American democracy is grounded in the idea of representation. However, the lack of women running for and serving in elected roles (and the systems, processes, and culture that keep them from doing so) prevents our communities from reaping the benefits of men and women working together toward the greater good. Likewise, it prevents women from enjoying the benefits of serving in those roles. Our research suggests that women in elected roles experience a wealth of benefits as a result of their campaign and service. In this article, we will highlight the benefits that these women have experienced and the importance of encouraging women to run.