What Does the Pink Vote Mean to You?

The League of Women Voters (LWV) met at Hera Hub today to discuss how to capture key demographics and a few things in particular stood out.  While there was much to be said in regards to how important the female demographic is in elections, the 18-24 year olds are perhaps the most important consideration in extending political ideals from one generation to the next.  As our article “Gen X and Gen Y: Come Together Right Now”emphasized, collaboration between generations is essential, especially in terms of the longevity of women’s rights.

Rumman Chowdhury, pre-PhD candidate in Political Science at UC San Diego, gave an enlightening presentation to the LWV about the importance of women’s political involvement- or “pink vote.”  She was able to point out with great clarity and statistical backing how big of an influence women can make on elections in general, but the presentation would have perhaps made more of an impact had it included the youngest generation of women voters.  The average age of woman in the LWV audience today was around 55 years old.  Ideally, women from 18 years old and up would participate in these events.  One of the oldest and perhaps most important political organizations for women cannot be sustained without the support of younger generations.  If a wider age range is involved with the LWV, the larger the impact they can have in election years.

Women Give San Diego, a fellow local women’s organization, is a great example of how to achieve this sustained support.  They are continuously promoting events that appeal to all age groups- from Girl Scout sponsored meetings to member cocktail mixers.  As Rumman pointed out, college students in particular are very fond of events like these and Hera Hub is here to facilitate exactly such collaborations.  Had this LWV brunch been posted on flyers across San Diego college campuses, it would likely have peaked an interest with those who the organization needs the most.  Once the youth group is involved at even a base level, the ability to reach out to others in that demographic is highly aggregated.

Rumman’s presentation brought to light the necessity of young women in the political process.  Only they can continue to build upon the progress made by organizations like the LWV and determine the future of women’s rights.
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Felena is a long-time entrepreneur and marketing maven.  Her latest venture, Hera Hub, is a spa-inspired shared workspace for female entrepreneurs. This as-needed, flexible work and meeting space provides a productive environment for women who primarily work from home.  Hera Hub members have access to a professional space to meet with clients and to connect and collaborate with like-minded business owners, thus giving them the support they need to be prosperous.  Cost-effective monthly membership options are suited for freelancers, independent consultants, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and authors.

Hera Hub is much more than just a shared workspace; it’s a community of like-minded entrepreneurial women who find the additional resources, such as special classes, workshops, and one-on-one support essential for their business growth. The first San Diego location is conveniently located in Sorrento Valley.  By the end of 2012 Hera Hub will have additional locations in Mission Valley & Carlsbad.

Felena is passionate about education, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of San Diego and her MBA from California State University Dominguez Hills.  She taught Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and at California State University Dominguez Hills for the MBA online program for eight years. Felena was most recently rewarded for community efforts, as she was awarded the “Women Business Owner of the Year Award” by the local chapter of the National Organization of Women Business Owners.