Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/235251
s vAn:T s ic ser e puBlng The issuple i TAckl Tics & peo li of po MAry Burke cURReNt cANdidAte foR goveRNoR of WiscoNsiN, mAdisoN boARd of edUcAtioN membeR, foRmeR WiscoNsiN secRetARY of commeRce, foRmeR tRek bicYcle coRPoRAtioN eXecUtive, PHilANtHRoPist Since announcing her intention to become in 2014 Wisconsin's first female governor, Mary Burke has been catapulted to the forefront of state politics. What inspired you to run for statewide public office? It started with people encouraging me…I jumped into it because I love Wisconsin. We have a great state with great people and so much potential. We need the leadership that brings people together, and puts problem-solving ahead of partisanship. How do you stay inspired and motivated to overcome the challenges currently facing Wisconsin? I was brought up to believe that the more you have, the more you should give. I see the need and the great potential here. What motivates me every day are the lives of people who are putting in the hard work and need a little help. It inspires me to want to lead 38 bRAvA mAgAziNe | JANUARY 2014 this state to a better place that is more concerned about the day-to-day experiences of the people I meet every day. If elected, you would be the first female governor of Wisconsin. Does this affect your campaign? This campaign is about a different type of leadership, not one based on gender but on priorities, and leadership that brings people together rather than divides them. What advice would you give teens or young women who want to pursue politics someday? They should do it! We need women in politics. I think diversity and representation of different points of view is important. We've seen in terms of so many state and national issues that if women are not involved in the decisions that impact our lives, then we're not having the leadership that makes us strongest. –A.M.