ISSUE XIII

Enlightened Ink

A report of the Network of enlightened Women

ISSUE XIII

WHATS INSIDE
Chapter leaders make a
difference on campus
and you can too
#ShesConservative takes
social media by storm

Educating and training the next

generation of conservative women leaders

Young Womens Leadership

Retreat prepares freshmen
to combat liberal bias
Ginni Thomas keynotes
12th Anniversary Dinner

A letter from Karin

Dear Friends,
Welcome to Enlightened Ink. Thank you for being part of NeW and our
work to educate and train the next generation of conservative women
leaders.
I have recently returned from a panel discussion at the University of
Virginia School of Law entitled, Where is Feminism Headed?: Implications
for Government and Policy. Throughout this year, we have seen that millennial women arent
enthusiastic about Hillary Clintons version of feminism. Her message isnt empowering.
It isnt pro-woman. It isnt good for women. It is time for a new womens empowerment
movement. During the panel, I made the case for Opportunity Feminism. This brand
of feminism promotes a smaller role for government and seeks to maximize freedom for
women, so that women have the chance to build fulfilling lives as they see fit.
We must engage in the national discussions on feminism, conservatism, and public policy.
NeW is effectively making a positive case for conservative public policy solutions to young
women.
I am particularly excited about our This Is What A Conservative Looks Like digital
campaign. The initiative gives women a platform to share their stories of why they are
conservative. Conservatives are often profiled, stereotyped, and put on the defensive. As
part of this campaign to proudly showcase young conservative women, students took
photos in This Is What A Conservative Looks Like t-shirts, wrote essays, and participated
in the social media campaign using the hashtag #ShesConservative. We launched the
campaign in September and reached more than 6.5 million people on Twitter within two
weeks. Even Cosmopolitan and Teen Vogue wrote on it. With your support, we are eager to
enter Phase 2 of the initiative.
You will learn more about this campaign on pages 7-10. Enjoy reading about our top
Chapters, Young Womens Leadership Retreat, and the impact of our programming to
identify, educate, and train the next generation of conservative women leaders! Make sure to
read the Q & A with Diana Stancy, an outstanding new alumna who has joined our team.
NeW is filling a void, not just on college campuses, but in the larger conversation about
women, politics, and the role of government.
Thank you again for your support.

With gratitude,

Karin Agness
NeW Founder & President
1513 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036

karin@[Link]
@KarinAgness
@KarinAgness

Senior Spotlights

Congratulations to students graduating in December 2016. Thank you for your

leadership and dedication to the conservative movement throughout your
years on campus. We look forward to you joining the NeW Alumnae Network.

Rebecca Malone American University

Rebecca previously was the Communications Director for her Chapter. This semester, she had
an op-ed published in Campus Reform about breaking stereotypes of conservative women.

How did NeW shape your college experience?

NeW was a pivotal part of my college experience because it helped me express and strength-
en my views as a young conservative. On an aggressively liberal campus like American
University, it is essential for conservative organizations like NeW to exist in order to counter
the oppressive movements that infringe on intellectual diversity and freedom of speech.

What is your favorite part of NeW? Your favorite memory?

My favorite part of NeW was the lifelong friends I made through the organization. I now have
a close group of friends who understand my views and who do everything to support me.

Gabrielle Nelson George Mason University

Why do you think others should be involved with NeW?

Not only does it provide support and help give young women confidence in themselves, but
it can also open ones eyes up to another point of view. Todays media constantly bombards
us with one side of the argument and it is very refreshing to hear an alternate argument.

What is one piece of advice you would pass on to NeW ladies following you?

Take as many opportunities as you can to discover what you do and dont like to do. I came
into college thinking I wanted to be a doctor, but through various opportunities Ive had with
NeW and other organizations, Ive discovered a completely different path in my life that I
had never considered before.

INTERNSHIP Spotlights

We are training women to be leaders in the conservative movement.

These ladies had some pretty cool experiences this summer. Meet
three NeW women who interned in different fields.

Natasha Tax Temple University

Univision at the Republican National Convention
I got to work on their nightly news segment during the convention, which was super interesting.
I never knew so many elements went into making news. I learned about media bias first hand.
After my internship, I am a more critical consumer of media because Ive seen news production
first hand.

Emma Harrison University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Lieutenant Governor Dan Forests Reelection Campaign
The best advice I learned was dont be afraid to put yourself out there. I took initiative this
summer by proposing some ideas for the campaign. I was seen as the intern, but really my
ideas were also valued. Dont be afraid to own your ideas and share them with your superiors.
A lot of times, they will be grateful that you did and love the new perspective.

