First announced in 2025, the Brigid Kelly Founding Member Award is given to a member of The Matriots community who exemplifies our mission to get more women engaged in Ohio political life. This award celebrates an individual whose energy, time, and leadership have helped grow our hive and advance women’s political power.
This award is named in honor of the Founding Members of The Matriots, a group of 532 people who took a leap of faith in 2017-2019 and supported the idea of a non-partisan political action committee dedicated to electing Ohio women. The Matriots Founding Members endorsed the first class of Matriots candidates in 2018 in both primary and general election cycles, uplifting women and advancing political participation.
In its naming, the award also honors Brigid Kelly. Brigid Kelly was among the first class of Matriots-Endorsed candidates in 2018. She served on her local city council, and was endorsed when she ran for (and was elected to) the Ohio House of Representatives and for Hamilton County Auditor. Working with both sides of the aisle, she sponsored legislation that supported women and created county-wide policies that protected families and led to greater economic empowerment for women. She encouraged women to engage in politics and to run for office.
“I’m proud to have earned the support of The Matriots. We need more women in government, focused on making life better for hardworking people and their families across the state. That’s what I’ve done, and that’s what I’ll continue to do every day.” – Brigid Kelly
Brigid Kelly exemplified The Matriots principles of:
- Political participation is essential to secure and safeguard our rights … not to act is to act.
- We have an obligation to lead by example.
- Inclusive, non-partisan cooperation creates change.
- Power is generated through strategy and influence.
- We believe in building community.
Nomination Period Has Closed.
We’re seeking nominations for a dedicated member of The Matriots community who exemplifies our mission to get more women engaged in Ohio political life. This award celebrates an individual whose energy, time, and leadership have helped grow our hive and advance women’s political power.
Anyone can submit a nomination form! Nominate someone today who has impacted The Matriots and helped get more women engaged in Ohio political life!
Nominations due by 11:59pm on August 31, 2025.
