UW student Maggie Moran received a national award for social activism and political
engagement. (UW Photo)
Maggie Moran of Warrington, Pa., who will graduate this spring with a Master of Public Administration degree, was selected as one of 21 recipients of the College Women’s Leadership Award -- a national award for social activism and political engagement.
The award recognizes emerging young leaders who have exhibited outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to social activism or political engagement. Award recipients represent a diversity of political and social interests.
“Growing up in a military family, I developed a strong public service motivation,” Moran says. “My parents instilled in me the importance of volunteerism. I know it is very important to be civically engaged.”
Moran leads the Students for Policy Equality and Advancement of Knowledge (SPEAK Out!) student group that fosters an awareness of gender and sexuality issues at UW. She coordinates education campaigns, advocacy projects and trainings with various other groups. These include Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws (NARAL) Pro-Choice Wyoming, College Democrats, College Republicans, the Political Science Department, and various human rights groups on campus and in the community.
Additionally, she coordinates grassroots projects such as inviting speakers to campus, voter education initiatives, Take Back the Night, the Vagina Monologues and many other educational activities to raise awareness of gender issues, in particular political issues related to women’s health.
“Maggie feels passionately about women’s issues, but she is a thinker and a doer, not a complainer,” says Stephanie Anderson, SPEAK Out! adviser and an associate professor in the UW Department of Political Science. “When she sees a problem, she finds a way to bring awareness and to shift opinion her way.”
Sugati Publications honors the college women student leaders to highlight the commitment, aspirations and potential of women in politics and social change. Its theme, changing the future of politics, also is the focus of an upcoming book, “51%: Women and the Future of Politics” to be released later this year.
The book’s author, Spahr Nelson, says, “These college women exemplify passion and characteristics of emerging leaders who are making a difference in our world. These are some truly noteworthy young women who will lead us into the future.”
For more information about the recipients, the award or the book, go to: www.womenandpolitics.us.
