Three students attending National Education for Women program

Three Salve Regina students have been invited to participate in the prestigious National Education for Women (NEW) leadership program this summer.

Mary-Ashley Donelan ’15, Chelsea McWillie ’16 and Briana Williams ’14 will attend NEW Leadership New England, a five-day leadership training program designed to educate and empower young women and give them the skills to be part of the next generation of women leaders. The annual residential program for undergraduate women is hosted at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, on the campus of Saint Anselm College.

The program includes workshops for students to actively develop leadership skills such as public speaking and networking, as well as presentations from politically active women throughout New England. Participants will also benefit from faculty-in-residence, a group of women public leaders who serve as mentors for students throughout their stay.

A business administration major, Donelan was encouraged to apply for the NEW program by her lacrosse coach, Jennifer Foster. “She said it would be good for my career aspirations,” said Donelan, who hopes to become a lacrosse coach or pursue a military career. “Through this program, I hope to gain confidence and leadership skills that I can use throughout work, school and sports.” A member of the women’s lacrosse and cross country teams, Donelan also works part-time at Destination: Chocolate in downtown Newport.

A philosophy major, McWillie was encouraged to apply for the NEW program by adjunct professor Dr. Donna Tocco-Greenaway. “I hope to meet some new acquaintances and gain insight from other young women’s experiences,” said McWillie, who hopes to attend law school and be an advocate for women. “I would like to take the leadership skills I learn while attending this program and apply them to my daily life.” A member of the Pell Honors program, McWillie hopes to become more deeply involved in student organizations during her sophomore year.

A political science major, Williams applied to the NEW program because she was looking to improve her leadership skills. “My hope is that I will get an opportunity to meet new people who also want to sharpen their leadership skills,” said Williams, who hopes to attend law school and practice criminal law. The current Student Government Association vice president, Williams is also an admissions tour guide and a student mentor.