Her Story
About Gloria
Gloria Butler served as a State Senator in the Georgia State Senate for 26 years, having been elected in 1998 with her first session beginning in 1999 and retiring on February 1, 2025. During her tenure, she progressed through several leadership positions, starting as Deputy Whip for 12 years, then serving as caucus fundraiser for 8 years, caucus chair for 2 years, and finally as Minority Leader for 4 years, becoming the first woman and the first Black woman to hold that role. Prior to her Senate service, Butler worked for a congresswoman in Washington, D.C., which provided foundational experience in politics. She completed her education by earning a two-year degree at night in Georgia while working full time and raising two children, after attending Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. Butler attributes her success to relying on her own self-worth, showing up with her best self each day, remaining dependable and consistent, and keeping her word as her bond while staying grounded and focused. She advises young women entering politics to listen more and talk less, build relationships, lead by example, and explain their actions to others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gloria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to depending on my own self-worth and not waiting for others to validate me. I show up every day with my best self, stay dependable, consistent, and keep my word because your word is your bond. I keep myself grounded and focused, avoiding a big head, and always look straight ahead without being sidetracked.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen more and talk less. Build relationships because you never know who you'll need to call on for help. Be a leader that others can look to and explain your votes and actions. Show up with your best self, be dependable and consistent, and keep your word as your bond. Stay grounded and focused.
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