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.
Natalie Assaf
Second-year, assafna@miamioh.edu
Major: Public Administration
Hometown: Dublin, OH 43017
Campus Involvement:
- Government Relations Network
- Advocacy for Institutional Relations Office
- Chief of Compliance for First Miami Student and Alumni Credit Union
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Butler County
Why Miami: I decided to come to Miami because I felt that it would give me the best education and college experience. When visiting schools, I felt most at home at Miami University. The campus felt like home and it helped that they gave me a healthy scholarship package. I was also allowed to transfer a lot of high school credits so I will be graduating a year early.
US Congressional Member: Troy Balderson
Ohio House Member: Beth Liston
Ohio Senator: Stephanie Kunze
Justin Spencer
First-year, spencejp@miamioh.edu
Major: Biology and Environmental Science
Hometown: Dayton, OH 45458
Campus Involvement:
- Member of Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Alliance (LSAMP)
- Member of National Association for Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
Why Miami: When I started applying for college, I knew I wanted to go to a school that would offer exceptional academic opportunities and put me in a position to achieve all the goals I want post-graduation. Miami helps me achieve these objectives by offering a top tier education and allowing me to work with excellent faculty and network with extraordinary people.
U.S. Congressional Member: Michael Turner
Ohio Senator: Peggy Lehner
Ohio House Member: Jim Butler
Christyna Thompson
Junior, thomp186@miamioh.edu
Major: Political Science Minor: Criminology
Hometown: Cincinnati, 45011
Campus Involvement:
- President and Public Relations Chair of National Black Law Students Association Pre-Law Chapter
- Member of Government Relations Network
Why Miami: During the college application process, Miami was not my first choice in schools I desired to attend. My older brother enrolled at the university two years ahead of
me. After hearing how much he enjoyed his classes, his student organization, and seeing
the outstanding financial aid package he was awarded, I figured I would give Miami a shot.
I’m grateful I did because so many doors have been opened for me here and I have been allowed me to develop as an individual within a changing social climate, equipping me with the knowledge and experiences necessary to compete at a high level.
U.S. Congressional Member: Representative Warren Davidson
Ohio Senator: Senator William P. Coley II
Ohio House Member: Representative George F. Lang
