Public Health Students Selected as 2023 UWiL Fellows
The students will participate in the UMass Women into Leadership program.
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UMass Women into Leadership (UWiL) has named three public health sciences students to its 2023 UWiL Fellowship class: Ramona Ansong '24, Nephtalie Philippe '23, and Kiley Richard '23. They join 21 other students named to the fellowship class, representing 13 different majors and all class years.
Throughout the spring semester, fellows will engage in a series of professional development and leadership training to prepare for careers in politics, policy, and government. Topics include salary negotiation, public speaking, networking, and resilience. Fellows will also receive one-on-one mentoring from professionals in their fields of interest. Students will also participate in the annual 2023 UWiL Workshop in March, a weekend that brings students and public leaders together to discuss leadership and public service.
UWiL looks forward to welcoming its 9th cohort for another year of impactful programming. “The members of this year’s fellowship class will be tomorrow’s public leaders, and we’re excited to support their growth,” says Michelle Gonçalves, UWiL Executive Director.
“I decided to join UWiL because of the how the program works to equip young women with the skills needed to excel in potential career paths working in politics, government, or public leadership,” says Ansong. “Also, I wanted to learn more about the different topics discussed such as imposter syndrome, salary negotiation, and what to look for in a workplace.
“Joining UWil really helped me put my mind at ease,” adds Philippe. “I was so anxious about my next steps as a first-generation student. I didn’t know who to turn to in looking for jobs in my field of interests. I was worried whether or not I had the proper skills to develop my professionalism. I am very grateful that I will be connected with women who will help cultivate and guide me for my next transition in life. For once I can finally say that everything will be okay and I don’t have to face these giant obstacles alone.”
“I applied to UWiL in order to leverage the fantastic alumni network,” says Richard. “It is an honor to connect with all the brilliant women in leadership today and I cannot wait to eventually be able to help young women advance their careers.”
Since 2015, UWiL has provided mentorship, academic training, job preparation and leadership coaching to nearly 200 students who have gone on to hold elected office, receive national scholarships, attend graduate school/law school, and work at a diverse range of nonprofit and public organizations advancing the public interest. UWiL has also provided more than $107,000 in scholarships to support students who are doing meaningful unpaid/low paid work in the public sector. The program seeks to cultivate a pipeline from public education into public service.
