NEW Leadership® program encourages women to pursue politics
The Center for Women’s Research & Public Policy (CWRPP) at Mississippi University for Women welcomed a new class of leaders to the NEW Leadership® Mississippi program this week.
Each summer the program brings together college students from across the political spectrum and from a wide range of racial, ethnic, educational, political and economic backgrounds to meet women leaders, learn about women in state and national politics and develop and practice leadership skills through panel discussions, workshops and hands-on projects.
This year’s speakers include women serving in the state House and Senate, leading state agencies, directing nonprofit advocacy organizations and sitting as elected judges—including the only female justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court, Justice Dawn Beam. The International Women’s Forum of Mississippi is also sponsoring a networking luncheon for the group at the Capital Club during their visit to Jackson.
NEW Leadership® is a national program designed by Rutgers University’s Center for American Women in Politics to educate college women about politics and encourage them to become effective leaders in the political arena. In 2013, Mississippi University for Women brought NEW Leadership® to the state of Mississippi as part of its historic mission to expand women’s opportunities and cultivate their leadership.
Now in its 12th year, the program remains the only of its kind in Mississippi and one of only five New Leadership® partner programs in the south. An intensive residential program that emphasizes mentorship, networking and experiential learning, NEW Leadership® Mississippi is open to undergraduate students enrolled in any Mississippi college or university as well as Mississippi residents enrolled in out-of-state schools.
According to CWRPP Director Dr. Chanley Rainey, “Women constitute a mere 15.7% of Mississippi’s state lawmakers. That is far below the global average, which was 26.9% as of April 1, 2024. If Mississippi were a country, our numbers for women’s representation would leave us tied with Tunisia for 141st place out of 185.”
An associate professor of political science, she says research on women in American politics points to the importance of encouraging women to run and to highlight women who are already leading. “Studies have generally shown that women are as likely to win their races as men, so the disconnect is coming from the recruitment stage,” said Rainey. “Women are less likely than men to judge themselves as worthy for office and more likely to worry about how they will be received by donors, the media and voters. We have to build their confidence and provide encouragement and mentorship.”
The W’s NEW Leadership ® program is designed with these goals in mind. In addition to guest speakers and networking receptions, students have the opportunity to form close relationships with peer mentors and faculty in residence.
The former are recent alumni of the program, and the latter are professional women in politics who work, eat and reside alongside the students throughout the institute. Faculty provide professional advice, facilitate student networking and guide small groups as they conduct policy research and prepare a presentation for the mock legislative committee hearing that concludes the week.
This year’s “action project” is on paid family and medical leave, and the faculty are Dana McLean, state representative for District 39; Kristie Metcalfe, senior deputy attorney for the City of Jackson (and former staff attorney for the MS Senate) and Adrienne Wooten, circuit court judge for District 7 (and a former state representative).
Participants also are supported with professional development trainings and resources. Since 2021, the CWRPP has leveraged private funding, including a grant through the Ascend Fund’s Parity Project, to provide students with business cards, a free rental closet of professional suits and an overnight trip to Jackson.
While in Jackson, the group will attend “Powerful Women in Public Service,” which will feature Katie Blount, executive director for the Department of Archives & History; Laura Hipp Mayer, assistant commissioner for external relations for the Institutions of Higher Learning; and Roshunda Kelly, commissioner for the Department of Banking & Consumer Finance. District 9 Senator Nicole Boyd will also speak to the group about running for and serving in office as a committee leader.
“Every year, the program grows a little more, provides a little more of a boost to help these young women get where they want to be,” said Dr. Rainey. “And the amazing work we do with them is only possible because of the incredible generosity and passion of our staff, volunteers and supporters.”