Randi Schmidt is the Director of Federal Government Relations for the YWCA USA, a national organization with nearly 200 local associations across 45 states and the District of Columbia. At the YWCA she leads the policy, advocacy and government relations efforts around federal budget, appropriations and taxes, as well as violence against women and girls.
Most recently Randi served as the Executive Director of the (CLC), a nonpartisan coalition of children’s advocacy organizations dedicated to supporting investments in our nation’s children and youth, from birth to adulthood. She has also served as a Legislative Aid for Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) and worked for a variety of research and advocacy organizations.
With over two decades of legislative and advocacy experience, including at all levels of government, Randi understands the link between federal, state, and local policies and programs, as well as how potential changes in them may affect women, children and families. Having grown up with two alcoholic, mentally ill parents and limited financial means, she is a firm believer in the strength and resilience of children and youth, as well as in the vital role of government in helping them reach their full potential.
Randi holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Maddison.