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Gwen Pepin, a political communications specialist, and I sat down in March on the kind of crisp spring afternoon that makes you think about new beginnings. It had been years since I last saw Pepin, but the moment we reconnected, it was as if no time had passed. There’s something steady about her energy—quiet, deliberate, but full of conviction. Watching her transition from working in community-based nonprofits to collaborating with Senator Tammy Duckworth, and now serving as the Communications Director for the Democratic Party of Illinois, was nothing short of impressive. She is the perfect leader to shape the next generation of political messaging and strategy.
Her presence in the state’s political landscape is as undeniable as it is unexpected. She is young, ambitious, and determined, but her ability to navigate complex spaces with ease sets her apart. She does not perform politics; she embodies it.
As an Afro-Latina woman in the political sphere, Pepin is acutely aware of the unique challenges she faces and the representation she provides. "I know that when I walk into a room, I’m not just representing myself. I’m carrying the stories, struggles, and aspirations of so many who came before me." Her identity is not just a footnote—it’s central to her perspective, shaping how she communicates and connects with diverse communities. For Pepin, political work is not just about policy; it’s about understanding people. "You can’t be effective in this space if you don’t take the time to truly listen to what people need," she explains. That emphasis on human connection informs her approach to messaging, ensuring that the voices of everyday Illinoisans are heard and acknowledged.
Pepin’s interest in governance took shape during her time at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. There, she immersed herself in policy and civic engagement. Though she excelled academically, she speaks candidly about the lingering presence of imposter syndrome. "There are still moments where I think, ‘Do I really belong in this room?’ But then I remind myself—I worked for this. I earned this." It is that balance of confidence and introspection that makes her both relatable and formidable.
The political sphere has not always been welcoming. She has encountered the thinly veiled condescension that often greets young women in power. "I’ve had people tell me to ‘wait my turn’—but if you’re capable and willing to do the work, why wait?" She never did. Instead, she built relationships, proved her knowledge, and delivered results. It’s not just about making space; it’s about making sure the work speaks louder than the skepticism.
Her work has spanned economic empowerment, education, and community development—issues that are personal, not just political. "Illinois is at a turning point, and I see my work as ensuring that young people, especially women, have a seat at the table." That passion is not new. Years ago, she found her voice writing for The Sistagurl Blog, where she and I worked closely to amplify perspectives often overlooked in mainstream political discourse. "Collaborating on Sistagurl was one of those moments where I felt like I was finding my voice in a space that really mattered."
Beyond her policy work, Pepin has become a mentor to young women interested in politics, often offering advice, connections, and encouragement. "We need more women in leadership, but more than that, we need women who are willing to lift others up as they climb." This ethos defines her approach. She is not just seeking power; she is building a pipeline for those who come after her. The conversations she has with young people mirror the ones she once needed herself—reassurance that their voices matter, that their perspectives are valuable, that their presence is necessary.
The role of Communications Director for the Democratic Party of Illinois is no small position. In recent weeks, Illinois has been at the forefront of national discussions on immigration and legislative reforms, underscoring the demanding nature of Pepin’s position. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently testified before Congress regarding the city’s sanctuary policies amid increasing scrutiny over how major cities handle migrant arrivals. This testimony highlighted Chicago’s commitment to its Welcoming City Ordinance, even as the city grapples with the challenges of accommodating over 51,000 migrants since August 2022.
Simultaneously, Governor J.B. Pritzker has been active in enacting legislation with national implications. Notably, he signed HB 4875 into law, marking a pivotal moment in the protection of artists' rights in the digital age. These developments have placed Illinois at the center of national policy debates, making effective communication strategies essential. Pepin's leadership in navigating these complex issues ensures that the Democratic Party’s messaging remains clear and impactful during these critical times.
Political messaging is everything—it shapes public perception, mobilizes voters, and defines the party’s stance on key issues. In an era when misinformation spreads faster than the truth, having someone as thoughtful and diligent as Pepin crafting the party’s voice is a game changer.
For all her accomplishments, Pepin remains deeply aware of the shoulders she stands on. When asked which woman, dead or alive, she would most like to speak with, she doesn’t hesitate. “Eartha Kitt. She had this boldness, this unapologetic way of living that I really admire.” It’s easy to see the parallels. Like Kitt, Pepin moves with purpose. Like Kitt, she refuses to shrink herself to fit expectations.
She has learned that influence is not just about winning elections or securing titles—it’s about shaping conversations, challenging outdated ideas, and insisting on progress. She has done so with remarkable grace, and despite the challenges, she remains undeterred. “Politics isn’t easy, and it’s not always fair. But if you really care about people, if you care about change, then you fight through the noise and do the work.”
Her presence in Illinois politics is not just about holding positions; it’s about shifting narratives. She envisions a political environment that is inclusive, innovative, and reflective of the communities it serves. “The future of Illinois politics should be driven by people who genuinely care about the communities they serve.”
Now, at 30, she stands at the next chapter of her career, poised to continue her work in new and impactful ways. She does not claim to have all the answers, but she is asking the right questions. And in politics, that is often where the real work begins. For Pepin, the work is only just getting started.