Dear John,

Today, for our final #WomanCrushWednesday, we are featuring Sen. Joyce Waddell, a lifelong educator and administrator who served on the School Board before joining the NC Senate.

The Lillian's List Foundation is committed to developing a strong pipeline of women leaders like Sen. Waddell who are ready to run for elected office at every level.

FAST FACTS

Name: Joyce Waddell

District: 40 (Mecklenburg)

In office since: 2015

Key Committees: Appropriations on Health and Human Services, Education/Higher Education, Finance, Pensions and Retirement and Aging

Prior office: Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board

Nationwide and in North Carolina, there are major disparities in maternal health, education, and more for Black women and girls. Studies have also revealed that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on Black women.

Along with her colleagues Sens. Bazemore and Murdock, Sen. Waddell filed SB 577 to create a task force of legislators and nonprofit leaders who serve Black women and/or girls. The task force would study these issues and report back to the NCGA, offering recommendations and even proposing changes to laws and policies that could make an impact.

We are thankful for legislators like Sen. Waddell working to address these inequities. 

In solidarity,

Sarah Preston

Executive Director

Help us train more amazing advocates like Sen. Waddell!