2019 Government Relations Network Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership Conference
Over spring break, 65 Miami University students and Miami University’s President will participate in the Government Relations Network Alternative Spring Break Advocacy and Leadership Conference. During the Conference, students will meet with members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation and members of the Ohio General Assembly. In these meetings, students will advocate for higher education and Miami University by sharing their own Miami experiences with members and staff. Students will present to members and staff undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities that they have engaged in at two poster sessions, one on Capitol Hill and the other at the Ohio Statehouse. Students will also hear from state and federal policymakers on leadership, citizenship, and advocacy.
Here’s a look at a few of our participants.
Sydney Jefferson
First-year, jeffers6@miamioh.edu
Major: Marketing Minors: Law and Society and Spanish
Hometown: West Chester, OH 45069
Campus involvement:
- Social Chair of Hahne Hall Community Leadership Team
- Director of Campus Involvement
- Finance and Executive Assistant for Office of Government Relations Network
- Bridges Scholars Diversity and Inclusion Program
- Honors College Student
- Varsity Track and Field Athlete
- Government Relations Network member
- Member of Athletes in Action
Why Miami: I chose Miami because I walked on campus and knew this was the place for me. I enjoy the campus, the people, and the academic excellence that comes with a Miami education. The financial aid that I received, a combination of academic and athletic rewards, was the final push I needed to come to the Original Public Ivy.
U.S. Congressional Member: George Lang
Ohio Senator: Bill Coley Ohio
Ohio House Member: Warren Davidson
Moustafa Djuma
First-year, djumam@miamioh.edu
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 45205
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
- Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Member of the Government Relations Network
Why Miami: I chose Miami because I instantly knew that I was going to receive quality education upon touring the campus. Also, I received a scholarship that made the decision very clear. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity I got and I plan on using it wisely.
U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: Louis Terhar
Ohio House Member: Louis Blessing
Jennifer Brown
Junior, brownjs5@miamioh.edu
Majors: Psychology and Political Science
Hometown: Marion, OH 43302
Campus Involvement:
- Student Senator for Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG)
- Member of Miami Initiatives Team for the Coalition for Healthy Community (MITs)
- Member of the John Adams Society (ISI)
- Member of Miami University Young Americans for Freedom (YAF)
- Member of the Miami University College Republicans
Why Miami: I knew that I wanted to stay in Ohio. I am passionate about the great things
happening for the state of Ohio and luckily, we have some amazing schools in our state.
While visiting with my mother we entered the library and it was very loud inside. She
looked at me and said, “this is what a library is supposed to sound on a college campus.”
This resonated with me. The many voices meant that there was collaboration, active
learning, and teamwork. I knew then that I wanted to be a part of that.
U.S. Congressional Member: Jim Jordan
Ohio Senator: Dave Burke
Ohio House Member: Tracy Richardson
