In 2008, honorees included Dana Perino, White House Press Secretary; Linda Rottenberg, CEO of Endeavour; Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Dutch Parliamentarian; Cathy Lanier, DC Chief of Police; and Michelle Rhee, DC Schools Chancellor. By honoring these outstanding women, the event inspires young women and girls to take their leadership to the next level. Proceeds from the Women to Watch Awards benefit Running Start's research and education programs. This gala event is held annually in May at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The Path to Politics luncheon series brings together young women interested in running for public office and gives them the opportunity to meet young women legislators and candidates over lunch. The speakers focus on a particular aspect of what it is like to run or serve as a young woman. Each seminar focuses on practical advice, such as fundraising, building one's base, working with the national parties, and establishing credibility as a young woman legislature, as well as inspiring the audience to run for office themselves. Through these and other programs, Running Start seeks to educate young women about how they can make a difference in politics by becoming candidates themselves.