2025 AAPC Trailblazer Award Honorees
Created to recognize those at the forefront of change, the Trailblazer Award honors true pioneers: creators of groundbreaking technologies, bold strategists, and changemakers whose leadership and vision have expanded the boundaries of political consulting. This year’s class is particularly historic-it consists entirely of women whose extraordinary contributions have reshaped the industry and inspired generations of practitioners. These honorees exemplify not only excellence, but originality, leadership, and lasting influence.
A global force for democratic engagement, Nancy has trained aspiring leaders in all 50 states and 28 countries. A former Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, she has advanced civic education and leadership development through organizations like Running Start and The Campaign School at Yale, and continues to champion inclusive political participation.
A Democratic media consultant whose groundbreaking work helped shape modern campaign messaging. As one of the first women to helm a national consulting firm, Jill co-founded Rothstein/Buckley and produced iconic media for high-profile campaigns, while also championing candidate training and mentorship for women through her work with the DNC and USAID.
With a career spanning the RNC, federal service, and corporate leadership, Maria has been a strategic architect of Republican success. She directed the 2008 GOP Convention, oversaw a $61 billion budget as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and rose to prominence in the private sector as a powerhouse coalition builder and mentor.
A trailblazing pollster and educator, Dotty was the first woman to lead polling on a U.S. presidential campaign. From her pioneering work on the gender gap to her tenure at CBS News and American University, Dotty’s insight, innovation, and commitment to mentorship revolutionized how campaigns understand voters.
