NEW Leadership® Virginia

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A banner image with the text NEW Leadership Virginia. Become the leader you want to see in public policy. This is followed by a collage of program participants.

Who: Undergraduate students in Virginia
When: June 10-12, 2026
Where: George Mason University in Arlington, Virginia
Cost: Free!

NEW Leadership® (NEWL) Virginia is a nonpartisan, three-day
residential summer program that brings together undergraduate
students and women leaders in public service.

Attendees:

  • Participate in panel discussions, workshops, and projects
  • Meet current lawmakers and staff
  • Network with successful women leaders
  • Build critical leadership skills
  • Learn about women’s participation in American policy, politics, and public life
  • Develop as an effective advocate
  • Become part of NEWL’s national network of distinguished alumni

Summer 2026 Application (Applications must be received by Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.)

Summer 2026 Program Brochure

Click here to see photos of past NEW Leadership® Virginia Programs and Past Program Highlights

2024 Program Highlights

Any questions can be directed to NEW Leadership® Virginia’s Co-Directors:

Jill Deering

Bonnie Stabile ([email protected]), GAP Founder and Director; Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Student and Academic Affairs, Schar School of Policy and Government

Jill Deering ([email protected]), GAP Board Member; Senior Assistant Dean of Student and Academic Affairs, Schar School of Policy and Government

NEW Leadership Faculty in Residence

Charniele Herring standing in front of the United States flag on her right and the Virginia State flag on her left while smiling and wearing a blue blazer.

Charniele Herring
Majority Leader
Virginia House of Delegates

Shea Holman stands smiling while wearing a gray blazer and white shirt.

Shea Holman
Counsel and COO, the Purple Method; Director, Jurisprudence Community and Assistant Professor

A woman in a gray shirt stands smiling in front of a brick wall

Aubrey Grant
Founding Member and Program Manager, Practice and Research, Community Sponsorship Hub

Speaker/affiliate faculty members for NEW Leadership®

Anne Holton

Anne Holton
Professor of Public Policy and Education; Senior Fellow, EdPolicyForward

Gloria Feldt
Co-Founder and President, Take the Lead Women, (Former CEO and President, Planned Parenthood, 1978-2005)

Jatia Wrighten stands outside while wearing a blue shirt and smiling.

Jatia Wrighten
Assistant Professor of Political Science
VCU | Virginia Commonwealth University

  • A group of people gathered outside near a large government building, listening to a speaker at the front during a discussion.
  • A woman in business attire smiles and shakes hands with another attendee while others mingle in the background at a professional event.
  • A group of people sitting outside and playing games.
  • A group of people sitting together outside on a sunny day, posing for a photo.
  • Two women sit in front of a room and answer questions after a presentation.
  • A smiling woman standing and speaking, with a screen and tables visible in the background.
  • A group of young adults and leaders standing together in a classroom setting, each holding copies of The Confident Body book and smiling toward the camera.
  • A woman in a beige dress stands on the steps in front of the U.S. Capitol building