Exploring women’s political leadership

Caldwell, N.J., July 6, 2017 –

Recent Caldwell graduate Kerry McGrath ’17 and rising senior Daniele Rocca attended the NEW Leadership™ program at the Eagleton Institute of Politics June 8-13.  The program aims to educate college women about politics and leadership and encourage them to become effective leaders in the political arena.

McGrath was pleased to learn about careers where she could combine her communications and media major with her minor of political science.  “I learned about media jobs in the state house and public relations and media jobs working for state senators or assemblymen and assemblywomen.”

Roca, a political science major, said the most rewarding aspect was meeting influential women and exchanging stories with them.  She appreciated getting an understanding of who they are and “why it was important for them to get involved.”

Roca and McGrath were enthused to learn more about negotiation and how to work with people who have different points of view.    “It’s important to be kind and work with someone even if they are on the opposite side of the aisle than you, because having friends on both sides of the aisle shows you are understanding and can listen and work with people you disagree with,” said McGrath.

Both came away ready to put what they learned into action. Roca appreciated the challenging aspects, which she said helped her become “reinvigorated” to do work to put aside the “polarization and aggression we see today.”   McGrath hopes to get involved in local town politics. “I was inspired to start attending town council meetings, which I plan to do this summer. I am also going to start volunteering on campaigns where I will network and make connections.”