Recoding the Boys' Club: The Experiences and Future of Women in Political Technology

This book offers the first in-depth look at the employment patterns and work experiences of women working in political technology in the United States. Drawing on a unique dataset of 1004 political tech staffers and interviews with 45 women who worked on presidential campaigns between 2004-2016, this book reveals the underrepresentation of women in political technology, especially leadership positions, as well as the struggle women face to have their voices heard within the boys' clubs and bro cultures of the field. The book aims to help political practitioners create more gender equitable and inclusive workplaces, ones that value the ideas and skills of all those who work to get candidates elected.

Daniel Kreiss is the Edgar Thomas Cato Distinguished Associate Professor in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a principal researcher of the UNC Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life.

Kirsten Adams is a Ph.D. candidate and Roy H. Park Fellow in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a graduate research fellow with the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life.

Jenni Ciesielski is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied journalism. She currently works in Democratic political communications.

Haley Fernandez is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied public relations and political science. After graduation, she worked as Director of Digital Communications for Eleison Group, LLC. Haley currently works on the digital team at Chapman Cubine and Hussey.

Kate Frauenfelder is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied public relations and public policy. She currently works in communications for Democratic political campaigns.

Brinley Lowe attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with honors in journalism and political science. She currently works in strategic communications at Bully Pulpit Interactive.

Gabrielle Micchia is a graduate of The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she studied public relations and political science. Gabrielle currently works on the digital team at a New York global public relations agency.