NEW Leadership Program

Maine's women leaders of tomorrow were inspired by the suffragists - and inspired all of us in turn - at a very special NEW Leadership program.

The Margaret Chase Smith Library hosted 25 students and 18 faculty, staff, and mentors as part of the University of Maine’s NEW Leadership program on June 3rd.  Open to women who attend college in Maine, the six-day program helps participants develop skills such as public speaking, advocacy, and networking. It also promotes participation in public life, as exemplified by the career of Senator Smith, who served in Congress for over thirty years and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1964, despite having grown up at a time when women did not have the right to vote. This point was especially emphasized this year by noting through a special exhibit and the welcoming cake that the centennial of women’s suffrage is now upon us.