Woodward Social Work Student Accepted into the N.E.W. Leadership Institute

April 20, 2022

Northwestern Oklahoma State University social work senior Chantal Rocha of Woodward has been accepted into the National Education for Women’s (N.E.W.) Leadership Institute. She is a student at Northwestern-Woodward.

Each year, about 35 students are selected for the institute through a competitive application process. Rocha was chosen based on numerous factors including, but not limited to: individual leadership potential, maturity, ability to deal with challenges, capacity to reflect on one’s personal strengths and weaknesses, special interests, unique characteristics or diverse experiences that contribute to the N.E.W. Leadership learning goals, interest in politics, public service or public policy, and a commitment to participate fully in the N.E.W. Leadership Institute.

“I am excited and grateful to have been chosen to participate in the N.E.W. Leadership program,” Rocha said. “As a future social worker, participating in this program will help me develop my leadership skills, see different perspectives and opinions, and learn how to become a better advocate for others.”

N.E.W. Leadership is an intense, five-day program that takes place each year on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus and is designed specifically for undergraduate women from colleges and universities across the state of Oklahoma. This year the event will be May 20-24.

“Chantal is an extraordinary student who is focused on public service that advances societal well-being,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, social work department chair, said. “The department is excited for her opportunity to learn from some of the state’s most prominent people.”

The award-winning program educates and empowers undergraduate women to participate actively in politics and public service. The program connects students to policymakers and community activists to engage them in shaping the public agenda. Launched in 2002, the program is part of the N.E.W. Leadership National Network at the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

“I am very happy that Chantal was selected for the N.E.W. Leadership Conference,” said Dr. Bo Hannaford, executive vice president. “I have Chantal in our Leadership Northwestern class, and I know she will represent herself and the university well. These types of experiences are important for our students to have. Leadership is an important part of our mission here at Northwestern, and Chantal will be able to demonstrate her talents with this opportunity.”

The program includes hands-on projects, skill-building workshops, keynote speakers and panels featuring prominent female officeholders, public administrators, community advocates and business leaders. N.E.W. Leadership includes networking opportunities with women leaders and culminates in a day spent with elected officials at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

For more information visit www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/womens-leadership/new-leadership.html

For more information about Northwestern’s social work department, visit https://www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/social-work or contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu.

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, 580-327-8480