Middlesex College Student Gains Resolve and Direction from Summer Leadership Program

Galvanized from her participation in the Susan N. Wilson NEW Leadership New Jersey summer institute and nurturing environment at Middlesex College, Ivonne-Marie Ramos is determined to become a leader in her community.

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, make one for yourself,” said Ramos, a second-year student at Middlesex College studying music and political science. “You have to find space for yourself, because it’s never going to be there if you don’t push for it.”

NEW Leadership New Jersey is a non-partisan, five-day residential program that takes place each summer at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. The program is open to all New Jersey undergraduate students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a dedication to civic engagement in their campus community. Those accepted into the program have the opportunity to meet with women leaders in the political arena, discuss women’s leadership skills in panel discussions, and later join the NEW Leadership national network of alumni.

At Middlesex College, Ramos has engaged in a wide variety of activities on campus. She was president of the French Club, a member of the Educational Opportunity Fund, a representative for the First-Generation Student Committee, and secretary of the Latinx Unity group. This made her an ideal candidate to apply for the NEW Leadership program. Seeing this commitment in Ramos, Latinx Unity advisor Jenifer Olvera pushed her to apply to for the program.

“I really, really love it at Middlesex College, there are so many things you can do on campus, and so many clubs you can get involved in,” said Ramos, a Sayreville native. “Everyone is so friendly and willing to connect with other people. Everyone wants you to succeed.”

Ramos admits that she was quite nervous about this potential opportunity – she was timid and unsure of herself before attending Middlesex College. But in her time at the College, Ramos’s confidence has grown, providing her with connections and experiences that were forged outside of her comfort zone. These positive experiences helped Ramos make the decision to apply for and ultimately attend the summer institute.

“My biggest takeaway was the number of women empowerment issues, especially in male dominated fields,” Ramos said. “Seeing so many different women showing that even if you’re in the minority, you can still have the biggest voice in the room.”

Her dream now is to be a diplomat, helping to bridge the gaps between different cultures.

“I want to travel and learn about other cultures and languages,” Ramos said. “I know so many communities that could benefit from learning about each other and our different customs to bring us together.”

Ramos has stayed in contact with the connections she made through the NEW Leadership program and credits Middlesex College for giving her courage to try new things.