CPL Podcast: Cheryl Mobley-Simpson   Program: 2008 Pennsylvania Fellow Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Profession: Political Consultant

Listen Here: Cheryl Mobley-Simpson Interview (to download, right click and choose save as)

2008 Pennsylvania Fellow Cheryl Mobley-Stimpson is an official Pennsylvania Delegate this year’s Democratic National Convention.

Cheryl was the top vote-getter in Pennsylvania’s 2nd Congressional District, winning more than 125,000 votes in a field that included the Mayor of Philadelphia, two members of Philadelphia’s City Council, and members of the Pennsylvania Legislature.

She is president of Cheryl Mobley & Associates, LLC, a management consulting firm based in the Philadelphia Region. During the Primary season, Cheryl worked as an Outreach Coordinator with African American Women for Obama.

CPL National Communications Associate Loryn Wilson had a chance to talk with her about the importance of reaching out to underrepresented communities and how CPL helped her in her pursuit of the DNC Pennsylvania Delegate seat.

Read some of the highlights from the podcast below:

Before you were a CPL Fellow, did you see yourself becoming a DNC Delegate? In what ways did CPL assist you in preparing for this opportunity?
My becoming a delegate was a matter of great timing, and strategic and systemic planning.  I had not sought this position before because it seemed that so many people were interested and several were repeat attendees at the Democratic National Convention.  There didn’t seem to be an earlier opportunity to penetrate, and so I didn’t seek one.  Further, I was also busy raising two sons so the “burden outweighed the benefit”. This time around everything fell into place. 

Also, this time around it was clear that a competitive race would have to be run and won.  My diverse experiences and exposure with different groups of people throughout Philadelphia gave me an advantage in running.  I ended up with a great ballot position, and even received enough votes to push me to the highest ballot position.   Thus, I believe that I am where I am today because it is where I’m supposed to be, and where God has placed me. 

Also, my involvement in CPL has served to buttress my renewed political goals.  The CPL network and the information received have been invaluable.

What made you want to start doing outreach for African American Women for Obama?
As a Black woman, I could relate to what it means and the circumstances Black women face daily. I was motivated to reach out to people within my community, where it was in my own neighborhood in Philadelphia or the historically black university I attended  [Cheyney State University in Pennsylvania]. I saw this as an opportunity for me to get closer to the constituents and start a dialogue about the election about the candidates running for president.

What are you looking forward to the most as the Convention approaches?
I am looking forward to a wonderful meeting of the minds!  I am looking forward to networking, developing broader partnerships, and taking part in ‘a moment in time” that I doubted I’d ever see in my lifetime.  I am looking forward to leaving the convention with a renewed mind and spirit.   I know that my experience at the convention will push me to leave “no stone unturned” in my delivery of service to underrepresented populations, and to the larger community in this global economy.

If you are interested in becoming a CPL Fellow in Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Colorado, the application process is now open.

• Apply for this year's 2009 Political Leaders Fellowship