CPL's 2009 Political Leaders Fellowship   CPL's State Political Leaders Fellowship is a selective, 9-month, part-time leadership program for individuals interested in advancing progressive political and policy change.   Applications to be a 2009 CPL Fellow are now open, including in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.   Learn more about the 9-month Political Leaders Fellowship.   -------------------------------------------   Listen to a podcast with delegate Cheryl Mobley.   Read an interview with Phil Reidabout his path to becoming a delegate.

Katie Hobbs Location: Phoenix, Arizona Program: 2007 Arizona Fellow Profession: Director of Government Relations at the Sojourner Center   "CPL showed me the importance of building positive relationships with people regardless of their political affiliations."

How did you become politically involved in Arizona?

I am a social worker who lobbies to change domestic violence laws in Phoenix.

I was frustrated with the response I received from political leaders and really wanted them to make changes for domestic violence survivors, and to implement policies that will hold perpetrators more accountable. To me, domestic violence is a non-partisan issue, because no politician would ever promote men and women being abused or violated, and it is an issue that could help move a progressive agenda forward.

Before CPL, did you see yourself becoming a DNC Delegate? In what ways did CPL help you in preparing for this new opportunity?

I started getting more involved in 2004 for with the Kerry Campaign. When I watched the convention in 2004, I was very inspired by seeing John Kerry’s success there, and I knew that I wanted to go to the Convention after that. During my time as a CPL fellow, I was also serving as a precinct committee person for the Democratic party.

CPL helped me to create new connections showed me the importance of building positive relationships with people regardless of their political affiliations. I kept this in mind when I teamed up with another delegate who was pledged to Obama in order to be selected for the delegation. When I was a campaign volunteer for Laura Pastor, the Obama delegate was the Campaign manager for her opponent, Michael Nowakowski.

It was a very nasty city council race, but thanks to my training at CPL, I was able to get past our differences so that we could work together effectively and keep our goal—winning the delegate seat—at the top of my priorities.

What are you looking forward to most as a DNC Delegate?
I’ve never been to the convention, and this is certainly the most historic convention ever. I’m looking forward to being with other activists and leaders in the Democratic party and getting energized for the months ahead in this election cycle.

More About Katie

Katie is currently the Director of Government Relations at the Sojourner Center, a shelter and advocacy center for domestic violence survivors in Phoenix. She serves on the Board of Directors of EMERGE Arizona and is also a  member of the National Association of Social Workers. She will be attending the 2008 Democratic National Committee as a delegate after receiving the highest vote count in the state. She plans to run for State Legislator in the future.

• Apply for the 2009 Arizona Fellowship
• Meet the rest of the 2006 Arizona Fellowship