Krista Chavez American University

Americans for Tax Reform
My internship taught me how to understand the complexities of an issue and decide which
policies are the best to pursue or ignore for the benefit of the country. I got to write about and
research criminal justice reform and civil asset forfeiture issues.
Enlightened Ink

NeW on Campus
NeW Chapters across the country have been fighting
liberal bias, sharing conservative principles with their
peers, and organizing community service projects.
Through Chapter meetings, book club discussions, activism events, guest speakers, and more, NeW women are
changing the dialogue on college campuses nationwide.
Our Chapters read a variety of conservative books
this semester, including Assault and Flattery by Katie
Pavlich, Cupcakes to Chemicals by Julie Gunlock, and
The End of Sex by Donna Freitas.
NeW at the University of Virginia and NeW at George
Mason University had impressive recruiting tables
at their student activity fairs, drawing more than 40
women each to sign
up. NeW at Grove
City College hosted
Dr. Anne Bradley
of The Center for
Vision & Values;
NeW at Harvard
hosted Sarah Isgur
Flores, former
Deputy Campaign
Manager for Carly
Fiorina; and NeW
at Western Carolina This Is What A Conservative Looks Like
banner was a hit on Grounds at the
University hosted
University of Virginia.
Karin Agness.
NeW at American University invited liberal students
to join them for an election townhall event to promote
intellectual diversity and an open dialogue among
students. Paige Lisicki, Chapter President, said, The
NeW Townhall gave American University students the
chance to hear from both sides regarding the election
and women in politics. These types of events remind
students that intellectual diversity is necessary, that you
can disagree civilly, and how to work with those on the
other side of the aisle.

The Chapter hosted Judge Tessa Sellers of North Carolinas 30th

Judicial Court to speak at their weekly meeting about what it takes
to pursue a career in law.

Meet NeW at Western

Carolina University
NeW at Western
Carolina University
won New Chapter of
the Year at the 2016
National Conference
and the Chapter is
certainly defending
the title. The
Chapter has already
Karin Agness was the keynote speaker
recruited more than
at the Chapters Mother-Daughter
30 members and
Appreciation Event in Asheville.
This was an event to thank the
hosted more than
conservative women in their lives.
15 events, including
a fundraiser for local law enforcement and a free
speech ball to celebrate the First Amendment on
campus. Take a look at some of their highlights from
the fall 2016 semester.
NeW at Western Carolina participated in the annual conSERVative
initiative by collecting donations for breast cancer research on campus.

NeW at George Mason University went with a pink everything

approach at their student activities fair.

Enlightened Ink

Paige Lisicki represented NeW and Gabby Chishinsky

represented the College Republicans at the NeW Townhall at
American University. They hosted Valentina Fernandez and
Morgan Stahr of the College Democrats for this thoughtful
pre-election discussion.

Dr. Anne Bradley from The Center for Vision & Values spoke to the NeW Chapter at Grove
City College about the detriments of socialism. She even brought these Margaret Thatcher
shirts for the Chapter.

Emily Hall, Alexandra Tartaglia, and Alina Muoz of NeW at

Harvard celebrated Margaret Thatchers birthday on October
13 by recruiting members with Margaret Thatcher posters.
Grace Willoughby,
President of NeW
at the University
of Florida, invited
Taylor McCarty,
NeWs Campus
Program Associate,
to campus to meet
her new team of
fearless leaders.

NeW at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte hosted an interest meeting to discuss
#ShesConservative and CPAC.

Taylor McCarty met with

the executive board of NeW
at Cornell for lunch and a
Chapter strategy session.

On a trip to North
Carolina, Taylor
McCarty met with
Emma Harrison,
President of NeW
at the University
of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill,
to plan for the
spring semester.
No trip to Chapel
Hill is complete
without a photo
at the Old Well.

Enlightened Ink

Clara Diaz and

Elizabeth Bradford
gave Taylor McCarty
a personal tour of
campus at Florida
State, stopping
by the historic
Westcott Fountain.

NeW CELEBRATES 12 YEARS

On Thursday, September 29, NeW celebrated 12 years
of empowering conservative women with an Anniversary
Dinner featuring Ginni Thomas at Sixth Engine in
Washington, DC. Thomas is a social entrepreneur and
part-time special correspondent for the The Daily Caller.
She has previously worked at The Heritage Foundation,
Hillsdale Colleges Washington office, the U.S. Chamber
of Commerce, and senior levels of the legislative and

executive branches of government. The event was cohosted by the NeW Young Professional Chapter, NeW
DC. Students from American University, George Mason
University, George Washington University, Howard
University, and Sweet Briar College took a break from their
midterm examinations to celebrate with NeW and to hear
Thomas words of wisdom.
Thomas gave quite the pep talk to attendees, encouraging
them to be troublemakers on their
college campuses. Thomas said college
campuses are one of the most unwelcoming
environments for conservatives. Our
students nodded in agreement they
are no strangers to being the underdogs
on campus. Ginni also discussed the
importance of work-life balance. Her uplifting
words were exactly what students needed to
hear.
NeW at Western Carolina sent their best
wishes to Washington, DC with this group
photo and original anniversary sign.

