This executive training program for Republican women was first initiated in 1989 by a handful of Indiana businesswomen looking for a way to increase the number of Republican women involved in the political process. They were concerned that women were not represented in elected and appointed offices at the local, state and federal levels. Judy Singleton and Teresa Lubbers turned toIndiana’s most trusted public official, United States Senator Richard G. Lugar, to help them create the new program.

The result was the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series. Since its inception, the program has been replicated in over 20 states, including Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania andCalifornia. Hundreds of Republican women have been trained through the Excellence in Public Service Series since 1990 and have been inspired and prepared to seek appointed and/or elected office, or to secure employment in a political capacity. Participants credit the program for their success in the world of government, policy and politics.