Congratulations to our graduating seniors and thank you for your work with NeW! We are pleased to spotlight some of our outstanding chapter leaders and members.
Meet Caitlin Engle, member of NeW at the University of Cincinnati.
What were some of your favorite events that you participated in with NeW?
The book club event with Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) was incredibly empowering. I loved hearing from her about being a woman in a male-dominated field, as well as a conservative woman in politics. Taking part in the #shesconservative social media movement was also fun. I think it’s difficult for every conservative female in today’s culture to be open about their beliefs. Using that simple hashtag to connect with other women is not only comforting, but it also helped me feel like I could stand up and be who I wanted to be.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking a year or two off from school to work on starting a small photography business as well as continuing to work at an animal shelter. From there, I plan to apply to law schools for contract law.
What advice would you give to a conservative woman starting college?
Being yourself and losing people for it is more important than pretending to be someone you’re not just to get people to like you. Being you without that pressure or a false image to keep up will help you become a stronger, more independent woman.
How has NeW impacted you and prepared you for your next steps?
I feel more confident that I’m not alone in my beliefs and views, and feel I have a group of strong women I can turn to for anything. NeW has helped me build my confidence in who I am, and I feel going forward that this will be a huge strength for me.
Why is NeW important to you?
Without NeW, I would have continued to allow liberal views to dominate my life and wouldn’t have stood up or recognized that it’s okay for me to not share those views as a woman. I can believe in my own views and still be proud of myself and be a strong woman. I shouldn’t have to minimize myself to make others feel comfortable when they can’t accept differing views and beliefs. Having a network of women like me in this respect has been instrumental in my perspective of myself as well as others. NeW truly helps women be strong, more well-rounded versions of themselves.
The Network of enlightened Women (NeW) provides premier opportunities for young conservative women like Caitlin. Learn how to bring a Chapter of NeW to your campus today!
