Penn Civics AND You—Understanding Local Government and Why It Matters for Jewish Women!

Watch the recording on YouTube here.

Local and state government impacts nearly every aspect of daily life—from schools and housing to health care and civil rights. Yet many people are unaware of who is leading their government, what roles are on the ballot, and how these elections affect their community.

Join Jews for a Secular Democracy’s Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Pittsburgh project in partnership with LEAD PA Institute for an eye-opening session led by Gina Amoroso-Latta, Program Director at LEAD PA Institute and Dr. Cai Smith-Morris, Joint Executive Partner, Training Director, and Chief Financial Officer at LEAD PA Institute.  

Through this important 1 hour webinar,  you’ll learn:

• What positions will be on the ballot in 2025 and 2026
• How local and state officials shape daily life in Pittsburgh and beyond
• Why voting in odd year elections matters and how they are different from even year elections
• How these issues connect to Jewish women’s leadership, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state

This webinar will empower participants to understand who represents them locally, why it matters, and how civic engagement strengthens democracy. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your civic knowledge and strengthen your voice in Pittsburgh’s future. Register HERE! 

Speakers

Dr. Cai Smith Morris
Cai Smith-Morris, “Dr. Cai,” is a credentialed practitioner that has spent 22 years in adult education arenas as a Professor of Human Resources, Executive Management, and Urban Economics. As LEAD PA and LEAD PA Institute’s Joint Executive Partner, Training Director, and Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Cai is responsible for creating and implementing nonpartisan leadership development programs to address structural and racial inequalities within Pennsylvania’s non-profit advocacy organizations, civic agencies, and electoral landscape. 

Gina Amoroso-Latta
Gina Amoroso-Latta is Director of Programs for LEAD PA & LEAD PA Institute. Prior to joining LEAD, she previously served as the Executive Director of the Delaware County Democratic Party during the pivotal 2020 and 2021 elections. Her experience on campaigns includes roles such as field organizer, political director, fundraising director and campaign manager as well as fundraising and compliance consultant for multiple organizations and campaigns.She is passionate about odd year elections, growing the candidate and staff pipeline, and sharing political know-how to help demystify the electoral process.