Though many students at The University of Toledo are taking a break for the summer, two are continuing their education — but not in a classroom.
Monica Klonowski and Fanell Williams, two women’s and gender studies students, are attending New Leadership Ohio Monday through Friday, June 2-6, at Ohio State University’s John Glenn School of Public Affairs.
“This is a wonderful honor for our students, and we are very proud of their accomplishments,” said Charlene Gilbert, professor and chair of the UT Department of Women’s and Gender Studies. “Both Monica and Fanell are exemplary students who will represent UT very well at this statewide meeting designed to identify and train future women for roles in public leadership.”
Participants will spend five days in an intensive, residential institute and learn the history of women’s involvement in public life, grow their network, and gain skills in public speaking, advocacy and diversity.
Though the program is open to all women enrolled in an Ohio college or university’s undergraduate program, participants had to apply to attend. Each year, the program brings in only about 30 women with all types of ethnic, political, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds.
“I’m looking forward to meeting other women who are in the same position as I am, as well as those who have run for office or already are in office,” said Williams, a Toledo native who just graduated and plans to attend graduate school for social work at UT. “I’m excited and I’m really looking forward to the whole experience.”
