Social Work Students Accepted into the N.E.W. Leadership Institute

April 4, 2018

Northwestern Oklahoma State University has had two social work majors, Marsellia Rael and Mirissa Branine, accepted into the National Education for Women’s (N.E.W.) Leadership Institute. Both are students at Northwestern-Woodward.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University has had two social work majors, Marsellia Rael and Mirissa Branine, accepted into the National Education for Women’s (N.E.W.) Leadership Institute. Both are students at Northwestern-Woodward.

Each year, about 30 students are selected for the institute through a competitive application process. Rael and Branine, both Woodward seniors, were chosen based on numerous factors including, but not limited to: individual leadership potential, maturity, ability to deal with challenges, capacity to reflect on one’s own personal strengths and weaknesses, special interests, unique characteristics or diverse experiences that contribute to the N.E.W. Leadership learning goals, interest in politics, public service or public policy, and a commitment to participate fully in the N.E.W. Leadership institute.

N.E.W. Leadership is an intense, five-day program that takes place each year on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus and is designed specifically for undergraduate women from colleges and universities across the state of Oklahoma. Participants reside at the Alpha Phi House, and the entire experience, including housing and meals, is offered at no cost to students. This year the event will be May 18-22.

 “Marsellia and Mirissa are exceptional students focused on public service and policy development that advances social well-being,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, social work department chair, said.  “The department is excited for their opportunity to learn from some of the state’s most elite women.”

The award-winning program educates and empowers undergraduate women to participate actively in politics and public service. The program connects students to policy makers and community activists to engage them in shaping the public agenda. Launched in 2002, the program is part of the N.E.W. Leadership National Network at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Program faculty includes more than 50 women leaders from public life. They include elected officials, business leaders, community organizers and members of the judiciary.  The curriculum includes skill-building workshops, a campaign simulation, a networking day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, a collaborative action project, panel discussions and more. They bring participants together to engage directly with Oklahoma’s top women leaders.

To date, more than 500 undergraduate women from 40 different universities and colleges, and eight tribal nations across Oklahoma, have graduated from the N.E.W. Leadership program.

For more information visit www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/womens-leadership/new-leadership.html

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480