The 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholars gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center for their third program module March 10-12. The module focused on the leadership principles of vision and communication, and Scholars had the privilege of hearing from President Clinton himself. Scholars also participated in sessions with Governor Asa Hutchinson, Paul Begala, Terry Edmonds, and Nadia Brigham.
The joy of public service is the impact on individuals’ lives…You’ve always got to make room for the human touch.
Asa Hutchinson, 46th Governor of the State of Arkansas
Nadia Brigham, Principal at Brigham Consulting LLC, discussed the Racial Equity Theory of Change model with the Scholars in an insightful session.
I’ve written for CEOs, and I’ve written for university presidents – but the highlight of my career was writing for President Clinton. Writing for him was a thrill.
Terry Edmonds, former Chief Speechwriter for the Office of President William J. Clinton
Paul Begala, former Advisor for the Office of President William J. Clinton, shared stories about his career, how he came to know President Clinton, the process of preparing for the State of the Union Address, and more.
President Clinton joined the Scholars for an inspiring and powerful conversation.
The Presidential Leadership Scholars also had the opportunity to tour the William J. Clinton Library and Museum and learn about the life, leadership, and presidency of the 42nd President of the United States.
To learn more about the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars or follow @PLSprogram on Twitter and Instagram.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Presidential Leadership Scholars shared their recommendations for books, podcasts, and films that highlight women’s history, advocate for gender equity, and celebrate the power of women. Here are their top picks.
Writing With Fire
directed and produced by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh
co-executive produced by Anurima Bhargava, PLS 2017
Writing With Fire shares the story of Khabar Lahariya, the only news network in India run by women. With wit and grace, this fierce band of Dalit women serve as an anchor for truth and justice, and a pillar of democracy. Together, they defy the bounds of gender and caste, and redefine what it means to be powerful, in their homes and for the world.
The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World
written by Lucinda Robb and Rebecca Boggs Roberts
“The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World is written by Lucinda Robb and Rebecca Boggs Roberts, whose friendship goes back generations (to their grandmothers, Lady Bird Johnson and Lindy Boggs, and their mothers, Lynda Robb and Cokie Roberts). This book for young adults will help activists-in-the-making apply the lessons from the women’s suffrage movement to a cause they care about.” – Amy Kroll, PLS 2020
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir
written by Michelle Zauner
“Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is beautifully written by a talented musician – absolutely lyrical, through and through. From family, food, grief, to love, Zauner tackles this memoir from her need to honor her mom, which many can relate to on multiple fronts. I, especially, bonded with this story. I cried, I laughed, and I loved this book so much for celebrating food and culture. I want to share it with everyone. Enjoy the journey.” – Jin-Ya Huang, PLS 2020
All In: An Autobiography
written by Billie Jean King
“I just finished reading All In by Billie Jean King. The book tells her personal story, but also contextualizes that story in the women’s rights movement. One of my favorite memoirs, period.” – Ganesh Betanabhatla, PLS 2020
Know My Name: A Memoir
written by by Chanel Miller
“Know My Name by Chanel Miller is powerful, painful, and beautiful. It exposes so much of what’s wrong with both our historic and current legal approach to handling sexual assault through the searing first-hand account of the survivor of the infamous Stanford sexual assault case and the ensuing trial and conviction.” – Priti Krishtel, 2020
The Unwomanly Face of War: An Oral History of Women in World War II
written by Svetlana Alexievich translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky
“As a conflict practitioner who was born in the USSR and lived through war, I’m always fascinated about how people live through war and how they live afterwards. This book tells the harrowing stories of millions of teenage girls who became front line combatants for the USSR in WWII. The most profound and painful part is that these women had to shut away their memories, stories, and trauma to live the lives of “normal women” after the war. The sparse language, the unexpected laughs, and the tears will be relatable to women, to veterans, and to civilians who’ve experienced war. For all people, it’s a stunning testimony to human resilience.” – Dilafruz Khonikboyeva, PLS 2019
Find Your Fire: Stories and Strategies to Inspire the Changemaker Inside You
written by Terri Broussard Williams
“Find Your Fire by Terri Broussard Williams shares the stories and strategies of women changing the world. Their stories are powerful and are sure to inspire the changemaker inside of you!” – Amy Kroll, PLS 2020
Mothers of Invention Podcast
hosted by Mary Robinson and Maeve Higgins
“The Mothers of Invention podcast focuses on climate change through a feminist lens, both in the stories they cover and the experts they interview, who are almost all women. The hosts include a former president of Ireland and a comedian, so the content is funny, smart, and informative.” – Priti Krishtel, 2020
In February, the 2022 Presidential Leadership Scholars convened in College Station, Texas, at the George and Barbara Bush Foundation. The module focused on strategic partnerships and the leadership of President George H.W. Bush, and Scholars learned from PLS faculty Nicole Bibbins Sedaca as well as former Congressman Will Hurd, former Secretary Andy Card, Fred McClure, and Jean Becker.
When we think more expansively about who the stakeholders are, we’re able to see opportunities where interests align, and the power to bring change aligns in a way that we wouldn’t necessarily first and foremost think about.
Nicole Bibbins Sedaca, Deputy Director and Professor, Master of Science in Foreign Service Program at Georgetown University; Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute; and Executive Vice President of Freedom House
When you start thinking about your leadership, you have to ask yourself the question of why you’re leading. What are the reasons that make you a compelling and impactful leader?
Fred McClure, Executive Director of Leadership Initiatives for the Office of the Provost at Texas A&M University and former Assistant for Legislative Affairs to the President
We need leaders willing to inspire and not fear monger, and the way to do that is by showing up to listen.
Will Hurd, former U.S. Congressman
[President George H.W. Bush] built strategic partnerships through his relationships. He’s the only president who became president without a political base. He had a base of friends and people who respected him, but his partnerships that made a difference in diplomacy and world affairs came because of his work as UN Ambassador, CIA Director, and Vice President where he traveled the world and listened and learned.
Andy Card, former White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Transportation
Scholars had the opportunity to peek into the life and legacy of the 41st President of the United States as they toured the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Check out the full 2022 module two photo recap here.
To learn more about the Presidential Leadership Scholars program, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars or follow @PLSprogram on Twitter and Instagram.
