South Carolina state Sen. Katrina Shealy and Tennessee state Rep. Karen Camper are two legislators who have risen to the highest levels of women’s leadership in their states. Join the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) as it talks to the women who shape our world. These elected women are leaders in their communities, and their voices in their states have had a powerful impact. Listen in as Elected Women Across America speaks with elected women with common goals to exchange legislative ideas and reach across the aisle. Hosted by NFWL, this podcast provides a direct line to the leaders that the organization empowers.
The first episode highlights two leaders in NFWL, Shealy – the immediate past chair of NFWL – and Camper. Hear how these elected women paved their way toward a career in politics and service and how they work across the aisle daily to serve their constituents.
Elected in November 2012, Shealy was the only woman in the South Carolina Senate at that time and is now one of just five women in the Statehouse’s upper chamber. Shealy is also the founder of the nonprofit Katrina’s Kids, which strives to give “Every Chance to Every Child” in foster care and group homes. She has been a champion of children’s and women’s issues for many years, having formerly served as chairman of the board of the South Carolina Friends of Juvenile Justice, the Women’s Advisory Board for Lexington Medical Center and as a board member for the Girl Scouts of the Congaree.
Camper has served in the Tennessee Legislature since 2008. She is dedicated to serving her district and is involved in her community outside of the Tennessee Legislature. She serves as a member of the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus, a lifetime member of Black in Government, a board member of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women, and the Region IV Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. Before becoming a state representative, Camper was a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army. She continues to be involved in military affairs by being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 11333 and a charter member of Women in Military Service for America.