Emerge Kentucky, the organization that trains Democratic women to run for office, celebrated the graduation of its 14th training class on Saturday, June 24th, at the headquarters of the Jefferson County Teachers Association (JCTA).
Emerge has trained over 300 women since its founding in 2009. Many of those graduates have gone on to run for, and win, elective office, from the local level to the state legislature.
Our thanks to Del Ramey, photographer extraordinaire, for covering the event, and to Emerge for the invitation and the awesome work they do. On to the photos!
Candid Shots
They didn’t wait to cut the cake!The Emerge Kentucky training was at the Jefferson County Teachers Association, JCTA. While JCTA is primarily a collective bargaining organization for public school teachers, there is inevitable interaction with politics and government. The wall signs are not randomly selected.
(from upper left)Everyone pitches in to arrange the room; graduates talking before the ceremony; Kate Dittmeier Holm; Cherlyn Smith; Alex Berling, also seen 8-Apr-2023, speaking in Frankfort as part of The Return of the Trans; Angela Bowens and Kenyata Dean Bacon
Graduates – and child – get front-row seating.
(from left)Hugs happen!; Yes, hugs make you smile; No badge, but I think woman on left is a national trainer. Kenyata Bacon on right.
The Ceremony
Canessa Dickerson, executive assistant, and Caitlin Blair, Chair of the Emerge Board, join Blair to present diplomas to the 2023 graduates. Caitlin shares a special welcome to all the graduates.
Cutia Bacon BrownAlmaria Ozell Baker, Ed. D.Alex BerlingAngela BowensMichelle CasonSarah CriswellKenyata Dean BaconKate Dittmeier HolmTyesha J. GordonLeila HunterWhitney Z. JohnsLaura KennedyTricia Frances ListerEmily A. LoganErin MarshallTaylor McGovern U'SellisKim ReederCherlyn SmithMelinda Townsend-BreslinRenee M. WilsonGroup Pic 1Group Pic 2 (collage and crop)
After the Ceremony
Mmm - cake!Even better – cake and wine!Dr. Berg is herself an Emerge graduate, class of 2017.The Elsmere/Kenton County, KY contingent is all smiles. Serena Owen, on left, is a Class of 2014 graduate and seems to have applied her training as she is a Councilwoman of Elsmere.
Dr. Del Ramey has a doctorate in electrical engineering, and is now the retired old guy with a camera who shows up at any happening that interests him. (Read the rest on the Contributors page.)
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