Enlightened Ink

For their anniversary celebration, NeW at American University invited their

neighbors, NeW at George Washington University, to join them for cupcakes
on the Georgetown waterfront.

Ginni Thomas was a hit with our chapter leaders. Local students
gathered to hear her professional advice.

NeW leaders celebrated the anniversary on their campuses

by hosting dessert parties and meetings to commemorate
the occasion. Our Chapters at George Mason University
and Western Carolina University celebrated with special
meetings on campus and invited potential new members
to come and learn more about NeW. At Florida Gulf Coast
University, Chapter leaders celebrated with ice cream by
hosting a fundraiser at Coldstone Creamery.

Tiffany Cahill and Sophie Studer from Florida Gulf Coast

University wore their This Is What A Conservative Looks
Like shirts to their celebration at Coldstone Creamery.

The women of NeW at American University

invited the other local Chapters in DC to
join them for cupcakes at Baked and Wired
in Georgetown. Hannah Kellum, President
of NeW at Christopher Newport University,
expressed her gratitude for NeW during the
anniversary celebrations, I feel truly lucky
to have found NeW because not only has it
given me a network of great conservative
women, but NeW has also given me one of
my best friends.
In addition to attending the Anniversary Dinner in
Washington, DC, NeW at George Mason University
hosted a special meeting to celebrate with cupcakes.

Enlightened Ink

#ShesConservative
Launched on September 12, #ShesConservative
dominated social media and news outlets
immediately. The national campaign showcased the
faces and stories of conservative women nationwide.
Conservative all-stars including Carly Fiorina, Katie
Pavlich, and Kristen Soltis Anderson stood up to
show their support as well.

28,000+

Views of NeWs video

#ShesConservative

6.5 million

People reached on Twitter two weeks

after releasing #ShesConservative

15,487,731

Total number of Twitter followers

from publications featuring
#ShesConservative

Enlightened Ink

 dominates social media

Want the shirt?

You can buy it at
[Link]

Enlightened Ink

#ShesConservative

Our Chapter leaders and young professionals

from across the country shared their stories
about why theyre proud to be conservative
women. These women are changing the way
many people see the conservative movement.
Heres what they have to say:
I am tired of being told I am wrong and
ignorant, of being belittled, and of being
bullied by liberals. I am not afraid
anymore; I am proud of my political
ideology. I am a conservative and this is
what a conservative looks like.
Paige Lisicki, American University

Emily Hall
Harvard University
Before college, I had never really been challenged in my
political beliefs. I went to Catholic school for 14 years,
and most of the people I interacted with agreed with me,
at least on most of the issues I knew and cared about.
All that changed when I started my freshman year. Many
of the people I met were disgusted with conservatism,
had misconceptions of what I, as a conservative, might
believe, or simply didnt think a college-age woman might
disagree with modern feminism and liberalism. I quickly
learned that here, I would need to be able to defend every
last concept of my long-held belief system. The denigration
of conservatism extended from other students to my
courses, from the hub of on-campus volunteering to the
Christmas no, holiday decorations in the dining hall,
which during my sophomore year included a placemat
guide to discussing politics with potentially backward
and conservative family at home. I was bombarded with
liberalism, and I didnt know how to stand up against it. I
found what I needed was more education, more speech
I needed to hear the perspectives I wasnt getting from
my professors and peers. Educating myself on a number of
issues allowed me to remember why I am a conservative
and develop logical, factual arguments against the popculture liberalism thats so popular on campus.
I believe in our Constitution, I believe in personal responsibility, and I believe in defending our freedoms. Today, its
not very popular to believe in these things but Ive found
a community of people at Harvard and in NeW who remind
me that Im not alone and help empower me to speak out
against the liberalism of the university environment.
9

Ive learned that being a conservative is

not something that I should be ashamed
of. It does not mean that I am uneducated,
bigoted, anti-woman, anti-minority, or
any other of the slew of insults that have
been thrown at me. I am a conservative
because I believe in individual liberty,
individual responsibility, equal opportunity,
and limited government. Nickie Deahl,

George Mason University

Being a conservative has molded me

into a young woman who is able to
stand up for my passionate beliefs,
no matter who is standing against me.

