Education Outside of the Classroom

The following is a continuation in a series highlighting members of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey.

As Jesse Burns left college to enter an entirely different world, she began to miss an environment that encouraged political discourse and social activism and yearned for a way to continue debating and studying policy issues. Her desires became a reality after she applied for a position with the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. It was a place she felt a connection with and it allowed her to become more involved in the community. Jesse says others should get involved with the League because:

“…the League is a multi-issue organization—registers voters, runs debates and holds educational forums— there is a place for every interest. So long as you have a core belief that participating in government is important, there is a place for you in the League.”

One of the most important aspects of the League is that it encourages active participation in government. It is possibly the most crucial part of a democratic society. Jesse recognizes how important voting is but thinks it may be even more important to understand what exactly you’re voting for. While discussing this, Jesse says:

“Get to know the candidates, know where they stand on issues that are important to you, and make an informed decision in every election— whether it’s voting for the school board or the President.”

Knowledge about candidates and issues can really shape our society for the better. Without knowledge we are unable to make informed decisions about how to vote. This is why the League is such an vital aspect of our community. Not only does it play a positive role in our community, but it has a huge impact on League members and staff. How has the League shaped Jesse’s life? Jesse says:

“It’s offered me an education I haven’t been able to find elsewhere. It’s incredible what I have been able to learn from other League members. Often, subjects that I thought I wasn’t interested in have come alive when listening to others’ passion.”

While working at the League, Jesse’s passion only grew stronger and allowed her to make a huge impact on the community. As the Communications Director, Jesse has been able to get the word out about the League through newsletters, the League’s Facebook page, and blogs. She has also worked hard to get election information out to the public like candidates’ answers to policy questions, analysis of public questions, and voting rights information.

Jesse was able to have an impact on such a wonderful organization at a young age. While speaking about the importance of younger generations to join the League, Jesse says:

“The League has a lot to offer to young people. It extends their education outside of the classroom and looks wonderful on a resume. The League offers them training that they won’t find elsewhere including how to moderate debates, working on a board and in committees, and advocating for certain legislation.”

Younger generations of women and men need to develop the same passion that Jesse has for the League. Their participation in the League can greatly benefit the community while positively contributing to their own lives. When speaking about her favorite part of the League, Jesse says:

“My favorite part of the League is the people I’ve met. League members have become role models to me.”

Ella Broussard Agard

We asked our members and supporters to share the story of a woman that they admire in celebration of Women’s History Month. The following entry is written by Toni Zimmer, LWVNJ Vice President, celebrating her extraordinary grandmother.

My late Grandmother, Ella Broussard Agard, was an incredibly strong and kind woman who became a role model for me, and for many other women who knew her and loved her.  She was African-American, born in 1909 in Shreveport, Louisiana, married at 15 years old, and had two children – daughter Mary (my late mother) and son Emile.  She was widowed at an early age and moved to New York City with her children in 1938 – a brave step for a single mother who had no family up North.  Fortunately, she was an accomplished seamstress and earned a living designing and making clothing for well-to-do ladies in the City. Word got around about her skills and she was hired as a window dresser for Lerner Shops in Harlem.  She worked diligently for the company and as a result, she became the first African American female Manager of Lerner Shops Corporation.  She eventually remarried a wonderful man (Poppy) and in 1951, the year I was born, they bought a new house together in the Bronx.

My grandmother endured many personal losses throughout her life. Her beloved husband Poppy passed away in 1967, and shortly thereafter, she lost her daughter, her son, and two of her grandchildren. She endured those losses without bitterness, and remained optimistic about life, determined to go on and see the glass of life half full, despite the deep sadness she felt. My grandmother was always there for me, giving advice and encouraging me to take my dreams and make them reality through hard work and respect for others and for myself.  She passed away five years ago at the age of 96.  I wrote this simple poem for her in celebration of 92nd birthday:

Ninety-Two

and still going strong,

she lounges in bed,

her slim brown fingers

tuck strands of silver-gray

back into the bun and

as she speaks, I imagine

that seeds would sprout

if placed beneath her tongue –

sweet pea and collard

chamomile and rye

mustard and magnolia.

-Toni Zimmer

Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss

We asked our members and supporters to share the story of a woman that they admire in celebration of Women’s History Month. The following entry is written by Anne Maiese, LWVNJ President, in honor of one of her college professors.

The obituaries of Sister Elizabeth Anne Sueltenfuss, who died at the age of 88 this past year, focused on her leadership as the first female president of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She made many contributions to the “the Lake” during her presidency, 1978 to 1997.  She instituted a Weekend College program that offered bachelor, masters and doctoral programs at three South Texas sites and enabled thousands of working adults to attend college. She doubled overall enrollment, focusing on students who were the first in their families to attend college. And she transformed “the Lake” from a college to a university, instituting the first Doctor of Psychology degree program in counseling psychology in the country, in 1990.

A marvelous fund-raiser and connector of people, she oversaw the construction of several new buildings on campus, one of them a library named after her. She knew everyone in the area, and even in retirement served on many San Antonio area boards of directors.

But all this happened after I left the college. I knew her as a teacher, and one of the best I ever had.  She was also the head of the biology department and my advisor as I made my way through the courses required for majoring in that subject. It was still a college for girls then, and most of the other biology majors were planning to work as med techs or go to medical school. But I was I was planning to teach, so not only what she taught but how she did it made an impression. Extremely smart but down to earth, demanding but sunny and enthusiastic, she got results.

Celebrating Women

Over the next week or so, in honor of Women’s History Month, we will be posting submissions from our supporters sharing the stories of women they admire. Some of the women will be famous and some will be lesser known, but each of them deserves to be celebrated.

If you would like to share the story of one of your own personal female heroes, I encourage you to submit your own blog entry to jburns@lwvnj.org for publication as part of this series.

Thank you and enjoy!