ACLA Success Story

Brittney Kreimer is a self-described introvert who never saw herself as a politician let alone winning an election to Golf Manor village council. Not only is Brittney a new council member, she ran on a ticket with two other women who also won seats on council.

 

“We were all out of our comfort zone. Who knew we would be holding weekly coffee chats in the neighborhood and knocking on doors to win support. I do not think any of us saw this coming. We were upset about a community issue and decided, let’s not get angry, let’s get elected,” said Brittney.

 

The other two new Golf Manor village council members are: Melody Mayle and Charlotte Bruewer.

 

“It feels amazing. We completely flipped the demographics of our council and we have not only done that, but we also flipped what the committee’s look like, they all were predominantly male,” Brittney added.

 

Beaming with pride as she attended the 3rd Women’s Fund Greater Cincinnati Foundation Appointed Civic Leadership Academy (ACLA) learning session on November 11, Brittney was quick to give credit to the Women’s Fund and ACLA. The Appointed Civic Leadership Academy is a non-partisan program that prepares and empowers women to seek appointments to local boards and commissions. Although women make up 50 percent of the population in the Cincinnati region, they hold only about 30 percent of the appointments on civic boards and commissions.

 

So far, at least 25 women who have attended the Women’s Fund Appointed Civic Leadership Academy learning sessions have been successfully appointed to civic boards and commissions as well as elected positions.

 

Brittney says the opportunity to network with elected officials has been invaluable. “Several encouraged me. You have no idea what that means as a woman who has never held public office. It gave me even greater confidence to know that I am not alone in what I am fighting for. At a recent session, (Hamilton County Commissioner) Denise Driehaus was one of the speakers and it was especially helpful to hear her journey and how she got to where she is now.”

 

Now, Brittney and the other new council members have their own story to tell of how they changed the face of their village council to better represent the demographics of the neighborhood. Brittney believes they are inspiring others to get involved in their community and to make their voices heard.

 

“It will be helpful to have the perspective of those who represent the community on council. Our election proves that people want diverse representation, and we are ready to bring it,” Brittney said.

 

Commissioner Denise Driehaus will conduct the swearing in ceremony for Brittney on December 11. On the same day, Charlotte and Melody will also officially take their seats on Golf Manor Village Council.