Ella Biggins, University of South Florida

I am a conservative by choice, not by

legacy. I am a conservative because I share
the same values that come with the title.
I value independence, hard work, faith,
earned achievements, and family, just to
name a few. I believe in self-reliance rather
than government dependence. Tiffany
Cahill, Florida Gulf Coast University

Every individual is unique and

capable of doing great things if they
choose to do so. I believe every
person has potential. I believe in
personal responsibility. Jessica
Martinez, University of North
Carolina at Charlotte

Attending a liberal university, I am

constantly questioned about my beliefs
and sometimes am ridiculed. Being a
conservative has impacted my life by forcing
me to speak out against my challengers and
taking a stance for my beliefs. I have grown
both in confidence and knowledge through
my conservative discovery.
Emma Harrison, University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill

Enlightened Ink

n
i
n
e
e
As s
COSMOPOLITAN

LOVE

CELEBS

BEAUTY

STYLE

VIDEOS

by Prachi Gupta Sep 12, 2016

Conservative Women Speak Up About

Stigma in College With #ShesConservative
Theyre trying to challenge stereotypes about conservatism in America.
A new social media campaign is encouraging
conservative women to fight back against
stereotypes that they are uneducated
and ignorant. On Monday, the Network
of enlightened Women (NeW) launched a
social media campaign called This Is What a
Conservative Looks Like to unite conservative
women and empower them to share their
experiences via essays online.
The campaign, which has enlisted the support of
commentator S.E. Cupp, author and pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson, and other prominent Republican
women, is an attempt to reduce the stigma some conservative Millennial women feel about sharing
their political identity in liberal spaces.
In an op-ed published in Forbes, Network of enlightened Women founder Karin Agness writes that she
has personally been laughed at by staff when she approached the University of Virginias Womens
Center to cosponsor an event, and says she routinely hears from conservative college students who are
frustrated that their campus feminist counterparts mock them, insult them, and try to shut them down.
Conservatives need to take a page out of the playbook of the 1970s feminists who transitioned
from consciousness raising groups into a larger public movement to cause change and recruit new
members, she writes. It is time for conservative young women to stop hiding their conservative views
and shout their conservatism.

#ShesConservative has also been featured in Forbes, Red Alert Politics, Teen Vogue,
the Washington Examiner, The College Fix, Fresh U, and many more publications.
Enlightened Ink

10

WHY I GIVE
Dottie Cernick Jacksonville, Florida
In the 1960s, college was different. Politics were different. We were not scorned for being conservative even
though some campuses had radical groups because of the Vietnam War. We had professors who challenged
us and we women were up to the challenge not looking for a safe space, but defending our opinions and
ideas.
Today, if youre a conservative woman who attempts to challenge another belief, or even express her own, be
it by her professor or other students, you can be ostracized and ridiculed. Thank goodness we now have this
wonderful organization to challenge the status quo.
Three young women who believe in themselves and their ideas are the main reason I give to NeW. They are my
granddaughters, firm in their beliefs and standing by our conservative principles. But they have a difficult road
ahead. Katie, the eldest, heads to college next year. Grace, 16, has chosen a high school for the arts for which
she auditioned in dance, was admitted, and accepts a multicultural and multiracial environment with ease.
The youngest, Emily, will begin at a Christian middle/high school next year and will have her own challenges.
These young women are our future and NeW will see that the future is open, fair, encouraging, and supportive.
That is why I give to NeW. Keep it strong, keep it vocal, and above all, keep it going!

Dottie

Today, if youre a conservative woman who attempts to challenge another belief, or even

express her own, be it by her professor or other students, you can be ostracized and ridiculed.
Thank goodness we now have this wonderful organization to challenge the status quo.

11

Enlightened Ink

FOREVER NeW
Q & A with N e W A lu m na

Diana Stancy
We are pleased to welcome Diana, a NeW Alumna, to the
team as a Communications Fellow.
What is your favorite memory from being a member of NeW?
My first NeW National Conference in 2014 was unforgettable for me.
For the first time ever, I was surrounded by hundreds of women who
shared similar values and goals. I remember leaving feeling inspired
and refreshed, ready to tackle the challenges I would face as a
conservative on a liberal campus.
What have you done since graduation?
Since graduating from Elon University, Ive completed a fellowship
through the Student Free Press Association, where I was placed to
work at the Washington Examiner. Now, Im a Communications
Fellow for NeW and Im excited to begin this chapter of my life with
the organization!
How has NeW helped shape your post-college experience?
Ive really enjoyed events like the quarterly brunches where Ive
been able to connect with other NeW alumnae in DC. Knowing this
community exists has been so encouraging, especially as a young
professional who has just moved to DC. The support I received in
college from NeW has continued since graduation and Im grateful
that NeW has remained a constant in my life through this period of
transition.
What is your favorite book on the NeW reading list?
Definitely Assault and Flattery by Katie Pavlich. It dispels many
myths about women that liberal narratives would like young, college
women to believe. It helped give me the confidence to speak up in
classes and assert how conservatives have empowered women.
What piece of advice would you give to current NeW women?
I would recommend doing as many internships as possible. Even
during my senior year of college, I had two internships because I
wanted as much experience as possible. Each place Ive interned
has taught me different lessons and provided me with additional
insight I wouldnt have gained otherwise.
What have you learned as you have started your career that you
might want to share with those who are still in college?
Stay true to yourself and your values. Lasting success isnt a
sprint, its a marathon.
Enlightened Ink

What is your dream vacation?

