MSJDN is delighted to announce that two MSJDN members have been selected for the second cohort of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School at the University of Texas at Austin. Please join us in congratulating MSJDN President Dawn Gile and MSJDN member Kayla Dupler for their acceptance into this program. The mission of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School is to inspire more women to enter the political arena, regardless of party affiliation. Amy Kroll, military spouse and executive director of the LBJ Women’s Campaign School, was recently a guest on a “Your Military Spouse Cabinet” chat through MSJDN’s Homefront Rising initiative. 

This year’s cohort was selected through a rigorous application process and evaluated based on their leadership potential, professional experience, and commitment to public service. The eight-month, virtual program kicked off on April 17, 2021, and involves monthly trainings, networking, and professional mentorship. The goal of this nonpartisan program is to provide participants with the necessary skills to launch their own runs for political office or to become involved in political campaigns, whether as a campaign manager, organizer, or volunteer.

Dawn D. Gile is a skilled litigator handling complex cases in the areas of mass tort litigation, insurance defense and other negligence claims in federal and state courts in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Illinois. As a proud Army spouse and award-winning advocate for military families, she has long devoted her time to serving the military community, including having served as president of Military Spouse JD Network and on the board of Vigilant Torch Association and Foundation. Gile earned her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago and her B.A., Phi Beta Kappa with honors, from Rockford University, where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees. 

Kayla Dupler is a mom, U.S. Army veteran, attorney and military family advocate. She has been recognized as a leader for providing pro bono services to the veteran and military communities and has a special interest in improving health care policy, especially for maternity and newborn care. She enjoys her involvement with MSJDN and the Junior League.

Homefront Rising is a non-partisan initiative of MSJDN that encourages and trains military spouses to speak up and get involved in the political process through advocacy and public service.

For more information on the LBJ Women’s Campaign School, visit their website.