Rep. Debbie Dingell and Lynda Carter co-hosted a lunch reception on Tuesday, July 30th at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Capitol Hill to celebrate Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the publication of her new bestselling memoir, True Gretch: What I’ve Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between.
The event opened with inspiring remarks from Lynda Carter, best known for her iconic role as Wonder Woman, in which she lauded Whitmer’s courage and authenticity—qualities that resonate prominently throughout the book. Next up was Rep. Debbie Dingell, a longtime family friend and ally of Whitmer, who praised the Governor’s unwavering dedication to the people of Michigan, noting how she has consistently put the needs of Michiganders first even in the face of immense pressure and opposition. Before introducing the Governor, Rep. Dingell closed by expressing her pride in Whitmer’s accomplishments and her excitement for the future as the Governor continues to rise as a formidable national figure.
Lynda Carter, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Rep. Debbie Dingell pose with copies of “True Gretch” at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Capitol Hill, Tuesday July 30th
Whitmer then took the stage and reflected on the personal journey of writing her memoir and how the book provided her with an opportunity to share her story with genuine candor and vulnerability, especially on the challenges she has faced throughout her career. Whether it be navigating sexism in politics or making difficult decisions during crises like the pandemic, she emphasized that these obstacles have not only shaped her but made her a stronger and more resilient leader.
The afternoon concluded with a book signing where guests had the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Governor and receive personalized copies of True Gretch.
Antony Lynch, Rep. Haley Stevens, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Australian Ambassador and Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Lynda Carter, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Rep. Debbie Dingell
Amy Ricchetti, Amb. Oksana Markarova and John McCarthy
Lynda Carter and French Amb. Laurent Bili
British Ambassador Karen Pierce and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Attendees included prominent members of Congress, senior White House officials, influential media figures, and other key influencers in Washington, D.C.
SPOTTED: Sec. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Dan Kildee, Rep. Gabe Amo, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, British Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, French Ambassador Laurent Bili, Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd, Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, Teresa Carlson, Jessica Nigro, Lisa Allen, Olivia Igbokwe, Jill Hazelbaker-Franks, Sally O’Brien, Gideon Bragin, Elizabeth Falcone, Helen Milby, Liz Johnson, Robert Costa, Lara Tennyson, Crystal Carson, Sumi Somaskanda, Pamela Brown, Timothy Lowery, Eugene Daniels, Shuwanza Goff, Dr. Christine Grady, Amanda Katz, DeDe Lea, Meg Makarewicz, Cathy Merrill, Melissa Moss, Jane Oates, Ruth Marcus, Rita Braver, Amy Ricchetti, and Jayne Sandman