A message from Christine J Olson

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your interest in Winning with Women in Arizona. We are thrilled to welcome you to our web site!

I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to a dynamic and growing network of politically active Republican women in Arizona.  First, let me share with you my story of political involvement.

Ten years ago my life changed dramatically when I received a call from then Governor Tom Ridge inviting me to consider an appointment to the Republican National Committee to fill a vacancy. Until that time, my civic participation, while consistent, was fairly limited to voting and donating money (both extremely important actions mind you).  My first inclination was to turn down this invitation given the professional and personal demands on my time.  However, after much reflection and good advice, I decided to take the plunge into the world of intense political activism! In the end, I decided to increase my political involvement because I owed it to my sons and their future.

Ten years later, I am so very proud of that decision.  The road was not been without in bumps.  The amount of time, energy and resources that I have continued to commit to political involvement has taken a toll at times.  Yet, as the National Committeewoman for Pennsylvania, I have found an avenue where I am able to contribute to our nation and to our future generations.  I am firmly convinced that our work in advancing women within the Republican party has been vital to the future of our great nation. 

Four and a half years ago I was blessed to marry a wonderful man— Lute Olson.  This partnership brought me to the great state of Arizona.  It has been a pleasure to become involved in Republican politics in both of my "home" states these last few years.   

I am so proud to introduce Winning with Women in Arizona, an initiative to enhance the role of Republican women in Arizona politics, government and public policy.

• To increase the role of Republican women in the political process in Arizona through various capacity building programs and services;
• To establish an interactive network of Republican women to work toward eliminating the gender gap; and,
• To create an open-dialogue with women and leaders at the local, state and national level in order to effectively serve the needs of women and to advance the Party.

On January 26, 2007, we announced the founding of the Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series, a statewide training program to prepare women for increased political involvement. I encourage you to find out more about the program here on the web page and to consider applying to be a part of the inaugural class. In addition, we have designed this web page to offer you information, access and encouragement to become more active. My associate, Bernadette Comfort, directs our Winning with Women initiatives in Arizona and I invite you to contact her (520-609-6347 or comfortb@ptd.net as soon as you can to become involved!

Our efforts will be successful only if we help to advance Republican women like you! Take the first step today by contacting us and chart your future. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Best wishes,

Christine J. Olson