Tennessee — The 21st Annual State Directors’ and 11th Biennial First Term Legislators’ Conference in St. Pete Beach, Tennessee State Representatives Raumesh Akbari & Brenda Gilmore were sworn in as 2015 State Directors with Women In Government. They were elected by their peers

“Women In Government congratulates both Rep. Akbari & Rep. Gilmore on their positions as State Directors. State Directors play a critical role in setting policy priorities for our organization,” said Dyan Alexander, Executive Director of Women In Government. “Both of these members are recognized leaders in their state, and we are excited that they will now share their leadership skills with other women policymakers throughout the country.”

“Women in Government is a great organization that I have enjoyed participating in,” said Rep. Gilmore of Nashville. “As I begin my new term, I hope to work with women from across the country to advance our policy goals.”

“I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow legislators,” said Rep. Akbari of Memphis. “I look forward to working with WIG to make our state a better place for women & girls.”

At the 21st Annual State Directors’ Conference, women state legislators heard from expert speakers on a variety of public policy topics and their impact on states. Topics included developing energy diversity, the role of nutrition in healthy aging, methods for creating opportunities for families, diabetes prevention and awareness, and many others. This meeting also provided attendees with the opportunity to network with colleagues across state borders and share best practices to advance successful public policies.

Women In Government Foundation, Inc. is a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources. Women In Government serves all 1,785 women who serve in state legislatures from across the country. For more information, visit www.womeningovernment.org.