News

Nearly 40 Oregon college women of various ages and diverse backgrounds participated in a weeklong workshop on PSU's campus this June learning what it takes to be a strong leader. The leadership workshop was organized as a part of the inaugural National Education for Women's (NEW) Leadership Oregon program located within the College of Urban and Public Affairs' Hatfield School of Government, in partnership with Rutgers University.

Women are nearly 52 percent of the voting population, yet remain underrepresented at all levels of the government. The intensive six-day residential program was designed to meet the need for women leaders by encouraging college women to undertake leadership roles in the community and in politics. Through hands-on skill-building workshops and interaction with some of the state's past and present women leaders and activists, the participants were introduced to various challenges and issues the next generation of leaders will face.

"This program is unique because it demystifies the political realm and its occupants, and because it gives women the hands-on training necessary to lead," said Program Director Melody Rose, a political science professor at Portland State.

This year's mentors included former Gov. Barbara Roberts, and Gretchen Kafoury-both of whom teach at the Hatfield School of Government and were housed with students staying on campus. For more information about the program, visit www.newleadershiporegon.org.