Welcome to the March edition of WCPI’s Monthly Dispatch! To close out Women’s History Month, it is imperative we remember and honor the trailblazing women who fought tirelessly for the betterment of women and girls everywhere.
At WCPI, we remain committed to bringing women together across the aisle to build a sustainable future and advance the issues that matter the most to women and their families.
Women’s History Museum
The effort to establish the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum spans nearly 30 years, beginning with former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) leading the endeavor to establish a museum in 1998.
Now, with 231 bipartisan co-sponsors, the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 1329), led by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), passed the House Administration Committee. The bill was approved by a party-line vote due to the adoption of a short notice amendment that shapes the museum’s content and its potential site location.
Leadership Spotlight: Bipartisan Women’s Caucus
The Bipartisan Women’s Caucus – formerly known as the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues – has a nearly 50-year legacy of legislative and symbolic wins. A defining example of their impact occurred on May 14, 1997, when the Caucus successfully led a nationwide effort to return the statue of suffragists, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucretia Mott, also known as the “Portrait Monument,” to the Capitol Rotunda.
The statue had been relegated to the basement of the Capitol shortly after its unveiling in 1921. Thanks to a coordinated and committed effort between the Caucus, national organizations, and donors across the country, the monument was finally restored to its rightful place.
WCPI Events
WCPI and Hologic Hosted a Breakfast Event featuring Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA)
(L to R: Alyssa Innis, Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat, Julia Mattingly, and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA)
WCPI recently partnered with Hologic, a medical tech company focused on women’s health, to co-host a breakfast discussion with Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. We were pleased to be joined by 2026 WCPI fellow, Julia Mattingly, who currently serves on her staff.
The Congresswoman joined industry leaders for a thoughtful discussion on women’s health, with a focus on the intersection of AI and diagnostics, breast cancer, and mid-life women’s health. At WCPI, we are proud to help foster a dialogue that elevates women’s health as a priority and empowers the next generation of leaders to carry this work forward.
HHS Conference Alert: National Summit on Women’s Health 
Earlier this month, WCPI attended the inaugural U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Conference on NCWH Women’s Health. We appreciated the number of bipartisan issues highlighted throughout the event, such as menopause, cardiovascular disease, maternal health, and mid-life women’s health – issues that align with the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ priorities. WCPI is excited to see these critical conversations evolve into legislative actions that champion the needs of women on both sides of the aisle.
A Heroic Evening: The Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Wonder Woman
(L to R: Julissa Marenco, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Lynda Carter, Patty Jenkins, and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
WCPI attended a special event hosted by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum featuring actress Lynda Carter (Iconic Wonder Woman) and director Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman, 2017). They were joined by Congresswomen Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), the primary sponsors of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 1329).
The panel explored the cultural legacy of Wonder Woman and the importance of honoring the women who paved the way for future generations to flourish. To learn more, watch here!
Exciting News!
WCPI’s 2026 Annual Congressional Gala Reception will be held on April 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Last month, WCPI was proud to announce that we’ll be honoring Chief of Staff to Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Lisa Goeas, and former Chief of Staff to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Terri McCullough, at the gala.
Each year, this event brings together high-ranking administration and federal agency officials, corporate and labor supporters, senior congressional staff, leaders from national women’s organizations, and individual supporters to celebrate WCPI’s mission of advancing women in leadership and shaping public policy. Click here for more details!
Thank You!
As always, if your office or organization is interested in partnering with WCPI, hosting an event, or suggesting topics for future briefings, we’re just a message away.
Warmly,
Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat
President
Women’s Congressional Policy Institute