About the speakers

Dr. Wendy Smooth

My research and teaching focus on women’s experiences in political institutions and the impact of public policies on women’s lives. I am currently working on a book entitled, Perceptions of Power and Influence: The Impact of Race and Gender in American State Legislatures, which examines the impact of race and gender on the distribution of power and influence in U.S. state legislatures. Based on this research, I was awarded the Best Dissertation in Women and Politics by the Women and Politics Section of the American Political Science Association. I am particularly interested in the ways in which institutions prefer gender and racial norms through their institutional arrangements, norms, preferences and day to day operating procedures.

Dr. Chryl Laird

Professor Chryl N. Laird received her PhD from The Ohio State University in 2014 and is now an Assistant Professor of Government and Legal Studies at Bowdoin College. She studies American politics with a focus on black political behavior and public opinion. She has published scholarship in a number of academic journals including the American Political Science Review and her most recent work is her co-authored book, Steadfast Democrats: How Social Forces Shape Black Political Behavior published with Princeton University Press. Her research and commentary has been featured in a number of news outlets including The Atlantic, The Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, CNN, and MSNBC.

Councilmember Shayla Favor

Councilmember Shayla D. Favor was appointed on January 14, 2019. Prior to joining Council, Favor served as an Assistant City Attorney in Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein’s office. As a Zone Attorney, Favor had the opportunity to litigate high-profile environmental lawsuits, advise administrative and local governmental agencies, and draft several pieces of legislation. Favor worked alongside the leaders of our city and community to provide essential city services to improve Columbus’ neighborhoods and facilitate conversations to address criminal activity, vacancies, abandonment, and blight.