This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, March 12, 2011 - Missouri state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, says she has been stalked, harassed and discriminated against during her political career, but she says she remains strong and steadfast, determined to make a difference.
Despite instances she cited of her car being vandalized, strangers rummaging through her trash and items being taken from her office in Jefferson City, Chappelle-Nadal said she has kept her eyes on the prize -- being part of positive change.
"The happy surprises are when you really make a difference in someone's life," she said Friday afternoon during a panel discussion on the risks and rewards of public service held at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
The discussion aimed to shed light on women in politics and whether the risks outweigh the benefits, said Dayna Stock, manager for the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life, which hosted the panel. She pointed to the tragic example earlier this year when U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., was shot in the head earlier this year while meeting with constituents outside a Tucson supermarket. Six people were killed and 13 were wounded in the shooting, including Giffords.
Closer to home, Kirkwood City Councilwoman Connie Karr was shot and killed in February 2008 when a gunman stormed city hall killing Karr and five others.
"There are real risks and these women are putting themselves out there on our behalf," Stock said.
The risks are real, but so are the rewards. Chappelle-Nadal talked about the time when she helped a breast cancer patient get necessary treatment. "I was so happy that I was part of extending her life," said Chappelle-Nadal, who served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives before being elected to the Missouri Senate in 2010. "I helped her get the medication she needed to stay alive."
Chappelle-Nadal first got her taste for politics when she started working for former lieutenant governor Joe Maxwell in 2000 as director of communications. What she witnessed in Jefferson City spurred her into action. "I saw a lot of bad things, and I wanted transparency," she said.
She also wanted to work for her constituents, unlike many of the legislators who she watched bend to special interests. "I'm going to be the advocate for the people in this community," Chappelle-Nadal said. "I am here as a tool to make their lives better."
State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford, D-St. Louis, says she shares that goal. She spoke of her own struggle in the public eye. Although she hasn't experienced harassment like Chappelle-Nadal, Oxford says she has been discriminated against because of her sexual orientation. At one point, she says, she received threatening letters from the Ku Klux Klan.
She's also had people get in her face while staffing booths in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. "I worried about running as an 'out' person," said Oxford, who is now serving her fourth term in the Missouri House of Representatives.
But not enough to stop her from doing it. Although she lost when she ran in the 2000 election, she won her current seat in 2004 and is now serving her last term.
Oxford said her decision to enter politics came accidentally. Unhappy with much of what was going on in state government and frustrated that none of her representatives would listen to her, she began talking to others and encouraging them to run for office. "I kept asking people to run and they didn't want to, but said that I should," Oxford said.
Both say women face a lot of discrimination in the Missouri capitol, which is largely dominated by men. (Out of 197 legislators, only 46 -- or 23 percent -- are women.) Oxford gave an example of two women debating on the floor who were hurried by the male speaker of the house because food being prepared for the House was ready.
Chappelle-Nadal and Oxford, who credit much of their success to great mentors, shared some advice with the women in the audience. "Never ever let someone close the door in your face," Chappelle-Nadal said. "Do not let anyone ever tell you no. Stand your ground and say what you believe."
Oxford encourages women to tap into their strengths and use them to better society. "Reflect on what your contributions might be and focus on what you're good at," she said. "I believe all of us have gifts to give the world."
Chappell-Nadal talked about fighting for equality. "You have to be confident that you are an equal," she said. "You have to stand up for yourself."
And sometimes half the battle is just showing up to be heard and counted, she added.
Their stories resonated with the crowd. "I was stunned by how unsafe she (Chappelle-Nadal) has felt at times," Julia Muller of St. Louis said.
Anne Tolan, a member of the Webster Groves City Council, said it's reassuring to know that the state has smart, dedicated women working in Jefferson City who are in it for the people, not their own egos.
Although it's been a struggle, Oxford said she's proud of the work she's done during the past six years in the House of Representatives, and she'll continue to work tirelessly on legislation to improve the lives of her constituents.
Chappelle-Nadal said the challenges she's faced have made her stronger, and that she wouldn't trade her career for any other. "I was drawn to politics," she said. "This is what my life is. I eat it, I breathe it. This is what I love. No one will ever be shutting the door in my face."
Jaime Mowers is a freelance writer in St. Louis.