American Legion AuxiliaryLaurel Girls State Chairman/Director
Jul. 2016 - Jun. 2018Post UniversityGuided the development of a transformative volunteer program as Director, aimed at nurturing the growth of high school girls' interest in state and local government. Pioneering a hands-on, week-long seminar, the American Legion Auxiliary Laurel Girls State empowers girls to immerse themselves in a fictional government environment, fostering creativity and firsthand experience. Collaborated seamlessly with local political organizations and leaders to enhance girls' learning prospects. Revolutionized the application process, streamlining access for girls and local Auxiliary members, resulting in program attendance reaching near-capacity for the first time in almost five years. Orchestrated a dynamic format, categorizing participants into five distinct towns, each mirroring different municipalities in Connecticut. This setup enabled them to establish their governing bodies and a unique legislature, engaging in impassioned debates and successfully passing self-authored bills. Notably, attendees formed their political parties, complete with comprehensive platforms and compelling candidate campaigns. At the heart of Laurel Girls State is a commitment to fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students. By prioritizing these qualities, the program equips young women with the tools to thrive in real-world scenarios and emerge as empowered leaders.