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.
Makayla Archer
First-year, archermg@miamioh.edu
Majors: Human Capital Management and Leadership and Environmental Sciences
Hometown: Hudson, OH 44236
Campus Involvement:
- Member of the Multicultural Business Association
- Member of the Bridges Scholars Diversity and Inclusion Program
- Member of My Miami, My Place
- Pledge for Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity
Why Miami: Interested in a business major, I was conflicted between two schools. After
attending the Bridges program that Miami offers for students of diverse backgrounds, I was set on attending. That along with a generous amount of academic scholarship, Miami was my place to be. Continuing to prove it was the right decision with limitless networking opportunities, personal and interpersonal development, and rigorous coursework.
U.S. Congressional Member: David P. Joyce
Ohio Senator: Kristina D. Roegner
Ohio House Member: Casey Weinstein
Vada Stephens
First-year, stepheva@miamioh.edu
Majors: English Professional Writing and Voice Performance
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio 45014
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Miami University Associated Student Government
- Member of Miami University Chamber Singers
- Member of Miami University Gospel Singers
- Member of Multicultural Business Association
- Member of Miami University Bridges Scholars and Student Ambassador
Why Miami: Miami University immediately felt like home and that was something I realized I couldn’t compromise. The opportunities and existing connections with successful alumni were notable attractions for me. And it was through Miami that I received internships and experiential learning opportunities this spring and summer. A sense of unity and community outreach were also striking elements to me do to a high degree of importance placed upon service. I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the whole audition process for music majors can be intimidating, but Miami was very inviting, accepting, and provided me with scholarships.
U.S. Congressional Member: Steve Chabot
Ohio Senator: William P. Coley II
Ohio House Member: George F Lang
Carmen Stone
Senior, stoneca4@miamioh.edu
Major: Biology, Premedical Studies Minor: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Westerville, OH 43081
Campus Involvement:
- Resident Assistant at Hamilton Hall
- Member of Miami University Gospel Singers
- Member of Phi Delta Epsilon Premedical Fraternity
Why Miami: My parents suggested I look into Miami University because they knew it had an excellent reputation for producing well-educated, well-prepared college graduates. After
visiting several times and participating in the Bridges Program, I was impressed by the more than 600 student-run clubs and organizations, the opportunities for undergraduate research, and the interest the professors I met with seemed to show in their students’ learning. Miami also offered me the strongest financial incentives of any of the schools I was accepted to, and when it came time to decide where I would enroll, the scholarships I was offered from Miami were what sealed the deal for me.
U.S. Congressional Member: Troy Balderson
Ohio Senator: Tina Maharath
Ohio House Member: Mary Lightbody
