion for empowering the next cohort of leaders to continue the legacy of the League by transforming the League internally and externally to meet this pivotal moment in history.

Kimberly Hamlin, a member of the League of Women Voters of Cincinnati Area (LWVCA), is a historian specializing in the U.S. women’s rights movement. Her most recent book, Free Thinker: Sex, Suffrage, and the Extraordinary Life of Helen Hamilton Gardener (2020), profiles the suffragist credited with securing congressional passage of the 19th Amendment and was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently working on a book about the temperance movement, focused on Carry Nation. An award-winning scholar, teacher, and public speaker, Kimberly regularly contributes to The Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, and other media. She is the Chamberlin Family Professor of History at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and lives with her family in Cincinnati.

Kimberly’s passion for women’s history is deeply connected to her commitment to democracy and women’s leadership. She believes the stories we tell about our past shape what we see as possible in the present and future. As a Distinguished Lecturer for the Organization of American Historians, she speaks nationwide on women’s history. Locally, she founded a Young Professionals group for Planned Parenthood in Southwest Ohio and served three terms on its Board. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Mercantile Library in Cincinnati.

For the League, Kimberly has served on the LWVUS National Board since 2022, contributing to the DEI, Finance, and Budget Committees. She helped found and chaired the External Affairs Committee (2024–2026) and spearheaded a national partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA. She is excited to continue connecting people to the League and to women’s history, building on the legacy of leaders working to empower voters and protect democracy.

Claudia Ortega Hogue brings extensive national organizing experience and leadership in civic engagement.

As the first Latina President of the League of Women Voters of Houston, she led initiatives in voter education, expanded diverse community outreach, and strengthened efforts to protect democracy. Her work reflects deep experience in building trust across communities and advancing inclusive civic participation.

Her commitment to the League’s mission is grounded in more than 20 years with the NALEO Educational Fund and her public service as district director for Congresswoman Sylvia R. García. In these roles, she led efforts in voting rights, census engagement, naturalization, and community mobilization, ensuring historically underrepresented communities are equipped to participate fully in the democratic process.

As recognized by the LWVUS nominating committee, Claudia has demonstrated the ability to build organizational capacity, including staffing and fundraising, while advancing strategic priorities at the local level. Her work reflects both strategic leadership and entrepreneurial capability in strengthening civic institutions.

Claudia’s vision for the League centers on strengthening alignment between national and local efforts, investing in leadership development, and expanding partnerships that reflect the diversity of the nation. In a time of increasing pressure on voting access and civic trust, she is committed to helping the League lead with clarity of purpose, disciplined collaboration, and courage in defending democracy. Her approach is grounded, coalition-driven, and focused on ensuring the League remains resilient, relevant, and responsive in complex and changing times.

My leadership is grounded in turning ideas into action through persistence, teamwork, and clear planning. As a systems engineer, former federal civil servant, and project manager at NASA, I led complex flight programs that required problem-solving, risk management, and keeping diverse teams aligned under pressure. In the League of Women Voters, I have applied these skills to strengthen advocacy, build partnerships, and improve member engagement. I am deeply committed to making democracy work for everyone. Since I began registering high school students to vote in 2017, I have seen how critical it is that all people are prepared and able to participate in elections. I have also heard directly from voters and League members about the barriers many communities face, strengthening my commitment to voting rights, equity, inclusion, and access. Going forward, I want to better connect the knowledge, skills, and relationships across local, state, and national Leagues. Stronger collaboration and civic education can help more people understand how government affects their daily lives and how to stay engaged beyond Election Day. By expanding public education, training, and hands-on engagement, we can help people build practical civic skills—speaking at public meetings, testifying before lawmakers, observing government, and organizing around community issues. We must also strengthen collaboration across Leagues so we can respond quickly and effectively to growing threats to voting rights, civil liberties, and the environment across multiple states. Together, these efforts will expand participation, strengthen our collective voice, and help ensure democracy remains accountable to the people it serves.

Jocelyn Travis is a lifelong advocate for voter engagement and democratic participation, whose commitment to civic empowerment began in middle school as a member of the Cleveland NAACP Youth Council, where she first organized voter registration efforts. That early dedication has evolved into a career and calling centered on protecting voting rights, expanding access, and strengthening inclusive civic participation across diverse communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from Cleveland State University and brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, with a focus on women, youth, and historically underrepresented populations. Jocelyn’s work spans organizations such as the NAACP, the League of Women Voters, the Black Women’s Political Action Committee, and Black Environmental Leaders, reflecting a deep and sustained commitment to equity, representation, and community-driven change.

Currently serving as Midwest Regional Director for the Sierra Club, Jocelyn continues to lead at the intersection of advocacy, policy, and grassroots organizing. Her longstanding involvement with the League includes voter education, moderating candidate forums, board service, and visible leadership in historic moments such as marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

Jocelyn is committed to advancing the League’s mission through bold leadership, strengthening DEI efforts, and expanding voter access. She envisions a League that is more visible, more inclusive, and more responsive—equipped to meet today’s challenges and safeguard democracy for the future

I believe that my background has prepared me well for LWVUS leadership. I received a Design degree from Harvard in 1981. After graduating from U. Virginia School of Law in 1984, I spent five years as an active-duty Air Force JAG prosecuting in military courts-martial. I retired from the A.F. Reserves as a Major in 2005.

In my daily legal work, I protect the employment rights of those wronged at work due to their race, religion, age, disability, place of birth, or unwanted sexual advances. My literal job is to enforce DEI.

I was first the President and then the Co-President of the LWV of Florida and a past president of the Bay County LWV. I chaired the state Restoration of Rights team and was a past chair of the state Health Care team. I am a proud member of the Xi Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Lifetime member of the local Bay County Branch of the NAACP.

