Women's Leadership Fellows

Running for over a decade, the Women’s Leadership Fellows program is a cohort of students currently enrolled at the Trachtenberg School.

The cohort builds community and leadership through two professional development retreats, monthly leadership pods, informational interviews, and networking events. Over the academic year, the Fellows focus on strength building, conflict resolution, verbal and nonverbal communication, goal setting, workplace confidence, and management skills. There are additional optional social, volunteer, and career development activities that members are encouraged to attend.

Student Chairs coordinate the planning and logistics of the program in partnership with the Trachtenberg School Administration.

Please direct questions about the program to wlfgwu [dot] edu (wlf[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Program Details

Mission

The Trachtenberg School’s Women’s Leadership Fellows Program prepares students to be successful public service leaders through professional development, mentorship, and networking.

Goals

Leverage individual strengths and core competencies for leadership success
Foster self-empowerment and confidence-building to close the leadership gap
Master critical professional skills to successfully navigate workplace complexities
Connect dynamic cohorts of women to build community capacity

Networking

Trachtenberg School alumni, including previous Women’s Leadership Fellows, connect with current participants through informational interviews and other events. These opportunities provide fellows with coaching and professional development support.

Current Cohort Chairs

Maren Nicolaysen

Maren Nicolaysen is a second year MPA student pursuing a certificate in budget and public finance. Through her current position at the DOJ Office of the Inspector General, and past work at the U.S. Department of State and on Capitol Hill, her experience spans federal policy research, local government advocacy, and student-led initiatives addressing social equity, food insecurity, and political polarization. A recipient of the Wolcott, Walter Green, and National Academy of Public Administration Herbert Roback fellowships, Maren brings a global perspective to domestic policy challenges and is passionate about promoting effective governance through cross-sector collaboration.

Sarah Davitian-Reiner

Sarah is a second-year Master of Public Administration student with a concentration in Social Policy and Advocacy. She is currently the Campaigns and Events intern at Oxfam America, but has garnered a range of experiences across sectors. She worked as a Public Affairs Intern at Dewey Square Group and engaged in development research and outreach at Women's Lunch Place, a shelter for women experiencing food insecurity and homelessness in Boston. In her free time, Sarah enjoys curating playlists, exploring DC museums and restaurants, singing, and traveling. Inspired by all the women who came before her, Sarah is dedicated to making a positive impact through a career in public service.