Last year, Stefani Jones helped transform the student government at Duke University by winning a seat in the campus senate. Along with several Elect Her alumnae, Jones increased the number of women in student office at Duke to record levels. This spring, after serving for a year in the Duke Student Government (DSG) Senate and going through a second Elect Her–Campus Women Win training, Jones ran for vice president of equity and outreach, and she won! Here’s what she had to say about her campaign.
AAUW: Why did you decide to run for campus office?
Jones: I first decided to run for DSG Senate after completing the Elect Her program. I was nervous about putting myself out there and competing with those who might have more experience than I did. The program encouraged me to jump right in, be confident, and take a shot at being a campus leader.
AAUW: What were some of your successful campaign strategies?
Jones: You can’t be afraid to get out there and make yourself known. Survey the issues that students are talking about, and make sure you’re approachable and friendly. People want campus leaders whom they respect, but they don’t want people who aren’t relatable.
AAUW: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
Jones: I’m so excited to work next year on a multitude of student issues at Duke. I’ve already started lobbying with other student groups to change our campus sexual misconduct policy to provide a larger window in which students, faculty, and staff can report sexual harassment. I’m also going to work to connect student groups together to enable better advocacy efforts on campus and tackle gender and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues for Duke students.
AAUW: What are your goals after college?
Jones: I want to work in government for a couple of years before possibly pursuing law or public policy school. Whether it’s through public service or policy work, I want a career that will let me give back to my community. Through student government, I have become a better advocate who feels confident fighting on behalf of those who need support. I’d love to use the skills I’ve gained to actually make a difference.
AAUW: What advice would you give to other women students who are questioning whether they should run or not?
Jones: Don’t second-guess yourself — you’ve got a lot to say. If you don’t put your voice out there, no one else will. No one will ever fault you for trying, and you’ll make a lot of great friends and gain incredible experience along the way.
AAUW: Why do you think Elect Her–Campus Women Win is a valuable program for your campus?
Jones: Until we break the cycle of women questioning their place in higher office, we’ll never see real change. Getting women to feel confident in their leadership abilities in college is the first step toward shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
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