The Goldstein Program in Public Affairs has partnered with the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher College to host a candidate training workshop for college women, “Training Ms. President,” created by Dr. Melissa Deckman and Dr. Christine Wade of Washington College and Dr. Mileah Kromer from Goucher College. Since our first inaugural workshop in 2015, Hood College and Mount St. Mary’s University have joined the program.

The workshop seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in public office by providing 10 female students from each college the opportunity to attend workshops and network with successful women officeholders, consultants, journalists, and more.

Participants attend a mentorship lunch and hear from political professionals on both sides of the aisle about issues like social media usage, campaign messaging, and the experience of running for office.

November 2015 Panelists

Diane Fink (D), Executive Director, Emerge Maryland Jennifer Gilbert, Anchor, Fox45 News Jeannie Haddaway Riccio (R), Former State Delegate and candidate for Lt. Governor Audra Harrison (R), Director of Public Information, MD Office of Housing and Community Development Alexandra M. Hughes (D), Chief of Staff, Maryland House of Delegates Speaker’s Office Valerie Ervin (D), Former Montgomery County Council president Hannah Marr (R), Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Governor Laura Neuman (R), Former Anne Arundel County Executive Carol Randall (R), President, Maryland Federation of Republican Women Liz Richards (D), Political Consultant, McKenna Pihlaja Kelly Schultz (R), Secretary, MD Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Lois Shepard (R), Former candidate for Lieutenant Governor Donna Victoria (D), President and Founder, Victoria Research and Consulting Courtney Watson (D), MD District 1 Councilwoman