NEW Leadership Nevada

National Education for Women's (NEW) Leadership is an award-winning program to educate and empower the next generation of women leaders. The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, developed the innovative program in 1991 and branched out to invite other universities into its Development Network. In 2001, the Women's Research Institute of Nevada accepted CAWP’s invitation to join the NEW Leadership Development Network and in 2003, held its first program. The Women's Research Institute of Nevada at UNLV offers the only site in the southwestern and Rocky Mountain states to host this program.

NEW Leadership features an innovative curriculum designed to:

• Teach students about the diversity of women's historical and contemporary participation in politics and policymaking;
• Connect students with women leaders who make a difference in the public sphere,education, gaming, business, law, politics, banking, community activism, and more;
• Help students explore the demands of justice based, effective, and ethical leadership in a diverse society;
• Cultivate students' leadership skills;
• Enable students to practice leadership through action; and
• Build a statewide network of peers and mentors.

The centerpiece of the program is a 6-day summer institute that brings together 25 college students from across the state to learn about women's leadership and civic participation from accomplished women leaders. Students meet formally and informally with these leaders through a series of panels, lectures, and interactive workshops and create lasting networks and mentoring relationships.  Graduates are supported throughout their future endeavors by WRIN, our growing alumnae network, and our community partners.  Furthermore, they have the opportunity to participate in  special programs throughout the year as their schedules permit.

While there is an emphasis on politics and civic engagement in the Nevada program, the emphasis on leadership has been extended to many fields of work.  Students from all academic disciplines benefit and build leadership skills that are applicable to their chosen field.  Program speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, including law, business, politics, education, community activism, non-profit organizations, banking, gaming, small business, real estate, and more. 

NEW Leadership Nevada is open to all undergraduate students attending a college or university in Nevada and to Nevada residents attending schools in other states.