Following a February 11 Elect Her–Campus Women Win training, the University of Cincinnati was poised to have more women students step up to the plate as student government leaders. Two Elect Her attendees, Maesa Idries, a senior chemical engineering major, and Mari Young, a freshman graphic communication design major, ran successful campaigns and will be making a difference on campus this fall. Idries will be the student body vice president of the Undergraduate Student Government, and Young will be a USG at-large senator. The two women took a moment to share their campaign experiences.
AAUW: Why did you decide to run for campus office?
Idries: I have been involved with student government for a couple of years, and I saw firsthand the positive impact that student representation can have on university operations.
Young: I wanted to get even more involved on campus through a student-led organization that allows me to reach out to people across campus. My goal is to help make this university the best it can be.
AAUW: What were some of your successful campaign strategies?
Idries: My running mate and I worked to be the most accessible candidates. In years past, candidates would run for office using a last name, so we ran using our first names. Our campaign slogan was “Students for Students.” We talked with many student organizations and made sure we were approachable at all times.
Young: Word of mouth is a very valuable campaign strategy. When you get yourself out there, meet different people, and make a lasting impression, they will remember your name and your mission. I believe this helps when it comes down to voting day.
AAUW: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
Idries: All of our platform goals need to be accomplished during our term. These are the promises that we made to the student body, so we must be successful.
Young: I want to work on the student meal plan by offering healthier choices and more flexibility. I also want to make the student body better connected — upperclassmen to lowerclassmen and art students to engineering students. Everyone can benefit from a campus that works together.
AAUW: What are your goals after college?
Idries: I hope to attend graduate school.
Young: I plan on working for magazines doing graphic work and layouts. This is my dream, and I’m determined to make it happen.
AAUW: What advice would you give to other women students who are questioning whether they should run or not?
Idries: You can do it. You should do it. Find people to help you do it. You will be better for having done it. Do it. Do it. Do it.
Young: Go for it. What do you have to lose? Even if you don’t make the cut, you still gained an invaluable experience through campaigning. Just by running, you are a visible campus leader for being courageous enough to put yourself out there.
AAUW: Why do you think Elect Her—Campus Women Win is a valuable program for your campus?
Idries: It was valuable because it provided women on my campus with the confidence to run for office.
Young: Elect Her was so valuable because it showed us what strong-willed women are capable of. It was inspiring to hear the stories from women who have “been there, conquered that,” and to have them tell us we can do it too! With determination, anything can be done, and women need to know that. That is my philosophy now because of Elect Her.
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