In January 2021, I received the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Services Award for the 14th circuit for writing Florida Bar Approved Continuing Legal Education training and trained over 1000 attorneys across the state so that they can assist persons with felony convictions to regain their voting rights. I believe there are many ways that we can impact the national fight for voting rights. In addition, to considering legal redress, I would like to expand grass-roots connections with other grass roots organizations.

I have extensive experience in public administration and civic engagement. I am a battle-tested leader with over 32 years of military service, retiring as a Brigadier General from the US Army. My military experience provides me with an exceptional perspective on managing crises and setting long-term goals. As a civic leader, I have effectively led efforts to expand voter education and civic participation, particularly as President of the League of Women Voters of the Jackson Area. I am a strategic, reliable, and team-oriented leader known for my integrity, strong organizational skills, and ability to lead through complex challenges. I bring deep leadership experience and a strong commitment to advocate against any kind of voter suppression or efforts to limit citizen participation in the democratic process.

I am dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive League that honors its heritage while charting a path to the future. I support fostering positive, nonpartisan solutions to policy issues through education and conflict management. I am committed to ensuring that the League functions under the same high standards of good governance that we adamantly defend. My vision is a resilient League that continues to openly oppose injustice, endorses a strong democracy, fosters diverse citizen participation, and increases our grassroots membership capacity. Together, we can build better communities by strengthening our League.

As a longtime member of the League of Women Voters, I have long regarded the League as a guiding light in civic engagement across public life. I served as President of the League of Women Voters of Seattle prior to its transition to the League of Women Voters of Seattle–King County, where my work focused on member and community engagement. This experience led to my work with King County in community relations and program coordination. After retiring, I returned to the League because I believe volunteers are essential to sustaining civic engagement and fostering a culture that supports democracy.

I subsequently served on the League of Women Voters of Washington Board for eight years, including a term as President. Throughout this time, I was inspired by the dedication of volunteers in Leagues large and small who work tirelessly to defend democracy. I continue to be energized by conversations with League members across the country.

The challenges facing voting rights today echo those that sought to obstruct the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965. I am proud of the League’s work to head off the SAVE Act—an example of how grassroots engagement across the country makes a meaningful difference.

Welcoming volunteers into the League is DEI in action. As a complex organization with many new members, the League must ensure that its structures and processes are accessible and transparent. I am committed to helping spotlight how the League works so that more members feel empowered to participate fully.

Jennifer joined her local North Carolina League in 2015 and became a board member, serving in several capacities, including president. She joined the North Carolina state board in 2019 and became president in 2023 where she is serving her second term in that role.

Her work experience includes managing public relations, community affairs, patient advocacy, and media relations for GlaxoSmithKline for 17 years. After leaving GSK, she led her own communications consulting firm, where she advised pharmaceutical and healthcare clients.

She has served on the nominating committees of both her local and state Leagues and has extensive hiring experience in her professional career.

My goal as a state board leader has been to encourage engagement, enthusiasm and action in our membership statewide. Empowering local Leagues and their members and nurturing productive grassroots action is our ultimate goal. My efforts, as a board member and president, have focused on igniting passion among our members, ensuring that the League is a valued partner organization, and nurturing future League leaders. Strong League leadership at all levels is essential to our success as an organization. And capable, passionate leaders will help us grow our impact

Christina joined the League at the turn of the century when she checked “joining” from her bucket list. As a member of the Grosse Pointe League she said yes when asked to become voter services director. From there the leadership opportunities continued from vice president and president roles in local Leagues through the present. In 2013, she served as the VP of Membership on the state board for six years and enjoyed working with the exceptional LWVMI Board members. Christina was elected as LWVMI state president (and expanded to co-president) for four years. She has been part of the nomination committees at every level and in some cases more than once. At the national, will be a new opportunity. Now she is leading the development of a new League in an area where there has never been a League, North Central Michigan. This challenge is particularly pertinent because the League is need needed now more than ever. In this rural region, many voices have not been heard and now we can provide an avenue through League. We continually look for DEI opportunities in our rural community with direct attention on our aging and disabled voters. Christina’s degree is in management (and finance), and she has had a career in that position with several different for-profit and non-profit organizations, including her own small business. Christina lives with her husband in Frederic, Michigan on the upper Manistee River.

With experience spanning the public, nonprofit, education, and private sectors, Katherine Haskel brings a strong record of leadership in strategic planning, grant oversight, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and civic education. Her introduction to public policy and civic leadership began in 2003 through selection to the Tennessee General Assembly Legislative Internship Program, where she served in the offices of two members of the Tennessee House of Representatives. That experience laid the foundation for her continued commitment to civic engagement, democracy, and public service.

As a former Social Studies educator and adjunct professor of U.S. History and Texas Government, she is dedicated to civic education and to equipping students and adult learners with the knowledge and skills necessary for informed and engaged democratic participation, with an emphasis on critical thinking, constitutional literacy, and active citizenship.

Her commitment to the League of Women Voters is demonstrated through both leadership and service. As Director of Voter Services for the League of Women Voters of Dallas and a Presiding Election Judge in Dallas, she works to expand voter access, ensure fair election administration, and provide nonpartisan voter education. She also serves on the League of Women Voters of Dallas Nominating Committee and will serve as the 2026–2027 Vice President of Membership, reflecting her commitment to organizational growth and leadership development. In addition, her role as past Chair of the City of Dallas Landmark Commission reflects her dedication to civic engagement, historic preservation, and inclusive community representation. Across all roles, she advances diversity, equity, and inclusion and strengthens public trust in democratic systems.

Looking ahead, she envisions a League that is more coordinated, data-driven, and equity-centered, strengthening leadership development, expanding outreach, and engaging the next generation of voters and leaders to sustain democracy.