In June 2024, LWV announced Celina Stewart as the 104-year-old organization's newest CEO.
A legal expert, voting rights champion, and lifelong democracy defender, Celina first joined LWVUS in 2018 as the director of advocacy and litigation. She later stepped into the role as the organization's chief counsel, spearheading voting rights, redistricting, and equal rights cases to great success.
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Among other projects, Celina also led the League's campaign for representative redistricting, People Powered Fair Maps™ (PPFM). PPFM engaged 1.4 million people in the redistricting process via education, legal representation, and map creation.
More recently, Celina directed the launch of One Person One Vote, the League's latest campaign to abolish the Electoral College. Watch the panel she moderated below.
WATCH THE PANEL: TURN UP FOR ONE PERSON ONE VOTE
League Member Reactions
Members reacted with excitement and pride to Celina's appointment as the League's CEO.
"Celina is a born leader and proven problem solver,” said Dianna Wynn, the newly elected League president for 2024 – 2026. “Celina’s dedication to the League combined with her strategic vision and leadership will be invaluable as the League continues our mission to empower voters and defend democracy."
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Celina with former CEO Virginia Kase Solomón and a member of Congress
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Pinny Sheoran, president of LWV Arizona, stated, "We are so fortunate to have such a powerful woman, a woman of color, a woman who brings such depth and understanding of the issue of what it takes to make democracy work."
Celina's former staff have also praised her. "She really knows how to tap into people's humanity and approaches everyone with empathy and compassion," said LWV's legislative and policy coordinator Khadija Ali Amghaiab.
Hear what more members and staff had to say in her introductory video.
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Celina and LWV President Dianna Wynn
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Celina's vision for leading the League in its second century is clear.
"We are living in a truly unprecedented and historic time. Every day, there's a new attack, and women are being called to save our country. And that call is urgent. We don't have time for fear or hesitation. All we have time to do is whatever it takes to ensure that the work we are doing today leaves enough breadcrumbs for the next generation of Leagues to carry the organization and brand beyond 2120.
So all I need to know now is: who is with me?"