Debbie Walsh is the director of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), a unit of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. CAWP is nationally recognized as the leading source of scholarly research and current data about American women’s political participation. Its mission is to promote greater knowledge and understanding about women’s participation in politics and government and to enhance women’s influence and leadership in public life. CAWP’s education and outreach programs translate research findings into action, addressing women’s under-representation in political leadership with effective, innovative programs serving a variety of audiences.

Walsh joined the Center staff in 1981. As director, she oversees CAWP’s multifaceted programs that include: leadership and campaign training programs that empower women of all ages to participate fully in politics and public life; research  illuminating women’s distinctive contributions, roles and experiences in politics and government; and up-to-the-minute information and historical perspectives about women as candidates, public officials and voters. Walsh is frequently called upon by the media for information and comment, and she speaks to a variety of audiences across the country on topics related to women’s political participation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from SUNY Binghamton and her M.A. in political science from Rutgers, where she was an Eagleton Fellow.  Walsh is a member of the Rachel’s Network Circle of Advisors.