News The Hill recognizes 50 women who shape policy by Sophie Brams - 03/04/26 6:00 AM ET by Sophie Brams - 03/04/26 6:00 AM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING Women are some of the most influential policy shapers on Capitol Hill and across the U.S., playing an increasingly visible role in the political sphere, driving key legislative debates and taking on new leadership roles across all levels of government.   The Hill is recognizing 50 women as part of its inaugural Top Women Shaping Policy list, a group of people who help to steer the agenda in Washington and state capitols, on both sides of the aisle. From staffers to state lawmakers to strategists — and many more in between — these women work long hours and often behind the scenes to push progress in an increasingly polarized political landscape. This year’s Top Women Shaping Policy will be spotlighted during an exclusive morning event on March 4, featuring a series of discussions led by The Hill’s Deputy Managing Editor Katie Wadington, White House reporter Julia Manchester and House majority reporter Emily Brooks. Meet the women here . Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, will participate in a conversation on “A Legacy of Leadership,” while Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), who sits on the House Appropriations Committee, will speak about how women are leading conversations in Congress.    Chiefs of staff for governors in North Dakota and Oklahoma — Roz Leighton and Donelle Harder, respectively — as well as Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-N.J.) chief of staff, Veronica Duron, will discuss how women are wielding influence over federal and state politics. The event will also feature a conversation with Meghan Meehan-Draper, the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, and KC Crosbie, co-chair of the Republican National Committee. The event is sponsored by Arnold Ventures, a public policy philanthropy founded in 2008 by billionaires John and Laura Arnold. The organization funds research on issues such as criminal justice, education, health care, finance and infrastructure to help inform policymaking decisions across the U.S. Its president and CEO, Kelli Rhee, is one of only a few female CEOs at the helm of a multibillion-dollar nonprofit. Laura Arnold will address attendees during the event in a conversation with Kathleen Koch, a contributing editor for The Hill.   Add as preferred source on Google Tags Ashley Hinson Cory Booker Patty Murray Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More News News See All Senate Iran conflict fails to move Democrats in DHS shutdown fight by Al Weaver 41 minutes ago Senate  /  41 minutes ago