Who is your favorite

Disney princess?

The trait you value the most?

One thing that always cheers you up?

Best advice you have ever received?

One thing well never see you do?

NeW Alumnae Network

If you are an alumna of NeW or
a recent graduate who would like
to get more involved with our growing
NeW Alumnae Network, please email
info@[Link]
to make sure you are receiving regular
alumnae news and invitations.
Visit our alumnae page on the website,
[Link]/
alumnae-network.
12

YOUNG WOMENS LEADERSHIP RETREAT

The 2016 Young Womens Leadership Retreat (YWLR)
was held from July 14 to July 17 at Randolph-Macon
College in historic Ashland, Virginia. Of the 265
applicants from 150 universities, 39 women were
chosen to participate in this leadership program. The
Retreat brought together conservative and leadershipfocused college women, both incoming and current,
from across the country. The purpose of the Retreat was
to prepare and inspire young women to harness their
leadership skills as they face the cultural and political
landscapes of their college campuses. Attendees heard
from a variety of speakers and connected with NeW
Alumnae, mentors, and peers.

I learned a different perspective

than the one thats all around
me. I can now participate
effectively in discourse about
certain issues because I
know both sides.

The Retreat expanded this year to include both incoming

fall 2016 college freshmen and current students. The
students chosen to attend the Retreat learned skills
to help them thrive academically and personally, all
while having fun and developing friendships with other
talented and motivated women in the NeW network.

I learned why I stand where

I do politically, which has better
prepared me to defend my
beliefs on campus.

Sessions addressed issues such as equal pay, health

care, and conservative activism. Additionally, students
participated in a public speaking and debate workshop.

Macy Wilbanks
University of Georgia

13

Anuska Corbin
Cornell University

Enlightened Ink

RETREAT SPEAKERS
Jackee Gonzalez
Jackee Gonzalez was born and raised in Kenya, where she graduated from Kenyatta
University in Nairobi with a degree in Environmental Planning and Management. In
2002, Jackee came to the United States. Jackee began to work with Randy Forbes 2012
Congressional Campaign, serving as his Community Outreach Coordinator and later
moved to the Family Foundation, where she served as their Grassroots Coordinator.

Eliana Johnson
Eliana Johnson is the Washington Editor of National Review, covering the 2016
presidential election. She has previously worked as a National Reporter for the
magazine covering Congress, campaigns, and the media. She graduated from Yale
University in 2006 with a degree in History.

Megan Lacy
Megan Lacy is counsel to Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the United States Senate
Committee on the Judiciary. She previously practiced litigation at Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
Megan is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and Hillsdale College.

Ashe Schow
Ashe Schow is a Commentary Writer and Columnist for the Washington Examiner,
where she focuses on gender politics and the harm being done to college campuses
by political correctness. She is also a Senior Political Columnist for the New York
Observer, where she covers the 2016 elections and the political outrages of the day.

Katie Smith
Katie Smith is the Firm Administration and Marketing Assistant at Smith and Strong,
PLC. Previously, she was an Academic Advisor in the Counseling Center at John Tyler
Community College and an Academic Counselor at the Extended Learning Institute at
Northern Virginia Community College.

W. Bradford Wilcox
W. Bradford Wilcox is Director of the National Marriage Project at the University of
Virginia, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia, Visiting Scholar at
the American Enterprise Institute, and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Family Studies.
Professor Wilcoxs research has focused on marriage, fatherhood, and cohabitation.

Jonathan Wolfson
Jonathan Wolfson is a litigation attorney at McGuireWoods. He wrote The Great Debate,
a debate textbook used by students around the globe, and has provided debate,
public speaking, and organizational decision-making training to businesses, nonprofit
organizations, academics, and students alike.

Kendall Wolfson
Kendall Wolfson serves as NeWs Director of Operations and also directs the NeW
Young Womens Leadership Retreat. Prior to joining the NeW team, she worked in
education reform in Washington, DC and served as the Director of Finance for a
college preparatory charter school in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Enlightened Ink

14

Networking at YWLR for Now & the Future

Students take a moment for a group

photo before the reception with
featured speaker, Eliana Johnson.

A total of 39 young women

attended the YWLR, where
they had the opportunity to
network with other young
women with shared goals,
interests, and values.

