The Ruth Hassell-Thompson Institute

“Except for having my son, taking this class is the best thing I've done in the past 10 years. I learned about so much more than what goes into running for office. I also got a good view of the inner workings of local politics, so good, in fact, that I feel I hit the ground running if I were put on that beat tomorrow. But more than anything, I met some pretty amazing and inspiring people—both Democrat and Republican—who I expect to see in office someday."—Caroline Hwang, magazine editor and writer | 2017 Graduate of NWPC-NYC Parity Politics™️

This  new  course available Online at CREW-TV Network on a subscription basis offers intense and challenging  real  world  scenario  of campaigning. Inspired by the leadership of Bella Abzug and the founders of NWPC-NY founded in 1971 to elect women in office, students are required to complete a campaign and finance plan to receive a certificate of completion. A  distinguished guest is featured in every class for real life experience.

Have you ever thought about running for political office, managing a political campaign or becoming a senior government advisor? If so, then this program is for you! Learn from experienced professionals and todays political leaders about how to get the job and what to do once you get it. Enhanced your leadership style... Learn about the financial underpinnings of good governance... Understand what makes the government tick. If you ever have thought about running for political office or being part of the mix, then this program is a must!

Lisa Powell Graham, is at the "top" of this 2021 political landscape as the Instructor fo the Parity Politics course. A feminist, public speaker, Harvard Alumn, Community organizer and super Campaign all-eclectic pro. Lisa has worked nationally in politics, in campaigns on some of the most fascinating races from Presidential to State to local races. Lisa will inspire you with engaging stories derived from real experiences and share a mix of "best practices." 

Check out her sound reflections from her latest Ted Talk above. 

Christina Romelus, Founder of PolitiCALM, was elected to political office at the age of 27. She gave birth to her second son 2 weeks later and 4 days later, she was sitting on the dais ready to serve her community. While in office, she has been committed to improving her residents’ quality of life through increasing affordable housing, increasing access to funding for small business owners and beautifying her city.

A Florida State Councilmember/commissioner, Christina Romelus knows all about the intrigue of southern politics. A wife, mother, and team leader, Christina has perfected her "Future Method" for those who are ready to claim victory!

Sharon is an Operations, External Relations, Corporate and Political Strategist certified as a Democratic National Committee Finance Director. For 30 years she has worked

with several campaigns and administrations including: The Historic Nelson Mandela “World”

Tour; the administration of the106th Mayor of NYC; The Honorable David N. Dinkins; and the 1992 Inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton. She also provided Strategy to NYGOP Mayoral Candidate, Nicole Malliotakis in her 2017 “run” for office.

Sharon earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Award for her contributions to the launching of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Dr. Donna has been an educator for over 20 years, with half of that time spent as a leader in education.  She has worked with all age groups and has experience training and coaching leaders of all levels at the school, district, state, and university levels.  Dr. Donna has a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, a professional coaching certification, and specialized training in transformative leadership.

In addition to education and leadership, she also has a passion for music.  She co-founded and now leads UNiTY Street Band, an activist street band that is now a 501c3 non-profit organization.  The mission of UNiTY Street Band is to put UNiTY back in community through the joy of music.  Dr. Donna also serves on the board of the Baldwinsville Community Band (another 501c3 non-profit), which she also plays flute and piccolo in.  

Through all of her experiences leading organizations, she believes embraces that notion that leadership is an act of making the lives of others better.  There is an art and science to being a great leader that must be balanced.  Dr. Donna is the founder and leadership coach for Inspiring Leaders LLC.  She works with leaders to navigate the challenges of leading adults so that they can surpass their goals.  

Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Special Advisor for Policy and Community Affairs, for New York State Housing and Community Renewal, was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2000, where she brought years of public service and community involvement to her post as the Senator of the 36th Senatorial District; representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester Counties. 

Prior to holding an elected office, she was President/CEO of Whart Development Company, Inc., a real estate development company that also provided consultant services to small and developing businesses, thus, she is well known for her expertise in minority business.  As the Executive Director of the Westchester Minority Contractors Association (WMCA), Ms. Hassell-Thompson became well-versed in economic development issues which impacted women and people of color.  Ms. Hassell-Thompson was consultant to the Automotive Consultant, Inc. (ACI), an automobile dealership/industry organization responsible for promoting the interests of automobile dealers of color, nationally.

Ms. Hassell-Thompson is the recipient of two Honorary Doctorate degrees; Mercy College, Doctor of Humane Letters; and Eastern Theological Consortium, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Christ Theological Seminary, Doctor of Humanities. She is an alumna of Bronx Community College.

During her tenure in the Senate, Ms. Hassell-Thompson served on the following standing committees: Judiciary (Ranking); Crime Victims, Crime & Correction (Ranking Chairwoman); Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business; Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Health; Finance; Rules; Chairwoman, Conference of Black Senators; Chairwoman, Taskforce on Domestic Violence; Governor Cuomo Taskforce on MWBE

Born & raised in Harlem, New York, Audrey Smaltz began her career in fashion as a model at the age of fifteen.  In the sixties, she worked with (now photographer) Bill Cunningham (then milliner) and Lena Horne, and as a junior fashion executive for Bloomingdales and Lane Bryant.

In the seventies, Audrey proved herself a theatrical maven on stage. She titillated audiences with her moxie and proved herself the single most unforgettable commentator in the history of the Ebony Fashion Fair.

She also served as the fashion editor of Ebony magazine reporting on haute couture and prêt a porter trends from Italy, Paris, Japan and the U.S.

In the past three (plus) decades, she has enjoyed contributing editorships at Vogue, Mirabella, More, and Mode Magazines.  She has appeared on QVC and tracked trends as a repeat guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has been named to the International Best Dressed List three times.

Her current philanthropic work includes board membership at the Black Fashion Museum, Dress for Success, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, Fashion Group International, and the Black Retailer Action Group. 

For the past two decades, students at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and the  High School for Fashion Industries NYC, eagerly anticipate Audrey’s fashion authority as the result of decades of work as a producer and motivational speaker, and currently a sought after auctioneer.  She mesmerizes the audiences.  

Her invaluable tips and advice provide the important tools needed to chart courses for a more fulfilled life and successful business with first class style.