Changing the Face of the Presidency

The University of Cincinnati (UC) has not had a female president of student government for over a decade. But after the Elect Her–Campus Women Win training on February 26, I know the women on campus are prepared to improve that statistic!

Liz Yauch, director of women’s affairs in the University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Student Government, organized this training to prepare students for the upcoming elections. Speakers included Roxanne Qualls, former Cincinnati mayor and current city councilwoman; Vanessa White, Cincinnati Public Schools board member; Heather Harlow, Colerain Township, Ohio, fiscal officer; and Ric Sweeney, UC professor of marketing. Sweeney emphasized the importance of having a coordinated social media strategy. For example, use the same photo on Twitter, Facebook, and your website to increase the visibility of your brand.

Many of the student participants were already actively involved in student government but wanted to learn more about how to best prepare themselves for re-election. The students wanted to serve in student government to address a number of issues such as student safety, increased tuition, graduate student housing, and above all, creating unity on campus.

Students had the rare opportunity to directly ask local women elected officials about their experiences in politics. For example, White shared the lessons of getting over fears of asking friends for support, especially when it comes to fundraising. After learning from these women, first-year student Luci Simon said, “When I walked in this morning, I was unsure about running for elected position, and now as I leave, I’m much more comfortable about running.”

Congratulations to Jody McGraw for winning the campaign simulation! Despite the challenge of going up to strangers asking for “votes,” McGraw targeted groups of people throughout campus to use her time efficiently! Thanks to Yauch and Amy Howton, assistant director for the Women’s Center, for the labor of love you put into executing such a successful training. I wish all the students the best in their upcoming campaigns. I am confident we will soon hear a number of success stories!

This post was written by Public Leadership Education Network Executive Director Pamela O’Leary.