Former Lt. Governor Marlene Johnson in Conversation with Lori Sturdevant

Marking a milestone for women in state government, Marlene M. Johnson became Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor under Rudy Perpich’s gubernatorial administration in January 1983 and served in that role until 1991. During her first year as lieutenant governor, she met her husband, Peter, and their deeply loving relationship profoundly sustained her for 27 years. Rise to the Challenge weaves personal and professional stories together in a courageous portrait of dedication and leadership. A stalwart supporter, her husband gave Marlene strength and encouragement to face the challenges of the political landscape and its gender biases. Then, in 2010, Peter suffered a traumatic brain injury that would change both of their lives. Learning how to be a medical advocate and, eventually, facing the sorrow of Peter’s death, Marlene relied on the hard-fought resilience and belief in herself that Peter had helped…