Over a five-day period, Nancy Bocskor spoke to more than 100 SHSU students, discussing politics, promoting civic engagement, and teaching skills valuable in any democratic society.
Escorted by Bella Abril…
…Bocskor spoke to Dr. Mitzi Mahoney’s class and to Dr. Heather Evans’ class, encouraging all students to get involved, while also teaching them specific skills to make their involvement more rewarding and effective.
The culmination of her time at SHSU, however, was her workshop with 14 specially selected young women who had the opportunity to meet her in a small-group session. “She’s an incredible mentor,” noted Bianca Saldierna, a Criminal Justice major at SHSU. “She is a passion-driven person who makes changing lives her job.”
During the workshop, Bocskor started the session by engaging the students with her contagious enthusiasm and by sharing impactful narratives that led her to a successful life in public service. Bocskor has worked in 25 countries–typically invited by the US Embassy–promoting women’s engagement in the political process. In these developing countries, Bocskor has seen firsthand the lack of women in public office, the hardships they face, and the policy problems that result.
In the US, things may be more difficult for women than men, but there are a world of opportunities. 513,000–this is the number she wants us to know. It’s the number of elected officials in the US. In her inspirational way, she encourages us to be among those half a million elected officials. How do young college students do that? We leave our comfort zones, take risks, and embark on a new journey, one that will change our lives–and if we are fortunate, the lives of those we represent.
She provided useful advice for students aspiring to take leadership positions in the future, and special emphasis was given to the importance of finding a meaningful job, one that brings joy. Inspired by Ms. Bocskor’s success story and remarkable experiences, students left ready to conquer their fears, expand their horizons, and ultimately become tomorrow’s leaders.
Bocskor was sufficiently kind to travel to Austin–after some touristy stops…
…and visit with the Austin Interns. As a Board Member of “Running Start,” a national program that selects seven women from across the nation to intern with female members of Congress, Bocskor knows something about interns. It was a nice dinner…
…followed by a nice lunch, where we were joined by two Bocskor’s former interns–and one of Yawn’s former students. It was nice to catch up amidst an inspiring session with a “Democracy Coach.”
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 
One thought on ““Democracy Coach” Nancy Bocskor Speaks to SHSU Students”