What we can learn from our 2021 Distinguished Members Gamble Hayden and Amanda Karhuse - Part 2

The Distinguished Member Award, WGR's highest honor, is presented annually to a WGR member who has demonstrated outstanding service, initiative, innovation and dedication to WGR's goals throughout the years. WGR took some time to connect with our 2021 honorees, Gamble Hayden and Amanda Karhuse on how they got to where they are today.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment/what are you most proud of?

Gamble: I would have to say that I am most proud of the educational and professional opportunities that I have embarked upon; everyday, I learn something new about myself, and it is through these experiences that I continue to learn, grow and evolve!

Amanda: When I first came to WGR, there was no task force for women working in education policy and HSP was focused on more on health care than other social issues. I joined together with a few other members who presented a proposal to the Board to create an Education Working Group, which formed in 2008. The next two years in a row, we won the Outstanding Co-Chair award and were officially elevated to task force status. More than a decade later, the Education Task Force continues to thrive under new leadership and create innovative programming and build networks for education advocates.

Do you have any mentors or mentees, what have they taught you?

Gamble: Yes, I have both, 2 great women – my mentor (not sure if she really knows it) is the CEO of State and Federal Communications - Elizabeth Bartz.  Elizabeth is always encouraging and supportive, and always nudges me to get outside of my comfort zone!  It was at her suggestion that I ended up participating in WGR’s Leadership in the 21st Century Program, and where, for the first time, I started thinking of myself as a leader!  

*As for my mentee [DEI Committee Member Laura Uttley] – getting to know and become friends with Laura has been one of the highlights of the past year! Laura and I really connected via WGR’s Mentor Program, and this avenue, and also through the DEI Committee, we have become good friends and coffee buddies!  Laura has really taught me the power of resilience and determination, and also is another voice of reason when I begin to doubt myself!

Amanda: I don’t have an official mentor, but so many other lobbyists have helped me throughout my career. They’ve taught me how to effectively work with congressional staff, educated me on complex education issues, helped me learn how to lead coalitions, and how to grow our grassroots network. My fellow WGR leaders are always there for me when I need advice or just be there to listen when I’m having a bad day.

What are your words of wisdom for members and leaders in WGR?

Gamble: I would say a few things – First, take advantage of as much as WGR has to offer, really “get in there” and find your niches!  Second, if you think you might be interested in being a part of leadership (or pursuing a different leadership opportunity), go on and put yourself out there; it might be scary at first, but you can do it (hahah, is this me saying this?) Lastly, I would say – definitely rely on and value the members of your leadership team; Be open to new ideas and different ways of thinking – you’ll be the better for it!

Amanda: I truly believe you get the most out of your membership, the more you put in. Attend the professional development sessions and other networking events, especially when we’re able to host them in person again. If you’re not involved in a committee or task force, join one! Offer to help with an event or secure a speaker for the next meeting. Submit a session for the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference. Participate in the mentoring program. Nominate friends and colleagues for the Excellence in Advocacy awards or the Judy Schneider fellowship program. And don’t be afraid to ask someone for coffee. I always say yes, and it’s helped me form great relationships with my WGR colleagues and I even ended up hiring one of them!

Has your life changed since you joined WGR?

Gamble: Since I’ve joined WGR, and particularly since I’ve been part of WGR leadership, I’ve definitely grown as a person, and as a leader! I’ve definitely strengthened my organizational, planning, and communication skills, and have embraced the idea of collaborative thinking and problem-solving – WGR has definitely been good for me!

Amanda: When I first joined WGR, I was a manager in my first-ever government relations position and while I understood policy issues from my time on the Hill and WPI, I really knew nothing about lobbying and grassroots advocacy. Fast forward nearly 15 years, and I oversee all of the policy and advocacy work for my organization and supervise amazing staff that I hired and mentored. I’m also a member of our leadership team, helping to develop the organization’s vision and strategic goals to ensure a quality education for each child. Most importantly, I’m a mom of an almost 10-year-old boy who has a lot of time over the past year to see hard work and commitment in action.