The Women in Public Service Project

A partnership of the U.S. Department of State and Smith, Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke and Wellesley colleges, the Women in Public Service Project works to advance women’s leadership in politics and governance worldwide.

“At a time when governments, NGOs, and businesses are increasingly recognizing how educating women and girls allays poverty and political instability, we need women leaders, committed to the public sector, from many nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds, globally educated and prepared to lead,” said Smith President Carol T. Christ. “That is the venture on which we embark.”

Launched December 15, 2011 with an international colloquium at the State Department, the project's first Summer Institute will be held in 2012. Smith alumna Farah Pandith ’90, who serves as the State Department’s special representative to Muslim communities, has been a key mover in the formation of the project, helping ensure that the Sister colleges’ legacy of education for leadership is leveraged to address today’s challenges around the globe.

The first Women in Public Service Project Summer Institute will be held at Wellesley College, June 11–22, 2012. The pilot institute will bring together 50 emerging women leaders from across the globe between the ages of 25–45 who are already serving in different fields of public service and/or political or elected office. Learn more...