The Network of enlightened Women (NeW) hosted its 20th Anniversary Gala earlier this month, celebrating two decades of the organization’s efforts to empower women to advocate for conservatism on college campuses.
Students, alumni, supporters, and staff traveled from locations across the country on Tuesday, September 10, to celebrate this milestone at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC. Throughout the evening, attendees reminisced about the fond memories they had created and the opportunities they had received through NeW.
As part of the program, US Senator Marsha Blackburn was presented with the 2024 Empowered Woman of the Year award by Karin Lips, founder and president of NeW. This award is given annually to a principled leader who upholds conservative values and acts as a role model for the next generation of conservative women.
During her address upon receiving this award, Sen. Blackburn noted, “I think that it is so important that young women realize there is power in knowing who you are and then fearlessly challenging the status quo.” She later commended NeW for its accomplishments, stating, “the work that you’re doing is to be celebrated, the educating that you’re doing, the equipping, and getting people involved in the process, which I think is incredibly important.”
After the dinner portion of the event, attendees watched a video highlighting the achievements of NeW and the students it has impacted over the past 20 years. It featured Neetu Arnold, NeW alumna and advisory board member, who explained that her opportunities and experiences from NeW helped her “grow as a journalist and as a person,” and Jordan Ney, a student at Dickenson College, who stated that NeW “gives conservative women an opportunity to have a voice.”
Karin Lips followed this video with remarks to the guests. She explained, “Women are the future of freedom, and NeW is leading the way. By equipping our members with intellectual resources, scholarships to attend key events, close one-on-one mentoring, and access to a vibrant network of conservatives, NeW is ensuring that young women deepen their commitment to conservatism so that they can transform their workplaces, campuses, families, and communities.”
“To all of the students and young professionals in the room,” Lips continued, “you are the future of the country. Under your leadership, I am confident that we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Over the past 20 years, NeW has worked to educate, equip, and empower women to advocate for conservative values on their campuses and in their communities. The Anniversary Gala served as a reminder of its achievements and inspired students to continue leading the charge for free thinking and intellectual diversity at their universities. Happy Anniversary, NeW!
