Leadership class empowers female leaders

By Molly Graesser

Tuesday evening Dr. Lynita Newswander offered a leadership class in Beacom Hall about the importance of women in successful leadership roles. Those who attended will receive one credit hour of college credits.

“I believe in women and empowering women,” Newswander said. Newswander has a Ph.D. in planning, governance and globalization. She teaches political science at the University of South Dakota and is a mother of three.

Throughout the assembly Newswander stressed the importance of women’s strengths and the importance of feminism.

“If you’re a feminist, come out and proclaim it. If you’re not, then don’t get on a soap box about it,” she said.

Newswander went on to discuss her own experience with feminism.

“It wasn’t until graduate school where I encountered so many road blocks to what I was doing, it’s really something each woman has to figure out for themselves,” she said. “The idea that I can be a mother and a nurturer but also be a strong woman at the same time inspires me.”

Something Victoria Johnson of Miami took away from the presentation was, “women are strong, never give up.” She believes that the qualities of a leader are confidence, knowledge, and being able to talk to others.

Newswander closed the class by saying, “Girls State is a group of women leaders.”

The second portion of the leadership class will be held Thursday, June 4.

(Photo: Lynita Newswander lectures the importance of feminism to about 40 Girls State delegates Tuesday evening. Molly Graesser / Sacajawea Scroll)