International Studies alumna Rabiyah Mujahid ’17, Political Science major Erika Raskay ’18, and Political Science and Psychology major Nichole Sickel ’18 were among an elite group of students selected to attend the 2017 National Education for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Pennsylvania summer institute at Chatham University in Pittsburgh from June 4 to 9.

Representing Arcadia’s Historical and Political Studies (HAPS) Department, the group discussed politics and public policy, participated in communication-based workshops, practiced leadership through action, and networked with women committed to shaping public agenda and making a difference in their communities.

Developed by the Center for American Women and Politics, the residential leadership and public policy program—part of a national network of NEW Leadership initiatives—addresses the underrepresentation of women in political arenas. In line with NEW Leadership’s mission to educate and empower women for future political participation, Mujahid, a graduate of the Class of 2017, was recently appointed curriculum coordinator for the Urban Affairs Coalition in Philadelphia.