As a new Elect Her–Campus Women Win site this year, Stony Brook University hoped to see attendees from their March 9 campaign training elected to student government positions. It is wonderful to see the campus has achieved that goal. Next year, Elect Her student liaison Anna Lubitz will step into the role of Undergraduate Student Government president, while fellow Elect Her attendees Aimee Pomeroy and Mallory Rothstein will join her as executive vice president and senator, respectively. All three women were excited to share their experiences with AAUW Dialog.
Undergraduate Student Government President Anna Lubitz
AAUW: Why did you decide to run for office?
Lubitz: I am determined to represent the concerns, thoughts, and opinions of the student body to the administration. I want to actively represent student concerns with the highest respect and priority.
Pomeroy: I have been involved with USG in various capacities for the past two years, and I decided that since this will be my senior year at Stony Brook, I should use the knowledge I’ve gained to execute the duties of executive vice president. Now or never.
Rothstein: I decided to run because I saw that USG has always been very disconnected from the student body, and I wanted to reconnect them again through new means of communication.
AAUW: What were some of your most successful campaign strategies?
Lubitz: I ran as part of the party Seawolves for Change, and we created campaign videos, party T-shirts, and buttons and even held a parade! I also distributed pamphlets on how to vote. Most of all, we went to major events and organization meetings to talk about our platform and individual goals.
Pomeroy: I think the most successful campaign strategy is talking to constituents. If you can make a great impression on one person, they will be inspired and help spread your message too.
Rothstein: I used the strategy of connecting to each audience or person I spoke to. I made sure my vision was clear and gave specific examples as to how I wanted to make Stony Brook a better campus.
Undergraduate Student Government Senator Mallory Rothstein
AAUW: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
Lubitz: I want to improve communication — both internal and external to USG. Communication is key! The task of unifying this large campus is easier when we all work together, communicate effectively, and share a common purpose.
Pomeroy: As executive vice president, I really want to work with the senators and help them to become stronger leaders. I hope to get more students involved with USG.
Rothstein: I hope to have the student body trust their elected officials more, open new means of communication, and get the senators more involved beyond just going to meetings.
AAUW: What are your goals after college?
Lubitz: I hope to continue my education in veterinary school. I also have interest in politics and law and hopefully will one day run for congressional office.
Undergraduate Student Government Executive Vice President Aimee Pomeroy
Pomeroy: I will be applying to become a physician’s assistant.
Rothstein: I hope to one day become a social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and writer.
AAUW: What advice would you give to other women students who are considering running for office?
Lubitz:It is very important for female students to have a voice in organizations on campus. Women represent 50 percent of the population, and it is important for their voices to be heard!
Pomeroy: Definitely run! If you have a passion for whatever the position entails, then there is no reason not to run. If you don’t win, then you have more time to do something else. But if you do win, then you can really make a difference.
Rothstein: I would advise them to not let the press or others’ opinions get to you. Also, when you are speaking to people, make sure you are really connecting with them.
AAUW Dialog 
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