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Rep. Susan Brooks encourages women to enter politics

News | 04.01.2016

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Susan Brooks and Dottie King
Representative Susan Brooks and
President Dottie King, Ph.D.

During her keynote remarks at the annual Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Honors Banquet, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks of the 5th District of Indiana encouraged students to consider political careers. Her address to about 40 students, faculty, parents and executive staff also focused on women’s leadership.

“As students, particularly as honor students, you learn to communicate well and to synthesize information. Those life experiences that you gain here [at SMWC] are transferable to a political life.”

Brook noted that women make up about 51 percent of the nation’s population but currently comprise less than 20 percent of seats in the United States Congress. She believes there is “a confidence gap” for women over deciding to run for political office, stating she was asked to run.

“Often women need to be asked to consider a life in public service. I am here today to plant those seeds.” Brooks added, “We need your voice, your wisdom and your enthusiasm.”

Congresswoman Brooks represents eight diverse counties throughout the central part of Indiana. She currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, the Health, and the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittees. Brooks also serves on the House Ethics Committee and the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.

About the SMWC Honors Program

The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Honors Program attracts and challenges select students to achieve the highest standards of academic, professional and personal excellence. It offers an enriched curriculum that broadens cultural awareness, deepens knowledge, enhances creativity, sharpens research and writing skills, fosters leadership, and empowers students to make significant contributions to the global society.