Elect Her will be coming to Syracuse on April 5 to combat political gender gaps with the help of a former Student Association president.

The program is an effort to encourage young college women to be involved in government and run for future political office. It is also aiming to reduce the enduring political gender gap in the United States.

“This program couldn’t be happening at a more appropriate time. We are at a pivotal moment where uplifting and empowering women to lead has become a priority at universities across America,” Allie Curtis said. “The time is now to show that SU cares for our female leaders and will do whatever we can to support them.”

Former SA president and current assembly representative Allie Curtis has been instrumental in bringing the program here at SU. The program is a 4.5-hour program and will occur on April 5 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

“Participants can expect thought and in-depth training for how to lead — and how to lead in a male-dominated field,” Curtis said.

Syracuse common councilor Jean Kessner, one of the leading women of Syracuse government, will be a speaker at the event on political communications. Kessner won re-election in 2013 and serves as President Pro-tempore on the Common Council.

Students will also be involved with Elect Her and will serve as panelists for the event. Such panelists include Allie Curtis (President of the 57th Session and Vice President of the 56th Session), Daniela Lopez (Current SA Vice President), Nia Boles (Vice Presidential candidate and Student Engagement Chair of the 57th Session) and Emily Ballard (BEM Chair of the 57th Session and Judicial Review Chair of the 57th and 58th Session). These women will speak on leadership and government.

Students can apply to be a part of Elect Her workshop that occurs on April 5 at students.syr.edu/electher.

Allie Curtis
Katie Hochrein
Paulina Colon
Student Association

Published on February 20, 2014 at 3:14 am