Fund raising was never my passion, but I realized it is the necessary means to the end of having passionate, progressive, courageous women legislators in Harrisburg.
When Nancy Lanham moved from Chicago to Philadelphia in 1983, politics wasn’t on her radar – until several years later when a chance meeting with then-City Councilmember Happy Fernandez – planning to run as Philadelphia’s first woman Mayor, led to a volunteer position that sparked her passion for civic engagement. Tasked with drafting Fernandez’s initial set of position papers on key issues facing the city, Nancy spoke with commissioners and advisors across Philadelphia. That work opened her eyes to how deeply the city’s governance was connected to decisions made in Harrisburg.
Later, as Executive Director of Delaware Valley Grantmakers, Nancy led programming on the issues that mattered most to the region’s philanthropic community—many which highlighted the need for legislative action in Harrisburg. Public education became a personal priority. “All roads led to Harrisburg,” she recalls, whether it was fighting for fair school funding, ensuring equitable treatment for students or addressing school choice.
Nancy first connected with Represent PA through her neighbor, Christine Jacobs. “Before I knew it, I was working for Represent PA,” she says. While fundraising wasn’t her passion, she recognizes it as the critical means to achieving a more representative Commonwealth – where legislators look like the voters they serve – and knows early funding is key to getting progressive women elected.
As an active donor, Nancy participates with Represent PA’s Endorsement Committee, where funding decisions for candidates are made. “I’m energized every time I meet our candidates, Nancy says. “They have the passion, focus and courage to take on the issues holding our Commonwealth back.”
Nancy’s vision? Strong Democratic candidates in every district—and more of them being women.
💜 Thank you, Nancy, for helping power the movement to change Harrisburg!