Kentucky Commission on Women panelists urge more women to run, share practical lessons from local officeholders

Heather Dearing, deputy chief of staff to Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman and staff to the Kentucky Commission on Women, opened a virtual panel on women’s representation in Kentucky government and introduced three commissioners who also serve as local elected officials.

The panelists — Christine Thompson, a Livingston County School Board member; Terry Owens, a Radcliffe city council member and retired lieutenant colonel; and Colleen Younger, Jefferson County’s Property Evaluation Administrator — described what motivated them to run, how they approached service and outreach in their offices, and practical steps they recommend to other women considering campaigns.

The discussion highlighted statewide underrepresentation. Heather Dearing summarized the commission’s recent findings, saying Kentucky currently has no female members of Congress, women make up roughly 30% of the General Assembly and about 20% of mayors are women. "We have some room for improvement," she said, framing the panel’s goal to demystify running for and serving in office.

Panelists offered concrete examples of work in office. Colleen Younger said restoring workplace culture and transparency were priorities after she took office; she boosted pay for lower-paid staff and launched a public outreach "You Have a Right to Appeal" program to guide taxpayers through reassessment and appeals. Younger said the county’s tax roll totals about $99 billion and called public meetings and library-based outreach critical to rebuilding trust.

Christine Thompson pointed to school-district improvements under her board’s tenure: new infrastructure projects, a new board office and recruitment of teachers, and a focus on keeping students central to decisions. She noted her own milestone: "I was the first Latina to win an election in the state of Kentucky," and said she hopes to inspire other women of color to run.

Terry Owens emphasized local-government responsibilities and civic education. Owens said she ran to continue service and to increase representation, and described launching a mayor’s youth city council and pursuing ordinances tied to civic education (a bill she referenced as "bill 585"). Owens also described community-building efforts such as neighborhood gardens and programs linking military families and the civilian community after population shifts related to Fort Knox.

On the campaign and service side, the panelists shared actionable advice. Owens told prospective candidates: "Don't let anybody tell you when it's your turn." Thompson urged seeking mentors (including those with different viewpoints), building a support network and accepting that loss can still produce long-term gains in visibility and influence. Younger stressed the practicalities of fundraising and volunteer recruitment, advising candidates to compile a donor list, recruit skilled volunteers and avoid spending on low-value promotional items.

The session also touched on resilience and self-care. Younger described a daily meditation practice and a small virtual group that meets each morning; Owens said she relies on walking, jogging and community gardening; Thompson said she maintains energy through running and annual women's surf retreats.

The conversation concluded with each panelist naming a proud accomplishment: Owens cited reconnecting military and civilian communities; Younger cited restored credibility for her office and national recognition for the appeal program; Thompson cited improved educational outcomes and restored community trust in her district.

The Commission on Women will archive the session on its YouTube channel and announced the next virtual conversation — on Kentucky women’s health issues — scheduled for June 6; the commission’s website is women.ky.gov for updates and future events.