N.E.W. Leadership continued

Kuddos to Hannah Brenner and Cindy Rosenthal who run this statewide program designed to educate, inspire and empower undergraduate women to become political leaders.

Participants of N.E.W. Leadership meet with over 50 Oklahoma women office holders, advocates, public administrators, and activists. In addition, several political women serve as "faculty in residence" and live in the dorms, share meals with students, and are available during the program to provide advice and answer questions.

This program addresses the historic under-representation of women in politics and other leadership roles. It brings together about 35 students each spring for an intensive, five-day residential experience. The program's curriculum includes hands-on projects and group exercises as well as keynote speakers and panels featuring Oklahoma women office-holders, public administrators, advocates and activists.

During the program, these talented, creative undergraduate women students are provided with opportunities that encourage them to pursue careers in politics and public service -- careers which have traditionally been dominated by men.

There is a great need for this program. Oklahoma ranks 47th in the number of women serving in the state legislature and Oklahoma has never had a female governor or senator. The number of women county commissioners, district attorneys and big city mayors languishes in the single digits. The only woman to represent Oklhaoma in the US Congress was Alice Mary Robertson from 1921-1923.

Research shows that young women are more likely to consider careers in politics and public service if they see women in positions of political leadershipo. While many women are active student leaders and involved with extracurricular and volunteer activities on their campus, few plan to pursue careers in the public sector, and even fewer ever consider running for public office.

The N.E.W. Leadership program attempts to bridge this gap, and brings undergraduate women together with many of Oklahoma's current women political leaders.