u003ch1u003eu003cstrongu003eAboutu003c/strongu003eu003c/h1u003e

Vote Mama Lobby is growing the political power of moms—in office, on the campaign trail, and as citizens. We’re building a movement of informed and passionate citizens pressing for change, and we’re breaking down the structural barriers that keep moms out of power and prevent progress on paid leave, affordable childcare, and all the policies American families need to thrive.

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Our Vision u0026amp; Mission

u003cstrongu003eVote Mama envisions a political system that actually works for moms — and policies that actually work for families.u003c/strongu003ernrnThrough direct lobbying, grassroots action, and civic education, Vote Mama Lobby is dismantling structural barriers, enabling more parents to serve, and empowering everyday moms to become powerful advocates.rnrnThe truth is: wealthy, white, land-owning men intentionally built a political system that shut women out. We still live with that legacy today — and we are done asking permission to change it.rnWhether it’s passing Campaign Funds for Childcare in all 50 states or getting changing tables into state legislative buildings, Vote Mama Lobby is driving real wins that make it possible for moms to lead.rnrnWe are the only organization fighting to adopt Campaign Funds for Childcare (CFCC) and Campaign Funds for Security (CFS) nationwide. These are critical reforms that allow more moms of young kids to run — and serve safely.rnrnBut our work isn’t only about candidates. It’s about every mom who wants to make a difference. Special interests benefit when moms are intimidated by politics. We make staying informed and taking action easier — because when moms lead, we all win.rnrnu003cimg class=u0022alignnone wp-image-328u0022 src=u0022https://vm-foundation.dkonto.pl/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/our-vision-300×296.jpgu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022420u0022 height=u0022414u0022 /u003e

This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together to demand it.

President Barack Obama

Our Story

u003cstrongu003eOur founder and CEO, Liuba Grechen Shirley, was working a job she loved when had her first kid. The childcare waitlist was years long, and even if a spot had opened up, it would’ve cost half of her take-home pay. She didn’t want to leave her job—and probably derail her career—but there was no other option.u003c/strongu003ernrnLiuba wasn’t a career politician and didn’t think she’d run for office as a mom with little ones. But experiencing firsthand how our country’s policies fail women and children, she saw how desperately change was needed—and she wasn’t going to wait for someone else to fix it.rnrnIn 2018, now with two toddlers, Liuba ran for Congress against a 25-year incumbent. During that campaign, she struggled with the cost of childcare. She didn’t receive a salary as a candidate, campaigning was a full-time commitment, and she didn’t have the personal wealth to pay for childcare out of pocket.rnrnSo, Liuba changed the system. She became the first woman to secure approval from the Federal Election Commission to use Campaign Funds for Childcare (CFCC).rnrnLiuba didn’t win her congressional race, but she founded Vote Mama Lobby in 2020 to continue the fight for progress. We work to demystify politics, bring people together, and harness our collective power to demand change. We are the only organization working to expand CFCC, and measures like it, to all 50 states, changing the political landscape of who can feasibly run for office.rnrnu003cimg class=u0022alignnone wp-image-331u0022 src=u0022https://vm-foundation.dkonto.pl/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/our-story.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022420u0022 height=u0022429u0022 /u003e

u003ch2u003eOur Teamu003c/h2u003e

Charlyn Stanberry

Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Broadcasters

Tricia Shimamura

Manhattan Borough Commissioner, NY Parks and Recreation

LaNita King-Wood

Senior Director of Programs, Demand Justice

Amber Epling-Skinner

School Board Member, PR Strategist

Melanie Fonder Kaye

Senior Executive and Director, Digital Engagement, Marketing & Communications, National League of Cities

Kyndall Osibodu

Co-Director, Funders for Birth Justice and Equity

Kristin Bernhard

Executive Director, Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Advocacy, Primrose Schools

Katie Bethell

Founder, PL+US: Paid Leave for the U.S.

Camryn Toner

she/her

Programs Associate

Tatyana McNish

she/her

Development Associate

Molly Browning

she/her

Marketing Manager

Marcus Coppola

he/him

Media Relations Manager

Maria Wilson

she/her

Senior Research Manager

Louisa Duggan

she/her

Policy Director

Nasrene Haj

she/her

Individual Giving Director

Jordan Wong

he/him

Senior Communications Director

Kristy Pagan

she/her

Senior Political Director

Ghazal Rahmanpanah

she/her

Senior Operations Director

Corie Pope Lieberman

she/her

Chief Operating Officer

Liuba Grechen Shirley

she/her

Founder and CEO

u003ch2u003eOur Boardu003c/h2u003e

Charlyn Stanberry

Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Broadcasters

Tricia Shimamura

Manhattan Borough Commissioner, NY Parks and Recreation

LaNita King-Wood

Senior Director of Programs, Demand Justice

Amber Epling-Skinner

School Board Member, PR Strategist

Melanie Fonder Kaye

Senior Executive and Director, Digital Engagement, Marketing & Communications, National League of Cities

Kyndall Osibodu

Co-Director, Funders for Birth Justice and Equity

Kristin Bernhard

Executive Director, Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Advocacy, Primrose Schools

Katie Bethell

Founder, PL+US: Paid Leave for the U.S.

Liuba Grechen Shirley

she/her

Founder and CEO

u003ch2u003e2025 Annual Reportu003c/h2u003e

As we take stock and look ahead, we remain committed to building power for moms in politics and shaping a future where truly family-friendly leadership isn’t the exception—it’s the norm. Read our annual report to see how we’re growing the movement.

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Vote Mama Foundation identifies policy solutions to break down the barriers that keep moms out of office and out of power. Your gift today helps to build a country where all women and working families can thrive.