New Jersey Women Leaders Accepted to Prestigious The Campaign School at Yale 

Summer Session June 8-12

School trains women and men of all parties to win elections

New Jersey. May 21, 2026 – Tenisha Malcolm-Wint, Megan O’Rourke, Loretta Rivers, and Della M. Walker Jr. have been accepted into The Campaign School at Yale’s annual Summer Session, a highly competitive five-day campaign training program held June 8–12 at Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut. Just 80 candidates and campaign staff are accepted nationally each year.

Representing communities from across New Jersey, each woman brings a distinct background in public service, advocacy, and civic leadership. Malcolm-Wint has spent nearly two decades in nonprofit leadership and public policy strategy; O’Rourke is a former Congressional candidate in New Jersey’s 7th District; Rivers serves on the Piscataway Board of Education and previously ran for Assembly in Legislative District 17; and Walker is an entrepreneur and nonprofit executive whose work spans housing equity, workforce development, and community engagement.

During the program, the four women will learn from experts from both major parties the tools needed to navigate modern political campaigns, including: fundraising, campaign economics, digital strategy, and security on the trail.

TCSYale is dedicated to helping  prepare women and underrepresented leaders to run for public office. Women hold just 28% of U.S. Congressional seats, and 31.6% of state legislative seats nationally. Only 30 percent of New Jersey’s State Legislature are women.

“Women lead differently, and we need strong, enthusiastic women  in office to help bridge the bipartisan gap plaguing our government,” said Patricia (Patti) Russo, Executive Director, The Campaign School at Yale. “These students are dedicated to learning how to earn the right to serve the citizens of New Jersey.”

“In my recent run for Congress, I learned how important it is to have a strong, trusted network and campaign team to be successful.” Megan O’Rourke said. “I am excited to continue to build those connections.”

“Service has always been at the center of my work, but meaningful change also requires strategy, preparation, and a deep understanding of how to navigate systems effectively,” said Malcolm-Wint. “I am incredibly honored to be among just 80 individuals selected for The Campaign School at Yale’s Summer Session and look forward to learning from some of the nation’s most accomplished campaign and political leaders from across the political spectrum.”

“Attending The Campaign School at Yale's Summer Session is not just about learning the mechanics of politics; it's about shaping the future with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to lead with positive Change for our voter,” said Rivers. “I'm honored to join women from all parties at this esteemed program’s Class of 2026.

“Joining The Campaign School at Yale’s Summer Session represents both a personal milestone and a continued commitment to strengthening civic leadership, expanding pathways to opportunity, and helping shape systems that deliver practical results for working families and communities across New Jersey,” said Walker. “I am honored to join a cohort dedicated to leading with integrity, courage, and a shared vision for a better collective future.”

Past faculty at TCSYale include Betsy Ankney, campaign manager for Nikki Haley’s presidential run, and Earnestine Dawson, Director of Strategic Planning for U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries. Alumni include Members of Congress Erin Houchin (R-IN), Becca Balint (D-VT), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

About The Campaign School at Yale:

The Campaign School at Yale (TCSYale) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit program known for its immersive, high-intensity training that prepares women and underrepresented leaders to run for office. Its flagship five-day Summer Session at Yale Law School blends rigorous instruction with late-night teamwork and real-world campaign challenges. TCSYale also offers several one-day “The Basics” trainings each year, giving emerging leaders accessible entry points into campaign fundamentals.###