Urooj Jeelani

Hometown: Kashmir

Degree and graduation year: MPPA’24

Embarking on my internship with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has been an enlightening journey, filled with unique challenges and profound learning opportunities. In my role as a Leadership Programs and Advocacy Intern, I have been deeply involved in fostering civic engagement and spearheading advocacy efforts that aim to empower young women and gender-expansive communities throughout Western Massachusetts. The experience has not only allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical policy studies and practical application but has also highlighted the impactful synergy between legal frameworks and public policy advocacy. Each day brings new insights into how targeted community actions can lead to substantial legislative changes, underscoring the critical role of informed advocacy in shaping a more equitable society.

Organization:

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is committed to empowering women and advancing social change through advocacy, funding, and community development. Focused on promoting equity and inclusivity, WFWM supports women, young girls, and gender-expansive communities across the Western Massachusetts region, addressing significant societal issues like intimate partner violence and reintegration post-incarceration.

What I Do There:

At WFWM, I am engaged in organizing civic engagement opportunities in partnership with site organizations in Springfield and Greenfield. I also support WFWM's advocacy goals by researching legislative issues pertinent to its mission, attending coalition meetings, and building relationships with local stakeholders. Additionally, I update the bills and legislators database and participate in regional network meetings to further our advocacy efforts. My work not only supports WFWM's broader advocacy objectives but also includes developing an advocacy campaign aimed at involving young women from the Greater Springfield area in advocacy and civic participation which is a part of the Young Women's Initiative.

The Most Important Thing I Am Learning:

The most crucial learning for me has been understanding the intricate relationship between public policy, community advocacy, and tangible change. Navigating the legislative landscape to effectively support advocacy goals has been immensely educational, reinforcing the power of well-informed, community-driven policy-making.

The Most Challenging Part of My Internship:

One of the most challenging aspects has been the task of organizing civic engagement opportunities, which requires coordinating with various stakeholders and aligning our activities with the broader goals of WFWM. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring impactful engagement has been both challenging and rewarding.

What Surprised Me the Most:

What surprised me the most during my internship at the Women’s Fund was the profound impact that informed and well-organized advocacy can have on legislative processes. Observing firsthand how strategically planned civic engagements and advocacy campaigns influence policymakers was enlightening. It was particularly striking to see the enthusiasm and readiness of legislators to listen and respond to the voices of young women from our community. This experience has shown me the critical role that targeted advocacy plays in shaping effective public policy.

Why I’m Studying Public Policy:

I am studying public policy because I am driven by a desire to understand and influence the frameworks that shape societal norms and public life. My passion lies in dissecting the complexities of policy formulation and implementation, aiming to develop effective strategies that address and resolve social issues. This field offers me a unique opportunity to merge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling me to advocate for and implement changes that can profoundly impact communities, particularly in areas like women’s rights and social justice. My academic and professional pursuits in public policy are motivated by a commitment to contributing to a more equitable and just society.

Future Plans:

With my background in law and a deep commitment to public policy, I plan to harness these interdisciplinary skills to champion women’s rights and social equity. After completing my master's program, I aim to work at the intersection of law and public policy, where I can utilize my legal expertise to craft and advocate for robust policies that protect and empower marginalized communities. My goal is to engage in policy analysis within governmental or non-governmental organizations, influencing public policies both domestically and internationally. By integrating my legal knowledge with public policy, I aspire to contribute to creating systemic changes that ensure gender justice and equity and to influence policy discussions at the highest levels.