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 Kelly VonEnde, President of NeW at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
What were two of your favorite events that you participated in with NeW?
I loved participating in the Gentlemen Showcase campaign every year because it gave our chapter an opportunity to recognize some outstanding gentlemen and to show our community that, regardless of what some may think, there are some really great guys out there. I was also super excited to get to participate in the Spring Book Club this semester. Dana Perino has been someone I have looked up to for many years, and getting to sit in on a more intimate interview with her was thrilling. I loved hearing all of her stories, and I can’t wait to dive into the book to learn more!
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take a year to save money, study for the LSAT, and prepare for law school applications.
What advice would you give to a conservative woman starting college?
Be true to yourself. It can be very intimidating when you feel like you are the only one in the room who holds conservative beliefs. But I promise, you are not alone. Have confidence in what you know and don’t shy away from sharing your point of view. If you have the courage to speak up in class and on campus, you will find that there are others who agree with you and you might just inspire them to speak up too!
How has NeW impacted you and prepared you for your next steps?
NeW has played a big part in helping me become the person I am today. When I joined NeW, I was a shy freshman who was scared to speak up in class. Now, I have confidence in myself and I am eager to talk politics and challenge different ideas. I owe a lot of my progress to NeW for giving me a community that supported me, challenged me, and offered me opportunities to grow through different programs, events, and professional development workshops.
Why is NeW important to you?
NeW is important to me because it has provided me with a community of like-minded women that spans all across the country. I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who will continue to inspire me for years to come, and I will forever be thankful for the sense of belonging that being a member of NeW has given me.
The Network of enlightened Women (NeW) provides premier opportunities for young conservative women like Kelly. Learn how to bring a Chapter of NeW to your campus today!
