This week, Sali sits down with Shaniqua McClendon, a political strategist, commentator, and the Vice President of Politics for Crooked Media.

Shaniqua has spent her career in politics—starting with an internship in the Obama White House, followed by stints with several elected officials. In 2018, she joined Crooked Media—a company most known for its suite of popular podcasts, including Pod Save America—in a role that’s focused heavily on its Vote Save America initiative. It’s here where Shaniqua’s work has been making incredible strides to drive voters into action, in both the biggest elections nationwide and on local levels. To date, she’s helped raise over $70 million for progressive causes and candidates, and driven nearly a million people to register to vote or check their registration.

At a time when political angst is high, Shaniqua’s background has prepared her to meet this moment, and she shares it all—highs and lows—in today’s episode, including:

• how witnessing Hurricane Katrina moved her to work in politics.
• landing a job on The Hill—what she considers her late mother’s final gift to her.
• the “pay it forward” lesson that’s left a lasting impression.
• why she considers attending the Harvard Kennedy School to be some of the most difficult years of her life.
• getting hired at Crooked Media…even if in a rather undefined role at first.
• launching a new vision of Vote Save America, and so much more.

On Sali: Argent Chelsea Blazer, Tank, and Prince Trouser

On Shaniqua: Argent Scoop Neck Double-Breasted Dress

Work Friends Credits

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan Woldoff

Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

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