Executive Women's Council: Authenticity in advocacy: How to get civically engaged without getting ‘too political’

Speakers:
Elizabeth Emerson
Vice President, Public Affairs; Principal
Goff Public
 
Elizabeth is one of Minnesota’s most recognizable and influential lobbyists.
 
Regardless of the political balance in the Legislature, Elizabeth leverages her experience as a campaign operative, legislative staffer and political consultant to deliver client results. Now as leader of our public affairs practice, Elizabeth has formed strong relationships and a deep understanding of legislative, regulatory and political processes.
 
Elizabeth has successfully advocated for many high-profile issues across the political spectrum. From groundbreaking legislation to provide compensation for the wrongfully imprisoned to unprecedented capital investments for mental health facilities to pilot program funding to connect K-12 students with construction careers, Elizabeth has assisted clients in building powerful coalitions and making their voices heard. Her experience also includes major wins on funding proposals across numerous committee jurisdictions, from child protection to soil and water projects to student support staff.
 
Known for her authentic approach and willingness to tackle challenging projects head-on, Elizabeth leads Goff Public’s public affairs practice. Her intellectual curiosity, combined with her civic and political experience beginning with the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone’s campaign, make Elizabeth a passionate advocate who clients turn to for insight, strategy and meaningful results.
 
An Iowa native and Midwestern girl through-and-through, Elizabeth finds joy in spending time with her family, watching college football and playing volleyball.

Sara Swenson
Director, Public Relations
Goff Public
 
Sara is a persuasive, sophisticated communicator.
 
Sara works with clients to amplify their stories, advocate for their interests and protect their reputations. From proactive PR strategies to thoughtful messaging to transparent community engagement, she helps clients engage with the audiences who matter most to them in concise and memorable ways. Sara is also a key member of Goff Public’s media training and crisis communications teams, guiding clients though challenging situations and emerging issues with an emphasis on transparent, timely communication.
 
Sara’s more than 10 years of experience includes extensive work with state, tribal and local governments, philanthropy, human services, and higher education institutions. She has worked on economic development projects across the Twin Cities – including CHS Field, the Ford site, Rice Creek Commons, RiversEdge and Dorothy Day Place. The common thread through all of Sara’s work is a focus on helping citizens better understand and engage with their community and their government.
 
A passionate advocate for her community, Sara serves on the Saint Paul Area Chamber Foundation Board of Directors and the Neighborhood House Board of Directors.
 
Sara is an avid marathoner who also loves hiking, exploring the North Shore, sipping local brews on any patio she can find, and spending quality time with her husband and young daughter.