One of the best parts of YWLR? The lasting friendships established.

NeW and IWF Join Forces on Policy

Working for Young Women: A Modern Agenda for Improving Millennial Womens Lives
is a report produced as a joint project by the Network of enlightened Women and the
Independent Womens Forum. The Report offers policies to
NeW and
create a more dynamic society in a responsible way not just
IWF release
suggesting more free government programs that will shift
costs to the next generation or new slick advertisements
groundbreaking
trying to fit millennials in old programs. The Report trains
special report
millennials, particularly young women, to rethink old issues.
15

Enlightened Ink

I learned more about

being conservative than
Ive ever known.
The Retreat makes
me want to question
things more and learn
about politics.
Melinda Dixon

Florida State University

The engaging lectures at the Retreat

encouraged students like Clare Clifford
to ask many questions about policy.

I learned
that Im not alone
in my views and I
shouldnt be ashamed
of what I believe.

I definitely
learned a different
perspective, and
learned how to be a
better leader. This has
taught me I can lead
a club at school.

I definitely dont
feel alone in my
ideas anymore
which makes
me confident.
Elizabeth OConnor
Manhattan College

Caroline Donlon
Miami University

Kimberly Maldonado
Azuza Pacific University

The most important thing

I learned was about
handling life and jobs after
college. This conference
encouraged me to
network on campus.
Sydney North

University of Georgia
Enlightened Ink

Pictured here are two generations of NeW at American University presidents,

Krista Chavez and Paige Lisicki.

16

Always Hungry to Learn More

Conservative Leaders Inspire the Next Generation at Brunch

Carrie Sheffield Founder of Bold, a millennial-focused, news & cultural platform
On Saturday, July 30, NeW hosted Carrie Sheffield, founder of Bold, for our summer brunch at Firefly. Our quarterly
brunches are a benefit for dues paying NeW members. NeW students and young professionals alike gathered to hear
what Sheffield had to say. At Bold, it is
Sheffields mission to bring a conservative viewpoint to cultural issues, which
is no easy feat in an industry that is so
dominated by the Left. We [the Right]
are not the storytellers, Sheffield said,
The Left is so good at telling the story.
Bold is changing the conservation in a
media world dominated by liberal ideology. When asked about her advice for
college women, Sheffield said, If you
really want to be a rebel, be a conservative on campus.

Amber Smith Author and former combat helicopter pilot

For our fall brunch, NeW hosted Amber Smith to talk about her new book, Danger Close: My Epic Journey as a Combat
Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. The book is already receiving high praise from Brad Thor, New York Times bestselling author, and Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary to George W. Bush and Fox News personality. NeW
students and young professionals were
eager to hear Smiths thrilling story
of training and combat. Smith always
knew that the military was her calling,
and one day she knew that flying
helicopters was her dream. Towards
the end of her service, Smith took part
in a special mission to fly alongside
Air Force One to provide extra security
for President George W. Bush. It was
her favorite moment, one she says she
will never forget! Smiths bravery and
patriotism left brunch guests inspired.

NeW FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Not in college, but want to be a part of NeW? Live in DC or NYC? Join a NeW
Chapter for young professionals! NeW DC and NeW NYC provide young professional
women with what NeW offers women on college campuses across the country
the opportunity to connect with like-minded conservative women and a welcoming
environment for them to discuss conservatism, feminism, and popular culture.
This is a great way for our graduates and other young professionals to engage with
NeW, network with other conservatives, and become better educated on key issues.
Interested in starting a Chapter? Email Diana at diana@[Link].
17

Enlightened Ink

NeW NYC welcomes author of Date-onomics

Author Jon Birger

On Thursday, October 6, Jon Birger joined NeW NYC for a reception discussing his
2015 book, Date-onomics: How Dating Became a Lopsided Numbers Game. Birger
offered his thoughts on the current dating scene, giving an economic explanation of
modern romance. While we may be quick to blame poor dating prospects on online
dating or apps like Tinder, Birger attributes a lot of female unhappiness to what he
calls the man deficit. Because college-educated women prefer to date collegeeducated men, and more and more women are obtaining college degrees, there are
simply not enough men to go around. One solution that Birger offers is to start looking
for partners earlier than you may have originally anticipated. In other words, make
your intentions clear from the start.

Essay Contest Winners Discuss

Hot Policy Topics
In the 2016 Essay Contest, NeW received more than 500 submissions
for the $1,000 prize. Women from across the country wrote to NeW to tell
us the three issues that they would like to discuss with the next President
of the United States. Women wrote about the importance of the
Second Amendment, the right to life, fiscal policy, and many more
hot topics. In the end, only two could win. Sarah Dezelin, a
sophomore at the University of Connecticut, won the college
category and Shira Rosenberg, a senior at the Science
Academy of South Texas, won the high school category.

