ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) recently served as a featured speaker at the Second Annual Women’s Leadership in Public Service Institute, a dynamic five-day experience in Cuscowilla, Georgia, that teaches college women from throughout Georgia about politics and policy making.
“I was honored to speak to these future leaders as they explore their possible roles in both the public and private sectors,” said Rep. Smith. “As a woman who has worked in government and private business, I have seen firsthand the unique challenges women continue to face in both the public and private sectors. That’s why it is so important that women leaders take time to train, guide, and mentor the next generation of up-and-coming women and why I was so honored to take part in this institute.”
Rep. Smith led the fourth day’s morning session, entitled “The Battle over Water.” While her lecture focused on Georgia’s water conflicts from the 1990’s to the present day, Rep. Smith also discussed issues like “why women need to sit at the table of policy making” and “how to get to the policy table and positions of influence.” Rep. Smith concluded her morning session by answering questions from the young women in attendance.
During the five-day non-partisan institute, which ran from June 1-5, college women were brought together with women experienced in public and private service through panel presentations, speakers, and workshops teaching skills necessary for public and private service. Students met women in leadership at all levels of government and business, as well as women working in community outreach. The event sought to teach, lead and empower young women to become the next generation of leaders in public service. Students left the Institute with valuable personal and professional connections to other women leaders.
The Women’s Leadership in Public Service Institute was hosted by Gainesville State College under the umbrella of Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), New Leadership Development Network. CAWP authorizes one school in each state to coordinate this program and is spreading the program across the nation. Last year and this year Gainesville State College (GSC) was selected by CAWP to coordinate the Institute in Georgia. Seventeen other colleges and universities across the country have partnered with CAWP in an effort to inspire and train undergraduate women for leadership.
For additional information about the Women’s Leadership in Public Service Institute, please go to http://www.gsc.edu/schools/ss/pscjpr/WLPS/Pages/default.aspx.
Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Coweta and Heard counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, and is currently the Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and Rules committees. For more information about Rep. Smith, please visit her official Facebook fan page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/State-Rep-Lynn-Smith-R-70/62557803511.
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