A New Congress is Sworn in, Proving That When Women Run, It Matters In this op-ed, Cecilia Silva, the Texas Program Manager for ReflectUS, a national coalition eliminating barriers for women to run for office, offers insight and guidance for any woman looking for a future in politics. By Cecilia Silva Tasos KatopodisGetty Images When I was a college sophomore at the University of Texas at Arlington, I decided to run for student senate. It wasn’t an easy decision. My financial situation was far less than stable — just a year earlier, I was homeless and on food stamps, moving from motel room to motel room, because I couldn’t afford rent near campus in addition to my tuition. I finally was able to afford an apartment after I found a job, started working 40 hours a week, and started giving plasma. I knew that campaigning for an elected leadership role in Student Government would take up time away from work and school. Could I add the obligation and duties of being a student senator to my already over-full plate? Would I even end up liking it?