Empowering Women to Lead with Traci Buxton

In this episode of Empowering Women to Lead, we sit down with Mayor Traci Buxton of Des Moines, Washington—a woman who never set out to become a politician but answered the call to serve her community when the opportunity arose.

From raising four children to running city council meetings, Traci’s leadership journey is a story of humility, courage, and purpose. What makes her stand out isn’t just her title, but her mindset: She leads by building bridges, not building ladders.

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🔹 Episode Highlights

From Unexpected Candidate to Mayor
Traci shares how she transitioned from community volunteer and "wrestling van mom" to running for city council—and eventually being elected mayor. What started as a friend’s suggestion became a new mission.

Purpose-Driven Leadership
For Traci, leadership isn’t about climbing a hierarchy; it’s about carrying a message, casting a vision, and creating a plan. Her focus? Helping others succeed and building consensus without losing her authenticity.

Bridge-Building in Action
Whether she’s leading policy discussions or helping a resident navigate a community issue, Traci’s superpower is her ability to connect—person to person, heart to heart. She's passionate about listening deeply, finding solutions, and never humiliating others in public discourse.

Handling Criticism with Grace
Traci shares her approach to public backlash, especially on social media: respond with kindness, focus on shared purpose, and never waste energy on offense. Her mantra? “Don’t kick dirt on the playground. Move the conversation forward.”

Empowering Other Women to Lead
Traci reminds us that most women need to be invited—multiple times—before they step into leadership. She challenges listeners to be that invitation for others. And if you're waiting for a sign to lead, she says: “This is number one. Go find number two and three.”

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💡 Quote Worth Remembering

“It doesn’t take intelligence as much as it takes grit and determination. Just don’t give up.”
—Mayor Traci Buxton

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🎯 Key Takeaways

• Leadership is service, not status.

• Connection and curiosity open more doors than control and criticism.

• Resilience means redirecting, not retreating.

• Empowerment starts with an invitation—to ourselves and to others.

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📩 Want to Learn More?

If you’re thinking about stepping into leadership—whether in your community, business, or your own personal journey—Traci’s story offers insight, encouragement, and real-life strategy.

💌 Connect with Mayor Traci Buxton – If you'd like to ask questions or explore what it takes to serve, connect with TBuxton@desmoineswa.gov

💡 Explore the Purpose Journey – Ready to align your values with your leadership? Check out our Purpose Journey Program to discover your next step. https://www.rutheasterling.org/copy-of-productivity-coaching

🎧 Listen to the episode and share it with a woman who needs to hear: You are capable, you are needed, and you are invited to lead.