UNC alumnae talk politics

Three female state legislators discussed their political careers Wednesday night and offered words of inspiration to a group gathered in the Student Union’s Cabaret.

“The State of Women in the State” hosted an audience of about 30 people, most of who were women.

Although all 10 of the UNC alumnae serving in the General Assembly were invited to speak at the forum, only three were able to attend the event.

The purpose of the panel was to create a dialogue among state leaders and students.

“I hope that these women leaders in our state legislature can show our young people on campus how to be effective leaders,” said Diane Kjervik, director of the Carolina Women’s Center, which sponsored the event as part of Women’s Week.

During the discussion, each legislator spoke of her experiences in politics and the specific challenges women face in the political scene.

Rep. Alice Bordsen, D-Alamance, discussed her campaign for the N.C. House. “It was primarily women working for women,” she said, noting that they were motivated to help elect a female representative.

She also said men dominate politics in her county, and raising enough money to mount a competitive campaign can be difficult for women.

Yet Bordsen offered encouragement to those considering a run for public office.

“Anybody in this room is a candidate,” she said, stating that personal confidence is essential for a strong campaign.

Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange, talked about her own experiences in politics. Possessing a master’s degree in music, Kinnaird said she eventually changed her career path. “I decided what I really wanted to do was to go to law school, and I did.”

Kinnaird later became mayor of Carrboro and now is serving her fifth term in the N.C. Senate.

She said more women should consider entering politics at the state level to strengthen the female perspective in the legislature.

“I think women’s public policy is very different from men’s public policy.”

Elected last November to the House seat previously held by her husband, Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin, D-Richmond, provided her own insight on the political process.

It is first important to be active in the community, she said. “I felt like the best way to get to know the people and the issues was to get involved.”

At the close of the discussion panel, Goodwin gave a final piece of advice to women interested in politics:

“Don’t hesitate. You’re never too young, you’re never underqualified, and there is always a place for someone who is passionate and interested and engaged in public discourse.”

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.