Satya Rhodes-Conway

In 2019, Satya Rhodes-Conway became only the second woman, and first openly LGBTQ person, to be elected mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, making her one of many gay and lesbian women proudly swept into mayoral office this past year. Rhodes-Conway is no stranger to the job. She served three terms on the Madison City Council from 2007 to 2013, and as the managing director of the Mayors Innovation Project while at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she collaborated with offices across the country to promote sustainable practices and democratic accountability at local levels. She was also a member of Madison’s Food Policy Council until 2019. Although the issues she champions transcend identity politics, she is aware of how important her election is to the LGBTQ community. “One of the most rewarding things about being an out lesbian elected is the impact it has on young women, LGTBQ youth, and their families,” she tells GO. “If I can inspire just one young person to take leadership, or show one girl that she can make a difference, it’s all worth it.” —RK