“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu.”
Historically, women have felt this way in many regards, including politically. Today, despite some forward movement, the inequality still exists. But NEW Leadership is hoping to help change that. Originally developed by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, the non-partisan program has spread to 24 states, providing intensive workshops to undergraduate female students. The goal is to address the under-representation of women in American politics by preparing and empowering them to be effective leaders in their communities and beyond.
A professor at my university had posted a flyer about it on their social media and I decided to apply. I had to write essays, perfect my resume, get letters of recommendation, and find a department at my school to sponsor the $500 program fee. But it was totally worth it because I was accepted into the program! This past May, on my birthday, I drove seven hours from South Texas to Austin for a six-day residential program at the University of Texas and here is a little bit of what I experienced there…