By Kieran Butler
After a life full of male-dominated mentorships and employment, one of Maryland’s top distinguished leaders is ready for some female representation.
Photo by Kieran Butler
Sarah Elfreth, the government affairs director for the National Aquarium, told an audience at the Women in Leadership conference on April 18 at Towson University that most of her political mentors in college were men.
She said she wished she had more women role models during those years, and she said a woman who feels passionate about politics should not hesitate to run for political office.
She told the 90 women who attended the conference that there needs to be more female representation in Annapolis as well as Washington.
When U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski retires at the end of this term, Elfreth said, there may be no women representatives from Maryland – an idea that “scares me to tears.”
“I know that not everybody here is as revved up about it as I am,” Elfreth said. “I think I would like to be represented by a woman in two years.”
Elfreth said that as a female lobbyist she has been treated differently than men. She said she cannot complain about this because it could hurt her professional relationships with the government officials she is paid to lobby.
“Regardless of their treatment of me, I have to have a smile on my face and be nice to them,” Elfreth said.
She said that one of the best things that a woman can do if she wants to stand out in a male-dominated profession is to participate actively in the conversation.
“Don’t be afraid of your own voice,” Elfreth said. “It’s about speaking up and being heard.”
Elfreth said it is important to balance career and personal life. This balance can seem overwhelming at times, Elfreth said. She said it’s OK to cry and be emotional.
“I want to have kids,” Elfreth said. “I want to run for office. I’m terrified of doing all of those things and having to try to find that balance.”
Elfreth told the audience to read newspapers, write handwritten thank you notes and always take advantage of a Kate Spade sale.
Elfreth earned her bachelor’s degree in political science at Towson University and went on to earn her master’s in public policy from Johns Hopkins University. She was appointed by former Gov. Martin O’Malley to the University System Board of Regents during her time at Towson, and she later interned in U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer’s whip office.
Elfreth also recently received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Towson University Honors College.