Women in Leadership Institute to include Elect Her; program seeks to change face of politics and leadership

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Elect Her – Campus Women Win, the only program that trains college women to run for student government and future office, will return to Purdue University on March 7. Elect Her is a collaboration between American Association of University Women and Running Start.

This year, Elect Her will be one of two tracks offered at the Women in Leadership Institute. The Elect Her track curriculum includes training exercises on the communication, networking, and self-advocacy skills needed for a strong campaign. 

Lorrie Newhouse, a senior in biological engineering and Residence Hall Association president, and Dana Smith, a junior in applied mathematics and apparel design and Purdue Student Government director of diversity and inclusion, participated in Elect Her last year.

"It was a great experience where I learned more about leadership opportunities at the student level as well as a citizen," Newhouse said. "The workshop goes a step further in helping you understand how to find yourself in those positions. The experience aided me in my decision to intern in Washington, D.C., last summer, and the people I have met through Elect Her have made my experience at Purdue much more fulfilling. I would encourage anyone that has the opportunity to participate this year."

"Through Elect Her I built connections with many other talented and passionate women leaders on campus, and walked away with valuable leadership skills," Smith said. "I feel empowered to run my own campaign."

The Women in Leadership Institute will also offer a general track of customizable workshops and breakout sessions for students looking to develop their leadership capacity and explore issues facing women. Both tracks will attend a keynote speaker, lunch and networking reception.

"We are pleased to be selected again as an Elect Her site and to have the opportunity to expand to a full day conference experience for students," said Melissa Gruver, assistant dean of students for civic engagement and leadership development. "Both tracks of the Women in Leadership Institute should provide ample opportunities for students to learn leadership in a complex society."

Registration for the general track can be completed online and is open until filled.  Applications for the Elect Her track are also available online and must be submitted by Feb. 11.  The general track costs $25, but full and partial scholarships are available. Email electher@purdue.edu for more information about scholarships.

In 2014, 78 percent of Elect Her participants in colleges and universities across the country won their bids for student government president. 

Source: Brianne Rogers, coordinator of leadership development for Student Activities and Organizations, 765-496-2450, briannerogers@purdue.edu