Get ready to embark on an uplifting journey with host Kyra Mitchell Lewis as she introduces you to inspiring guests, shares empowering stories, and provides practical tips and information. Glow Up, Gyrl is more than just a podcast – it’s a supportive community where women can come together to learn, share, and connect. Join us as we help you find and live purpose-filled lives, uncovering your ultimate GLOW-UP!
What if the most qualified person for office is you, and you just don’t know it yet?
This week on the Glow Up, Gyrl Podcast, Kyra sits down with Beth Peterson, Senior State Director for Vote Run Lead in Minnesota, for a real and powerful conversation about women, leadership, and what it truly means to step into your civic power. This is also a special episode: Glow Up, Gyrl is proud to be back for its second year as part of Podcasthon, a global initiative where thousands of podcasters come together to spotlight nonprofits doing meaningful work in the world.
Beth is a mother of four, a former elected city councilor, a founding board member of the Rural and American Indigenous Leadership organization, and someone who wakes up every day committed to making sure more women are in the rooms where decisions get made.
✨ How Beth’s frustration with local government led her to run for city council and win
✨ The mission of Vote Run Lead and the gap it exists to fill
✨ Why women’s representation is both a justice issue and an economic one
✨ The barriers women face stepping into leadership, and how lived experience is the qualification, not a barrier
✨ The mindset shift from “I’m not ready” to “I don’t have to do this alone.”
✨ How to connect with Vote Run Lead and take your very first step
Whether you’re thinking about running, want to support women in your community, or just need a reminder of why your voice matters right now, this conversation is for you.
Learn more about Vote Run Lead: voterunlead.org
Training and resources: vrlhq.org
Follow Vote Run Lead: @voterunlead
Stay connected to Glow Up, Gyrl:
Website: glowupgyrl.com | Email: hello@glowupgyrl.com
Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn: @glowupgyrl | Facebook: @glowupgyrlatl
Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome to Glow Up, Gyrl
0:32 – What is Podcasthon? (Why this episode is special)
1:48 – Introducing today’s guest: Beth Peterson of Vote Run Lead
3:04 – Beth joins the show
3:27 – Beth’s background: How she got into public service
4:07 – From frustrated young mom to elected city councilor
5:56 – The barriers women face stepping into leadership
9:32 – Meeting women where they are: safety, confidence, and community
10:07 – Why women must not just vote, but RUN
13:18 – Women’s leadership is an economic issue, not just a political one
16:24 – “Run As You Are”: How Vote Run Lead finds and supports women
18:25 – The mindset shifts every woman leader needs
19:39 – What Podcasthon means to Vote Run Lead
21:07 – Programs, training, and how to get involved
24:45 – Beth’s 3 key takeaways for every woman watching
26:15 – Kyra’s closing reflections + call to action
31:52 – Outro: Rate, review, and stay connected
