Pursuing a Passion for Politics
As a political science and Spanish double major, Emily Hawkins is on a mission. Her ultimate goal? To help elect the first female U.S. President. And as a finance assistant for U.S. Senator Kay Hagan’s re-election campaign, she’s well on her way.
Hawkins’ passion for politics – which she’s always possessed – has grown more focused as a result of her experiences as a Meredith College student.
“My coursework at Meredith has expanded my interest in politics, especially my honors thesis course on women in politics,” said Hawkins.
She’s complemented her coursework with a number of political internships – including a prestigious White House internship, which she called “the honor of a lifetime.” She’s also interned for EMILY’S List and with Rep. Deborah Ross in the North Carolina General Assembly.
Most recently, Hawkins interned in the finance office of Sen. Hagan’s re-election campaign. When a full-time finance assistant position became available, Hawkins was selected to fill the role. She now works on the team that raises the funds needed to get Sen. Hagan’s message to voters.
It’s a natural progression for the woman who was appointed to Meredith’s Student Government Association as a freshman and served as the Elections Board Chair for three years – a position that oversees the election of more than 90 women to on-campus leadership offices each year.
“My passion and desire is to elect more women to office,” Hawkins said. “My plans after graduation will definitely include bridging the gender gap in politics.”
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Meredith College
Meredith College has been educating strong, confident women for more than a century. Chartered in 1891, the College opened with 200 students and a mission to provide a first-rate course of female education. Today Meredith is one of the largest independent women’s colleges in the U.S., graduating nearly 500 students each year who come from across the country and around the world.