Amanda Auger

Amanda Auger was a participant in the inaugural Iowa N.E.W. Leadership program in June 2008.  Currently a senior at Augustana College with a double major in biology and education, she has been active promoting educational opportunities in her home town and plans on being involved in education after graduation, possibly as a teacher.

In 2006 Amanda served as an inturn at the Chicago office of Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.  During her internship she assisted with a variety of initiatives, but her major contribution was aiding in the distribution of service learning grants to school districts.  At Augustana College, Amanda worked to create a service learning cultural art program for under-resourced students.

Amand was very thankful to be selected to participate in the Iowa N.E.W. leadership program.  She says the program had a major impact on her, particularly because of the connections she made with program staff and political women such as State Representative Mary Masher.  Amanda says the knowledge aquired at N.E.W. Leadership and her interaction with women leaders gave her a new sense of self-confidence and a desire to pursue political office.  She realized that she can both pursue her passion for teaching and accomplish her desire to change current politics by holding political office.  While still unsure which level of office she will pursue, she has been empowered to lead and to make a difference in the lives of other.