Dr. haley pilgrim Accepted to Prestigious Campaign School at Yale Summer Session
Mount Vernon, NY – May 2025 — Dr. haley pilgrim, a respected business strategist, local organizer, and civic leader in Westchester County, has been accepted to the highly selective Campaign School at Yale, a nonpartisan campaign training program focused on preparing women to run successful, values-driven political campaigns. She is one of just 80 participants selected worldwide to attend the school’s Summer Session, taking place June 9–13 in New Haven, Connecticut.
With a mission to increase the number and influence of women in public office, The Campaign School at Yale trains participants in campaign management, fundraising, media, message development, and the strategic art of running for office — all through the lens of the unique challenges women face in politics. Its alumnae include Congresswomen, U.S. Senators, international ministers, and campaign operatives at the highest levels.
Dr. pilgrim brings to the program a deep well of experience at the intersection of public strategy and community empowerment. A former elected committeeperson in Philadelphia, she has been active in political organizing for over a decade. She currently serves on the Mount Vernon Charter Review Commission, helping guide long-term governance reforms, and is a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon, where she focuses on community investment and youth empowerment. Professionally, she is a management consultant and strategic advisor to nonprofits, governments, and Fortune 500 firms, with a track record of helping organizations scale impact and navigate complex systems.
In recent months, pilgrim has been laying the groundwork for a potential congressional campaign in New York’s 16th District, where she would bring fresh leadership grounded in both policy fluency and grassroots credibility.
“As a business strategist, former committeeperson, and a Black woman rooted in Mount Vernon, I know that representation isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up prepared,” said pilgrim. “The Campaign School at Yale is an opportunity to sharpen my tactical edge, connect with visionary women across the political spectrum, and refine the skills I’ll need to build coalitions that reflect the complexity — and promise — of our communities. I’m not interested in politics for ego. I’m here to lead with integrity, collaboration, and courage.”
The Campaign School at Yale is known for its intensive, five-day curriculum, which includes sessions with top Democratic and Republican strategists, campaign managers, and political professionals. Past faculty have included Betsy Ankney, campaign manager for Nikki Haley’s 2024 presidential run, Emmy Ruiz, White House Political Director, and Earnestine Dawson, Director of Strategic Planning for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Graduates of the program include U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and dozens of elected officials and campaign leaders across the U.S. and abroad.
“haley represents a wave of women who know they can lead in a less ego-driven and more collaborative way,” said Patricia (Patti) Russo, executive director of The Campaign School at Yale. “Women lead differently, and we need strong, enthusiastic women like haley in office to help bridge the bipartisan gap that is plaguing our government.”
About The Campaign School at YaleThe Campaign School at Yale is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, issue-neutral campaign leadership training organization. It is not affiliated with Yale University. The school’s mission is to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office in the United States and globally, by equipping them — and the men who support them — with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to win.