Rosenberg discussed
the fundamental
differences between
men and women.

Dezelin wrote about environmental

issues from a conservative
perspective in her essay. She
was interviewed by The College
Fix for her winning essay!

Enlightened Ink

18

NeW in the News

NeW is changing the narrative on how women are portrayed in the media. NeW is effectively making
the case for conservative public policy solutions through op-eds and interviews for articles.

Fearless Women Fight Back Against

Conservative Shaming on Campus
Toni Airaksinen | Oct. 24, 2016

Op-Ed: Guilty until proven innocent

Krista Chavez | June 29, 2016

Keeping Twitter clean and fair

Hiawatha Bray | Aug. 3, 2016

Yes, young conservative

women do exist
Sydney Berman | Aug. 3, 2016
This is what a conservative looks
like: NeW faces of the movement
Paige Lisicki | Aug. 8, 2016
#ShesConservative: Young women,
ridiculed for political beliefs,
share their stories
Meghan Keenan | Sep.12, 2016
Intolerance: College students burn the
flag to protest Trump
Taylor McCarty | Nov. 9, 2016

It is time for
conservative young
women to stop hiding
their conservative
views and shout their
conservatism.
Karin Agness
19

Ladies, put the glass down

a gender gap
we dont want closed
Karin Agness
Oct. 31, 2016

Tribe called vest: deconstructing the uniform of the young Republican

Arwa Mahdawi | Sep. 29, 2016

These Young Women Arent Afraid

to Say Theyre Conservative
Carrie Sheffield
Sep. 12, 2016

#ShesConservative:
The Forgotten Demographic
Gabriella Muoz
Sep. 12, 2016

Conservative Female College Students Speak Up

About Campus Stigma
Lily Herman | Sep. 14, 2016
NeW Seeks to Squash Stereotypes of
Conservative Women, Especially On
College Campuses
Karly Matthews | Sep. 13, 2016
NeW and IWF Millennial Women Report
Melissa Cordell | Oct. 27, 2016
Enlightened Ink

Conservative Women Are The

Underdogs On Campus
Karin Agness | Sep. 12, 2016

Female Conservatives Meet In D.C. To Talk Policy

Sydney Hutchison | July 1, 2016

Another Celebrity Wrong On The Wage Gap

Karin Agness | Sep. 16, 2016
What A Fright: Counseling For Offensive
Costumes At The University Of Florida
Karin Agness | Oct. 17, 2016

This is what a conservative looks like at Harvard

Emily Hall | Sep. 29, 2016

The Network of enlightened Womens

GROWING IMPACT

by the numbers for 2016

52
7

Articles published about NeW

different publications
in

26

(Up from 12 articles in 10

publications in 2015)

Universal Child Care? This Work-at-Home

Mom Says, No Thanks!
Melissa Braunstein | June 30,2016

Conservative Women Speak Up About

Stigma in College With #ShesConservative
Prachi Gupta | Sep. 12, 2016

Op-eds published by students

in major news media outlets

17,257,684

Opinion: Redefining the right: this is

what a conservative looks like
Rebecca Malone | Sep. 28, 2016

Combined number of Twitter followers

from publications featuring NeW

28,000+
Facebook likes
8,025

Views of NeWs video

#ShesConservative

(18% increase over 2015)

200%
Enlightened Ink

Increase in Instagram
followers since the
beginning of 2016

Millennials despise Trump, but not very

warm to Hillary Clinton
Ashe Schow | Aug. 5, 2016
The baggage of feminism
Kristen Soltis Anderson | Aug. 24, 2016
Conservative group launches campaign
highlighting young female conservatives
Ashe Schow | Sep. 13, 2016
20

posure of
To increase ex
ices,
conser vative vo
ents
NeW helps stud
t
ge
like Rebecca
published!

Leadership
Institute

OPINION: REDEFINING THE RIGHT

This is what a conservative looks like
By Rebecca Malone American University NeW chapter member Sept. 28, 2016

So, you hate all women?

