How N.E.W. Leadership Helped OSU Grads Navigate the World of Public Service
On February 6, the department sponsored a panel that highlights the esteemed OSU alums who have all participated in the NEW Leadership Program, a five-day residential program that takes place each annually at the University of Oklahoma. Designed to educate and empower undergraduate women from the state of Oklahoma to participate actively in politics and public service, it connects participants to policy makers and community activists. The ultimate goal is to give women of all backgrounds and partisan affiliations the opportunity to shape the public agenda. The Hannah Atkins endowment provides funding yearly to offset costs to this nationally renowned program; students do not pay to participate.
Lauren Schueler, the Director of N.E.W. Leadership, moderated the panel which consisted of OSU alumni Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk, HD 35 Candidate in 2018; Sara Jane Smallwood-Cocke, Government Relations, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; and Brondalyn Coleman, Child Welfare Liaison, Sunbeam Family Services. Panelists repeatedly noted the great impact their experience with NEW Leadership had on their future career paths, particularly how it connected them to an extensive array of public service leaders and allowed them to break down barriers to work toward political progress.
For more information on N.E.W. Leadership, please see http://www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/womens-leadership/new-leadership/apply-new-leadership
