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For the second consecutive year, the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University hosted 24 university undergraduates for a weeklong immersive summer residential program intended to shape the students’ perception of women’s leadership by means of intensive seminars, Capitol Hill visits, networking opportunities, and real-world policy action projects.
The nonpartisan NEW Leadership ® Virginia (NEWL) program, hosted by the Schar School’s Gender and Policy Center (GAP), is rooted in the belief that leadership requires both strength and responsibility and transforms the idea of leadership through hands-on learning and meaningful connections.
Students represented several Virginia institutions, including George Mason, Virginia Tech, William & Mary, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Northern Virginia Community College, and Hollins University.
For students such as George Mason Honors College student Isabella Burgos, a Schar School rising sophomore government and international politics (GVIP) major, the program helped her “build a network of connection with empowered and very successful women who can guide young women like me towards success,” she said following the six-day intensive.
The ambitious NEWL program has caught on rapidly.
“One of the program’s strengths is bringing together inspiring change makers who might not otherwise cross paths,” said Jill Deering, program codirector and Schar School senior assistant dean of student and academic affairs. “In a short time, word has spread across Virginia, and we’re pleased to have had representation from several colleges and universities in the two cohorts. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand the reach even further.”
Panelists, faculty-in-residence, and guest speakers emphasized to the students that true power in leadership is rooted in coming together and building strong relationships. This guidance translated into practice, as the cohort formed deep friendships and lasting professional bonds.
“Being in that supportive [NEWL] environment—where even if you mess up, there’s so many people that have your back—that will help lift you up again,” said Sharanya Maddukuri, a rising GVIP senior at the Schar School.
The relationships she developed helped her feel comfortable to try new things and learn, she said.
Notable Speakers Take Center Stage
The NEWL week kicked off by welcoming Schar School professor Anne Holton, who taught a session on leadership-building based on her experience as the interim president of George Mason (2019-20) as well as serving as Virginia Secretary of Education and the First Lady of Virginia (her husband is former Virginia governor and current U.S. Senator Tim Kaine [D]). During her engaging presentation, Holton emphasized the role local governments play in Virginia’s public education.
Afterwards, Kiara Pesante Haughton, vice president of campaigns and communications at the Washington, D.C.-based National Women’s Law Center, discussed the importance of press and media strategies and its importance in public policy making. This gave students meaningful insight into the organizations they engage and resonate with. Haughton also prepared student leaders for their “action project” by explaining how to prepare press releases and official statements.
The “action project” is a faculty- and intern-led research initiative in which NEWL participants examine a current public-facing issue and imitate a legislative hearing on a proposed bill; they then argue in support or in opposition of the bill.
This year’s topic, the real-world challenge of regulating data centers, saw guest speakers such as Julie Bolthouse, director of land use for the Piedmont Environmental Council; Juli E. Briskman, Algonkian District Supervisor; and Daren Shumate, electrical engineer and founder and CEO of Shumate Engineering. The speakers shared their expertise in their respective fields, ultimately adding nuance to the “pro and con” arguments the students would present.
To give participants more insight into the legislative process, the program invited Virginia Senator Russet W. Perry (D-31), who shared some of the deal-making strategies she uses in the legislative process to ensure she effectively represents her constituents while building collaborative relationships with her colleagues. Her work consists of passing groundbreaking bills such as House Bill 1641, which advocated for the implementation of medical assistance services and health insurance at a state level.
The same day, participants also heard from women leaders in emergency management including disaster risk reduction planner Vanessa Calaban; emergency preparedness program manager Katie Simon; and emergency management specialist Rhamsye Brown.
The panelists shared their experiences, career paths, and their day to day lives.
“I got to hear from the people who do this work every day, and just to hear how passionate they are was really great for me,” said George Mason Honors College senior and GVIP major Sharanya Maddukuri.
Midweek, students had the opportunity to hear from Gloria Feldt, the former CEO and national president of Planned Parenthood. Currently, she serves as the cofounder and president of Take the Lead, whose mission reflects her life’s passion—to inspire women to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors.
When asked how young women can find power within themselves in male-dominate spaces, Feldt said she “had to have a vision on where I wanted to be, the courage to believe I could get across ‘the bridge,’ and most willing to take action.”
NEWL participants also heard from Jatia Wrighten, a PhD graduate of the Schar School who is now assistant professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University. She emphasized the value of “speaking your truth.” Her research on black women, state legislatures, and leadership, emphasizes the importance of “intersectionality within spaces that hinder minority representation within policy.”
On Wednesday night, students participated in a dinner and networking event that brought guests from various sectors of public policy to George Mason’s Mason Square, ranging from public health officials to nonprofit faculty members. The networking event was followed by awarding Feldt and Victoria A. Lipnic, former commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, with the “Minding the GAP” Leadership Award, along with Schar School master of public policy alum Rose Previte, an award-winning restaurateur who was unable attend. The award is given to individuals in recognition of their support and advocacy for women’s leadership across private or public sectors.
The cohort spent a day visiting Capitol Hill and meeting with three member of Congress and their staffs. After a tour of the Capitol led by U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans’ (VA-R) interns, students met U.S. Reps. Don Beyer (VA-D) and Jenniffer McClellan (VA-D), who shared the realities of public service and answered questions.
Following their time in “official Washington,” participants returned to Mason Square to finalize their action projects for the mock hearing the next day when the students would be arguing for and against the development of data centers.
“I think the action project surprised me,” said Hannah Dickinson, a rising junior at Christopher Newport University studying political science and American studies. “I didn't really know what to expect, but I think it's very applicable and realistic.”
As NEWL Leadership Virginia 2025 concluded, participants returned to their campuses, communities, and work lives equipped not only with new skills and tools, but also lasting relationships and a sense of purpose.
“Power is like a hammer,” Feldt told them. “You can build something together or break something apart.” And indeed, the program provided students with power to lead, with which they can build new practices and relationships, but also, and perhaps just as importantly, the power with which they can break down existing preconceptions and bridge gender gaps in public policy leadership.
“Our week together for the NEW Leadership program is both celebratory and purposeful,” said GAP founding director and Schar School professor Bonnie Stabile. “It gives us the chance to honor the accomplishments of trailblazing women leaders and policy experts and put them in the room with emerging leaders to strengthen skills and build professional networks for the next generation.”