Introduction: What the She the People Presidential Forum Is
The She the People Presidential Forum is a recurring national stage created to center women of color in the U.S. presidential election conversation. It brings candidates, advocates, and voters together to discuss policy issues that disproportionately affect women of color, including maternal health, economic justice, immigration reform, and criminal legal system change. Designed as a nonpartisan voter education effort, the forum aims to close representation gaps in mainstream political discourse and ensure these communities have a louder voice in policy decisions.
Mission and Core Purpose
At its core, the forum exists to elevate women of color leadership and ensure their concerns are part of the national policy agenda. By focusing on issues often ignored or underserved in traditional political venues, She the People seeks to empower communities that are frequently at the forefront of grassroots organizing but underrepresented in high-level political rooms. The event reflects a long-term vision for a more equitable democracy where representation translates into tangible policy outcomes.
Notable Editions and Milestones
Since its launch, the She the People Presidential Forum has featured prominent national and state-level candidates, with organizers emphasizing diverse perspectives and substantive policy dialogue. The forum has evolved in format and scope, sometimes taking place as town halls, candidate conversations, or issue-specific deep dives. Its visibility has grown alongside increased attention to racial and gender equity in politics, making it a recurring reference point for journalists, advocates, and voters seeking candidate responses through an intersectional lens.
2024 and Presidential Election Context
In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, the forum became a key venue for presidential hopefuls to address policies specific to women of color in a structured, audience-driven setting. Questions submitted by attendees and online viewers often focus on economic security, reproductive justice, healthcare access, and community safety. Organizers highlight measurable outcomes, such as candidate commitments, policy announcements, and increased engagement in local and state races.
Format Evolution and Audience Reach
- Town hall and moderated conversation formats
- Hybrid in-person and virtual accessibility
- Issue-specific deep dives and candidate questionnaires
- Post-event resources and voter education toolkits
Organizational Background and Credibility
She the People is a national nonprofit and advocacy organization known for research, storytelling, and convening leaders across sectors. Its work combines data, narrative change, and grassroots mobilization to influence public policy. The Presidential Forum is one of its flagship initiatives, supported by partnerships with media outlets, community groups, and civic engagement organizations dedicated to expanding representation.
Impact and Policy Influence
The forum’s influence extends beyond a single event, shaping how campaigns communicate with women of color voters and how journalists frame coverage of equity in politics. By providing a structured space for candidates to detail specific plans, it encourages concrete commitments on issues like maternal health care, equal pay, and immigration reform. Voter feedback and post-event surveys often highlight increased knowledge and political engagement among participants.
How to Engage and Stay Informed
Community members and supporters can participate through in-person attendance, online livestream viewing, and submitting questions in advance or during the event. She the People also offers resources for educators, organizers, and advocates who want to use the forum content in outreach and voter education efforts. Following official announcements, candidate responses, and post-event materials ensures ongoing engagement between forum cycles and helps translate conversation into action.