In its seventh year, the Women’s Legislative Fellows program at Millsaps College pairs students with female state legislators. Each year, the program accepts four applicants who walk the halls of the Mississippi State Capitol and help shape public policy.
Experiential learning opportunities like this are a vital component of a top-notch college education. That’s why every student at Millsaps has access to academic and professional experiences outside the classroom.
“The fellowship challenges students to assist their legislator with anything related to promoting their legislative agenda or representing their constituents,” said Dr. Eric R. Schmidt, the program’s faculty coordinator and assistant professor of government and politics.
Fellows attend committee meetings, review legislation, liaise with constituents and help build a strong social media presence for their legislator.
The program’s tailored approach to women distinguishes it from offerings at other institutions.
“It’s no secret that women are underrepresented in national and state politics, and in many other high-impact careers,” Dr. Schmidt explained. “We want female students to learn firsthand from women who have successfully campaigned for public office, successfully represented their constituents and learned how to navigate a workplace dominated by men.”
Candise McDonald (’25), Abby Henry (’25), Sarah Cavicchi (’25) & Dr. Eric R. Schmidt
Abby Henry, a senior studying psychology with hopes of becoming a social worker, is one of this year’s legislative fellows. Although not a government and politics major, she’s confident the experience will equip her to advocate for Mississippi’s most vulnerable populations.
“Part of my job as a social worker will be to argue for evidence-based solutions to social problems, like long-term care for psychiatric patients, temporary support for impoverished families and other issues,” she said. “I think the greatest skill I’ll learn from this program is how to communicate professionally and effectively and challenge socially held notions about mental health and socioeconomic problems.”
Dr. Schmidt said the experience builds confidence. “When a student participates in an off-campus fellowship or internship, they’re stepping outside of their comfort zone. It takes courage to do that – but it gets easier every time.”
Anesu Chipendo (’26) with Rep. Zakiya Summers
The program is more than an internship – it’s a mentorship. Mississippi State Representative Zakiya Summers, a Democrat representing portions of Hinds and Rankin counties, believes this opportunity is invaluable for female students.
“I want to teach them how to navigate the nuances of policymaking, the importance of building relationships, and the value of remaining true to one’s principles,” she said. “Above all, I hope they leave the program feeling empowered to pursue leadership roles, knowing their voice and contributions matter.”
Anesu Chipendo is Rep. Summer’s intern this year. A junior studying government and politics, she said “I’m looking forward to participating in the Mississippi legislative process. As a student interested in both public policy and social justice, working with Representative Summers is an incredible opportunity to learn how I can make an impact in Jackson and the state as a whole.”
Creative opportunities like this allow students to transform their knowledge into action. Exposure to high-stakes careers like legislative politics gives students a taste of the world that is impossible to grasp in the classroom alone.
Not only is it important for students’ post-graduate success – it’s also fun! “I love that Millsaps puts so much emphasis on experiential learning opportunities,” said Henry. “Sure, I love the classes they offer, but I think my favorite parts of Millsaps are the experiences I would not have had at another college.”
Politics aside, legislative fellows develop core competencies useful for any career path: critical-thinking, analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and oral and written communication skills.
Millsaps’ commitment to cutting-edge, immersive learning on and off campus equips students for a Major future! As Dr. Schmidt says, “Everyone at Millsaps is here because we want students to succeed and will do whatever we can to make that happen.”