What are the most impactful things you have done over the last four years?
My participation in the 2025 spring NYC Agency trip through the Department of Communications, the articles I’ve written for the student-run news organization, The Simmons Voice, and my selection for the Barbara Lee Fellowship program — which rounds off my political science capstone.
For the NYC Agency trip, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Tory Burch headquarters alongside my fellow classmates and hear from a diverse group of media professionals. Through an engaging discussion panel, we were given a first-hand glimpse of the Tory Burch Foundation’s mission grounded in female empowerment and entrepreneurship, while networking with communications professionals in our fields of interest.
The Simmons Voice allowed me to practice writing journalistic pieces, including covering prison abolition activism, annual celebrations around reproductive justice, and sharing my NYC agency experience with our community.
My focus throughout my political science program has been to not only absorb and expand my knowledgebase, but open up possibilities for a related career path. The Barbara Lee Fellowship Program is an amazing embodiment of our school’s core values building a network of strong, educated women — and the ability to advance and connect young female professionals with established institutions and leaders.
A quote that comes to mind, “Lifting as we climb,” from the nineteenth-century leader, Mary Church Terrell of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), discusses this modern mobilizing effort. Women in power understand the importance of uplifting those around us to create a community full of representation and to further progress professional diversity within the workforce.
What is your major(s) and why did you choose this field of study?
I am a double major in political science and communications, with a journalism track. I’ve always found writing, in all its forms, to be so widely important and impactful to convey ideas and channel messaging. I wanted to develop these skills and how to apply them to the professional world. I think this type of thinking is transferable across all fields, in a unique way.
My first semester I took an interest in political science by accident, funnily enough. I took “Human Rights: The Basic Dilemmas” (POLS 223) with Assistant Professor Chantal Krcmar and absolutely became engaged with the studies. It really only takes one class and one incredible professor to help you unlock your interests and passions. As I graduate, I have leaned heavily into political science and intend to pursue a career in law within the next few years.
Tell us more about your involvement in the Barbara Lee Fellowship program.
The political science program was crucial in determining my educational path and career development. My initial internship, working with Representative Tram T. Nguyen at the State House, gave me a strong introduction to the kind of work I would later do for Barbara Lee.
I feel fortunate to have built upon those initial experiences, combining lessons learned and having a foundational understanding to rely on. I am deeply thankful for the alumnae/i and program advocates who focus on student advancement in this way, especially those who help students explore positions with female officeholders.
What was your favorite Simmons course and why?
One of my favorite courses was a core political science class on international relations, “Introduction to International Politics” (POLS 102). I found the design and expansive material to be so interesting, exciting, and important. I learned about foundational principles of government, policy, and institutions within other countries, and analyzed the intersecting relationship of these concepts.
I felt that I was gaining a more holistic understanding of politics, often undertaught because of a Westernized lens or attitude. I remember continuously wanting to learn more and really immerse myself with international perspectives to see how power is acquired, distributed, given, taken, and changed.
Who was your most influential Simmons professor/mentor and why?
I really appreciate the teaching style of Associate Professor Lena Zuckerwise, chair of the Department of Politics and Policy. I took multiple classes with Professor Zuckerwise, who pushed me to think critically about political theory, systems of oppression, key scholars, areas of justice, and she helped me develop strong writing and class engagement skills.
The class discussions expanded on our course materials thoroughly, where I was able to really grasp ideas brought forth by my peers in a constructive space. I have worked with Professor Zuckerwise as my advisor and instructor on several occasions, and I have always found support, meaningful guidance, and professional encouragement throughout my studies. I am impressed with Professor Zuckerwise’s own published works, commitment to teaching, connection with the student body, and shared political interpretations.
How has Simmons taught you to be a leader?
Simmons has allowed me to become a leader by curating a network of strong professional resources accessible to me, as a student. For one, I am grateful for the professors’ various backgrounds and expertise they use to advance student learning. I have found empowerment in both the classroom and the workplace because of how celebrated women’s presence is within our community.
Being surrounded by highly gifted and talented women who are encouraged to excel helped inspire my own confidence and abilities. I gathered a lot of personal growth alongside my peers because of this environment. I think my growth was explicitly supported by all the positive examples I had around me at Simmons during my undergraduate time.