Jamie Schenck is a summer policy intern with United WE and a rising junior at William Jewell College. She is studying Political Science and International Relations and is a member of the Honors College of Critical Thinking. Her extracurricular involvement includes the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, the William Jewell Dance Team, the Jewell Democrats, and Student Senate. She is a passionate learner and loves being involved in her school community.
As a woman who’s been interested in politics for as long as I can remember, I wanted to intern with United WE to encourage more women like me to get involved in civic leadership. I was raised in a family that told me I could achieve absolutely anything I put my mind to, including running for office if that happens to be in my future.
However, as I’ve entered spaces with more women that have the same interests and experience as me, I’ve noticed that this mindset is rare. So many women who have the potential to run for elected positions in their community, or at the state and county levels don’t think about it as a possibility. And this may not be due to anyone discouraging them or any kind of outward misogyny they’ve faced. In fact, I’m sure that many of my peers, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have never heard that they are qualified and have the ability to serve.
United WE’s work doesn’t just encourage women to run for office, but supplies them with the tools they need to succeed while actively fighting against the roadblocks that hold them back. I’m inspired by this effort and hope to one day live in a society where women from both sides of the aisle don’t doubt their abilities when considering leadership positions.
My Experience
In mid-July, I joined United WE in Kansas City for their Women in Politics Town Hall event with American Public Square. I’ve interned with American Public Square in the past, so this event was a “worlds collide” moment for me, and I had the best time meeting the United WE staff in person and seeing the APS staff once again.
The event focused on how civil discourse holds women back from running for elected positions, and the panel included three state representatives. It was such an inspiring evening. We had great conversations, laughs, and food–my favorite things!
The next day, I stayed in Kansas City, worked in United WE’s office, and had a chance to tag along with Melinda Ward, United WE’s Executive Coordinator, for her meetings and lunch. We had a great time, and I was sad to leave. This was my favorite experience with United WE so far!
Through my internship, I feel like I’m learning vital skills to help me succeed in my future career. I’m not exactly sure what I’d like to do after graduation, so I’ve been diversifying my resume with different experiences.
No matter where I end up, I’m certain that the lessons I’ve learned with United WE will be well worthwhile. I’ve improved my experience in communication, graphic design, and event planning. Most importantly, I’ve learned that change is more than possible, it’s within our reach.
I’ve been consistently inspired by the women of United WE who work tirelessly to improve opportunities for women and their families throughout our nation. The coalitions and boards who work together across party lines to transform elections prove that progress is coming. I am honored to be a part of this organization and have the chance to support its mission.