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Elle honors Washington's 'most compelling' women

By Haley Britzky

Elle magazine hosted its sixth annual Women in Washington event Tuesday, honoring the 10 "most compelling" women in the nation's capital.

Filling the private Kreeger Museum, fashionistas mingled with political powerhouses in what many called their “favorite event of the year.” Soft violin music drifted through the open-air cocktail area, mixing with the sounds of laughter and conversation.

In her opening remarks, Roberta "Robbie" Myers, Elle's editor-in-chief, said the event was intended to recognize women who have made significant contributions in Washington.

Among those honored were Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the first African-American woman to hold the post; and former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who became a prominent gun control advocate after surviving a 2011 shooting.

In a video montage, Lynch explained how her parents’ outlook on life changed her career path.

“My father is a minister, now retired. My mother is a retired librarian. They supported the idea that to make yourself feel better, do something for someone else,” she said.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards, who was also honored, said she never thought there was a life outside of politics. Richards is the daughter of former Gov. Ann Richards (D-Texas).

“I didn’t know that other families went bowling — and we did politics. It never occurred to me that there was another lifestyle.”

Kristen Soltis Anderson, a political strategist and author, said she was delighted to attend an event with women from across the political spectrum.

She told The Hill she saw most fashion magazines like Elle leaning to the left and doesn't “always feel welcome to the table” as a Republican, but was surprised by the friendly atmosphere.

Others being recognized included "power lobbyist" Gina Adams, a senior vice president for government affairs at FedEx; "super lawyer" Karen Dunn, a partner at Boies, Schiller, and Flexner; Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chairwoman of the House Republican Conference; Lisa Monaco, President Obama's homeland security and counterterrorism adviser; and Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza.

Other guests of the dinner included past Elle Women in Washington honorees Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), along with Politico COO Kim Kingsley.

This year's attendees are featured in the April issue of Elle.

http://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/273413-elle-honors-washingtons-most-compelling-women