Former Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has launched the Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute, a non-profit foundation whose mission will be to inspire a rebirth of freedom and faith in America’s future leaders.
“The genius of America has always been the creativity and hard work of freedom loving Americans. As Representative, I witnessed every day the very best of Eastern Washington and our nation, along with the vital role American leadership plays on the global stage,” said McMorris Rodgers. “For nearly 250 years, America has stood as a beacon of hope and freedom to the world. For this light to endure, we must cultivate leaders who understand the power of freedom, the conviction of faith, and possess the moral clarity to confront today’s challenges with strength and courage.”
The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute will provide a platform to educate, mentor, equip, and inspire the next generation of leaders who will uphold the values of freedom and faith that have shaped America since its founding.
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
Guiding Principles:
- Pursuing a More Perfect Union: Continuously striving to build a stronger, united nation that reflects the values of freedom, justice, and opportunity.
- Building Trust: Restoring trust in God and each other.
- Doing Good: Making goodness fashionable again including acts of kindness which can improve the lives of both the giver and the recipient.
The Institute will provide a variety of programming and grants, including:
- United in Prayer: Through two annual fellowships, the Institute will support national and local prayer networks dedicated to uniting in prayer for our leaders, communities, and nation — building a foundation for spiritual renewal, unity, transformation, and revival.
- The Good American Project: Through seminars and publications, the Institute will educate and inspire citizens on the importance of nurturing a nation grounded in virtue, faith, and moral clarity. The project aims to explore how these core values, particularly in the context of America’s unique religious and moral heritage, continue to shape the nation’s greatness and future.
- Issue Advocacy & Research Center: A hub conducting in-depth research and advocating for policies that align with America’s founding principles, aiming to influence public discourse and drive meaningful change.
- The Flag Project: The American Flag stands as a symbol of freedom, hope, and justice. The Institute is committed to ensuring this emblem remains a powerful representation of American ideals for future generations by making the flag more visible in our communities.
- College Fellows: The Institute will deploy a fellow to each college/university in Washington State to help establish local chapters for national organizations that align with our mission to inspire a rebirth of faith and freedom in this next generation of leaders.
- Celebrating Constitution Day: To celebrate Constitution Day, the Institute will collaborate with school districts and educators to engage students in understanding America’s founding principles and their enduring importance.
A Vision for the Future
The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute (CMRLI) will lead and partner on initiatives locally and nationally to connect people to purpose-driven lives and ensure America’s enduring role as a beacon of hope and freedom. With a commitment to healing broken families and transforming failing systems, the Institute will inspire Americans to believe in the promise of America. Leadership matters – American leadership matters. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on initiatives, the Institute will cultivate leaders who embrace the American dream of freedom, faith, free markets, and free speech. These leaders will be equipped with the courage and clarity necessary to confront today’s challenges and moral strength to lead.
Leadership Team
The Institute will be based in Spokane, Washington, and will be led by Kristina Sabestinas, former District Director for Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers, who will serve as Executive Director. Long-time Team CMR member Dawn Sugasa will serve as Senior Advisor. Together, they bring decades of experience in public policy, issue advocacy, community leadership, and fundraising to the mission of the Institute. For more information and how to get involved with the Cathy McMorris Rodgers Institute please visit www.CMRLI.org. The Cathy McMorris Rodgers Leadership Institute Fund is a pass-through fund established at Innovia Foundation in April 2025 by Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
