In the November 2018 midterms, the greatest number of women in history were elected to Congress. A diverse group in background, age, professional experience, and ideology--all were swept into office on an enormous wave of grassroots support. In The Firsts, New York Times reporter Jennifer Steinhauer chronicles these women’s first year in Congress, all the while asking: will this Congress, which looks a little more like today’s America, truly be the start of something new?

NJ 11th District Congressional Representative Mikie Sherrill, who is featured in the book, will discuss with Steinhauer her own account of campaigning and governance. This event, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment granting women the right to vote, promises insightful and inspiring discussion about the progress women have made, along with the hurdles they continue to face.

Jennifer Steinhauer has been a reporter for The New York Times since 1994. She has worked on the Metro, Business and National desk, and served as City Hall bureau chief and Los Angeles bureau chief before moving to Washington in 2010. She is the author of a novel, two cookbooks and the The Firsts: The Inside Story of the Women Reshaping Congress.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill proudly represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1994, Congresswoman Sherrill spent almost 10 years on active duty in the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy in 2003, she earned her law degree from Georgetown University and eventually joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, Congresswoman Sherrill serves as Freshman Whip for the New Democrat Coalition, and sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. She is the Chairwoman of the Environment Subcommittee for the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Jennifer Steinhauer, "The Firsts" with Rep. Mikie Sherrill