AH: What one thing did WILD prepare you the most for during your post-graduate career?

LC: WILD  gave me the confidence I needed to thrive in my career. All of the workshops, speakers and the activities helped me to present myself as a young professional that was prepared, polished, and knowledgable. I was also able to create a personal vision for myself using everything I learned about myself in WILD.

AH: What goals have you accomplished since you graduated from Georgian Court?

LC: Since I graduated from GCU I have finished my Masters in Organizational Leadership and I am currently working as an Admissions and Database Coordinator for a nonprofit named Year Up that provides opportunities for young adults from urban areas. It was through my first job at Catherine McAuley H.S. right out of college I realized my passion to help young adults achieve.

AH: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

LC: In five years I see myself finishing up my Doctorate in urban studies and growing in my current organization. In ten years I see myself developing a community center that helps to combat the economic and social disadvantages that affect the residents of urban communities.

AH: If you could have lunch with any three people dead or alive, who would you choose and why?

LC: If I could have dinner with any three people it would be Michelle Obama, Martin Luther King and Maya Angelou.

AH: What newspapers, websites, or magazines do you read most frequently to keep up with current events?

LC: To keep up with current events I usually read  the Daily News, The New York Times, The Root.com, CNN.com, Abelleinbrooklyn.com, and of course theybf.com (The Young, Black, & Fabulous)

Leah Clarke is an alum of Georgian Court’s Centennial class of 2008. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Business Administration. She was also co-founder of Georgian Court University’s Black Student Union. Miss Clarke also held the position of President of the Student Government Association during her senior year.

Who is the most influential woman in history? To me, the most influential woman would be Sandra Day O’Connor.

Ronald Reagan appointed Sandra Day O’Connor in 1981 to the Supreme Court, making her he first female member on the US Supreme Court.  O’Connor often became the deciding vote when making decisions. During her time on the Supreme Court, O’Connor made it clear that American society was to interpret the law, not to legislate! She usually was very conservative but she frequently surprised many of her followers with her political independence.

Sandra Day O’Connor was a quiet, but determined woman who became a role model for women everywhere. She is an advocate for education. I was watching “Good Morning America” one morning, and Sandra Day O’Connor was a guest. She had said something that had me thinking. O’Connor said, “More Americans can name a judge on “American Idol” than can name the three branches of government.” Her concern for education and civics had O’Connor devoted to serving her community, devoting her time to volunteering and lecturing.

I think Sandra Day O’Connor is a great role model, and is one of the most influential women, who fought for women and our rights. O’Connor was the first American woman on the Supreme Court, and set a political example for women in the future. Without O’Connor we would have never had such respect for women in politics. I believe that we would have never had a woman campaign for president in America, if it wasn’t for Sandra Day O’Connor to set the political example.

Women in Politics

- Julia A. Hollywood