2023 - ECC’s Center for Civic Engagement welcomes elected officials for Women in Politics event

Elgin Community College's new Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) mission is to foster engaged civic leaders on campus and create a culture of civic engagement in the community. The center is hosting its first Women in Politics event on Tuesday, September 19, at ECC’s Spartan Drive campus. This two-part event includes a public panel titled Power, Passion, & Policy and a student-only reception with Rep. Nabeela Syed from the 51st District.

“As a woman interested in public policy, having these legislators come to share their experience and stories is an incredible opportunity that I know will motivate many students to keep working hard to achieve their goals,” said Dayana Bagdo, ECC student and CCE Civic Leader. 

She and other student leaders spent the summer organizing both events alongside the center co-directors LaTasha DeHaan, PhD, assistant professor of political science, and Antonio Ramirez, PhD, associate professor of history. “This kickoff event will showcase how the CCE will serve as a regional hub for political education and democratic discussion,” said Ramirez. “We’re proud to host this panel of distinguished state legislators to explore the most thought-provoking questions around gender and politics today.”

DeHaan will moderate the Women in Politics panel from 11 am to 12:15 pm in Building B, Jobe Lounge. Panelists include state Sens. Cristina Castro, Linda Holmes, Laura Murphy, and state Reps. Maura Hirschauer, Anna Moeller, Michelle Mussman, and Suzanne Ness. They will share more about how female legislators are shaping the future of Illinois. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel.

Following the panel discussion, Syed, the youngest woman of the Illinois General Assembly, will meet with ECC students. “Her unique background and her age make her an important role model for our students,” said Ramirez. Pre-registration is required for this student-only event.

Women in Politics is co-sponsored with the Center for Civic Engagement, Student Government, and Student Life. Learn more about the Center for Civic Engagement at elgin.edu/civic.