MANSFIELD, PA— Mansfield University students Katelyn and Chelsey
Gavin attended the NEW Leadership™ Pennsylvania program held at the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University in Pittsburgh on May 31 – June 5.
The sisters from Canisteo, NY are the first MU students to take part in program which is designed to educate, empower and encourage college women to become politically active and to take on leadership roles. Katelyn and Chelsey were two of 43 undergraduate female students accepted to participate in this competitive state-wide program.
“This experience has enriched my political perspective, and has offered me many incredible networking opportunities with some of the greatest female workers in the Pennsylvania government,” Katelyn Gavin said. “I will use what I have learned throughout this program in my future career and throughout my life.”
“It was a very educational experience,” Chelsey Gavin said. “I now have a better understanding of politics and how to be a more effective leader. Meeting so many influential women mentors has given me the confidence I need to be a greater leader.”
The Gavin sisters are both Psychology majors. Katelyn carries concentrations in Human Resource Management and Lifespan Development and a Leadership Studies minor. Chelsey has concentrations in Human Resource Management and Lifespan Development. They were nominated for NEW Leadership™ Pennsylvania by Psychology Department Chair Gretchen Sechrist.
“I am extremely proud of Katelyn and Chelsey and was thrilled that they were among the few students accepted to participate in this program,” Sechrist said. “Mansfield University is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills. This was an amazing opportunity for both Katelyn and Chelsey, and the knowledge they gained will benefit their own lives, as well as the psychology department and the Mansfield University campus.”
Katelyn Gavin was one of two students selected to represent MU at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Institute last summer. In March, as part of a project she developed stemming from the Leadership Institute, she co-hosted “Project Equality,” an event to advocate on the behalf of women on campus and teach others about feminism. It involved students, faculty and staff wearing t-shirts with “This is what a feminist looks like” on the front with the definition of feminism on the back: “Feminism is the belief that everyone should be treated equal.” She was awarded the spring 2015 Student Spotlight Award from the President’s Commission on the Status of Women for her efforts advocating on the behalf of women. Katelyn is the president of the Human Resources Management Club, secretary for the Psychology Research Group, secretary for Psi Chi honor society, a member of Psychology Club, an advocate for the women’s center and a member of SAFE (Student Advocating for Everyone). Her accomplishments as a part of these groups include hosting a panel of local professionals in the field of human resources for students, fundraising, participating in community service and being captain of her Relay for Life team.
Chelsey Gavin is treasurer of Psi Chi and Psychology Research Group. She also is treasurer of the Psychology Club and vice-president of the Humans Resources Club. She is an active member of SAFE and an advocate for the Women’s Center. Her accomplishments as a part of these groups include hosting a panel of local professionals in the field of human resources for students, fundraising, and participating in Relay for Life and other community service events with the Council for Exceptional Children.
The Gavin’s participation in NEW Leadership™ Pennsylvania program was funded by the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, and the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Mansfield University.