her negative experiences with a small, specific, population
to make assumptions about my character and my ability to
I froze. It was freshman year, and I had just outed
think for myself. Its almost as if she stereotyped me, along
myself as a conservative for the first time at college.
with every other conservative woman.
No, no, I dont. Why would I? Im a woman, I tried
The irony is that the negative reactions from the
to explain. Several emotions churned through my head:
left only solidify the point of my original post and NeWs
confusion, anxiety, and anger. I couldnt comprehend why
#ShesConservative campaign. How dare I, a twenty-yearmy fellow freshman immediately jumped to the conclusion
old woman, stray from the lefts doctrine that women must
that I was sexist, racist, or bothsolely because I identified
conform to a single way of thinking?
as a conservative.
Theres a preconceived notion at
I was also bemused that he seemed
How dare I, a twentyuniversities
(which tend to be very liberal
offended I was neither ashamed nor
year-old woman, stray
the first place) that women should only
apologetic about my political beliefs. At
from the lefts doctrine in
the time, I did not understand what was, at
think one way, and that theyre wrong if they
that women must
least according to my floor mate, so wrong
deviate from the liberal perspective. NeWs
conform
to a single
and perverse about conservatism.
#ShesConservative campaign challenges
way of thinking?
the stereotypes that conservative women
Now, three years into my experience
at one of the most politically active
are uneducated and ignorant, breaking
schools in the country, I have begun to understand the
the stigma that discourages conservative women from
stereotypes that many left-leaning students associate with
speaking out across their campuses.
conservatism.
I strongly support NeW, especially its position that
Since the moment I came out as a conservative, I
women are not victims and should not have to depend on
have felt constant, fervent scorn and condemnation from
anyone or anything in order to create their own path.
my peers at American University. Although I have grown
Unlike what my floor mate tried to tell me back in
accustomed to the contempt from some members of
freshman year, I should notand will notbe ashamed of
the far left, the most shocking and direct example of this
who I am. After all, shame only feeds into the lefts dogma
intolerance came after I posted an image on my private
that women are victims. I dont consider myself a victim in
social media accounts for the Network of enlightened
the slightest. However, I do find it incredibly hypocritical
Womens #ShesConservative campaign.
when I see students on college campuses chastising others
The photo, like many others circulated by female
because they subscribe to a different set of views.
conservatives on social media, featured me, wearing NeWs
Individuals who refuse to accept that their opinions
t-shirt, which loudly and proudly proclaims in bold pink text:
are not the only way of thinking are the most illiberal type
This Is What A Conservative Looks Like.
of people and are the reason that organizations like NeW
Based on this photo alone, people made rash assumpexist. Its important that universities value all intellectual
tions about my character and intelligence, bullying me with
diversity, giving students the opportunity to stand up for
ad hominem remarks. Specifically, I had one woman claim
what they believe in.
that stereotypes surrounding conservatism, specifically feAs a member of NeW, I can be both pro-woman and
male conservatives, do not exist at all. Her rationale was that
conservative. Im proud to be who I am, standing for what
as a conservative Caucasian woman, my identity is nothing
I believe in, and refusing to let anybody stop me from
groundbreaking, andif anythingstains the entire gender.
publicly advocating for what I believe is right. As a young
Is a stereotype shattered if it didnt exist in the first
conservative, I want to promote diversity of opinionwhich
place? she commented. Maybe Im biased, but lots of
starts by redefining the right.
women were conservative in my hometown. They felt
There is no singular image of what a conservative is, or
just as comfortable with racism and the denial of basic
should be. And it is the responsibility of the diverse group of
healthcare as the boys!
young conservatives within NeW to make it known that this
In this case, this acquaintance on social media projected
is what a conservative looks like.
21

Enlightened Ink

By becoming a NeW member, you will become a part of a

nationwide network of conservative women

with college Chapters, young professional Chapters, an alumnae network, and more!

Membership Benefits:
H
H

Connect with influential women leaders

and peers across the country.
Receive invitations to exclusive memberonly opportunities, including quarterly
brunches with female leaders, the
National Conference Annual Dinner,
receptions with authors, and more.

Be the first to get NeW announcements

and publications, including our semiannual jobs and internships newsletter.

Develop your professional skills with

exclusive trainings, such as a 30-minute
one-on-one professional development
training with a NeW staff member.

Enlightened Ink

In Addition To General Membership

Benefits, Students Receive:
H

Access to travel scholarships to attend the

National Conference, Conservative Political
Action Conference (CPAC), and other
educational events.

Invitations to attend special student

campus leadership trainings.

The chance to be mentored by individuals

at the top of their field.

Networking opportunities with other

women in the conservative movement.

22

1513 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036

Karin Agness

Alyssa Condrey

Diana Stancy

President
karin@[Link]

Director of Programs
alyssa@[Link]

Communications Fellow
diana@[Link]

Carlin Becker

Taylor McCarty

Kendall Wolfson

Social Media Coordinator

carlin@[Link]

Campus Program Associate

taylor@[Link]

Director of Operations
kendall@[Link]

The mission of the Network of enlightened Women is to foster the education and
leadership of conservative university women. NeW is an educational organization
operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and contributions
are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (TID #20-5178959).

[Link]
info@[Link]
EnlightenedWomen
@NeWNetwork

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Copyright 2016 Network of enlightened Women. All Rights Reserved. Product or service names,
logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to in this NeW report are the property
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