Larissa Martinez Headshot

Larissa Martinez

Adjunct Professor

Biography

Larissa Martinez is Founder and President of Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN). In this role, she uses her two decades of experience as a political strategist to help women across the country get involved in politics and be effective leaders. Larissa has worked on campaigns at every level, mainly for women candidates and she is the co-author of a children’s book, “My Mommy Is a Candidate.”

A political entrepreneur, Larissa also founded WPLN Action, Catalyst PAC, the Lion Leadership Fund and currently also runs Keeper Strategies LLC. Previously, Larissa served as a Senior Government Relations Professional at Invariant and worked as a senior advisor to three U.S. Senators. She has degrees from USC (MPA) and UGA (BAs). Larissa is also an Advisory Board Member, IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network; an AEI LN member; former member, Trump Presidential Transition Team, and Vice Chair, UGA SPIA Alumni Board.

Expertise

  • Political strategy
  • Communications
  • Legislative affairs
  • Finance
  • Public leadership

Research Areas

  • Women in politics
  • Women in public leadership positions
  • Public opinion trends specifically on quality and type of candidates preferred

Appointments

  • Vice Chairman, UGA SPIA Alumni Board
  • Advisory Board Member, IRI Women’s Democracy Network
  • Chair, Women of SPIA
  • Scholar, Presidential Leadership Scholars Program

Education

  • University of Southern California, MPA in Public Administration and Certificate in Political Management, 2011
  • University of Georgia, BA in Political Science & History, 2004

Prior Experience

  • Founder and CEO, Keeper Strategies, LLC
  • Founder and President, Women’s Public Leadership Network (WPLN) & WPLN Action
  • Founder, Catalyst PAC
  • Senior Advisor, Lion Leadership Fund
  • Fmr. Senior Government Relations/Political Strategist, Invariant
  • Fmr. Strategic Communications Consultant for Cabinet Nominees, Transition Team for President Trump
  • Fmr. Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Senate & U.S. House

Selected Publications

  • “My Mommy is a Candidate,” co-author (children’s book)
  • “How to Succeed in Office,” Cosmopolitan magazine (June 2024) contributor
  • “Opinion: Redistricting’s Surprising Impact on Women,” (AJC, 2021), co-author