Editor’s Note:Feminist Conversations is a regular column, where we talk to pro-choice activists from across the interwebs to find out what folks are up to in their neck of the woods.

Today we’re talking to Stephanie Schriock, the president of EMILY’s List. Founded in 1985, EMILY’s List is the country’s largest resource for women in politics, and has worked to elect 85 pro-choice women to the U.S. House of Representatives, 16 to the Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to state legislatures, constitutional offices, and other local offices.

When did you first call yourself a feminist, and what influenced that decision?
I was raised with feminist ideals by parents who were clearly feminists, but at the time and place I was growing up, the word itself was seen as a negative. So I never thought of myself as a feminist – just a strong woman who could do anything. I think there are lots of 30- and 40- somethings who feel the same way. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a new generation of women and men take back the word – and I am proud to join them.

What does feminism mean to you?
That women should be as free as men to pursue life, liberty and happiness. And I believe we will be. [Read more...]