On Saturday, June 13, 2020 the SCCDP hosted a virtual training event attended by more than 100 candidates, campaign leaders, and youth. The keynote speakers were Board of Equalization Member, the Honorable Malia Cohen, and Close the Gap founder Mary Hughes. Ms. Cohen shared her compelling personal story of engagement in public life and encouraged attendees to embrace the “over achiever” spirit that may have piqued their interest in electoral politics. Mary Hughes described how she came to found Close the Gap and noted the progress the group and others have made in increasing the representation of women in the California legislature from 21% to 32% – solid progress but still a long way to go! The group of more than 100 participants split into separate panels for candidates, campaign leaders, and youth, each of which reported hosting an active discussion with an engaged group of attendees. The SCCDP plans to host similar events in the coming months, perhaps to specifically help candidates and their supporters navigate the landscape we’re all likely to face this election cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic.