Urooj Jeelani | School of Public Policy (SPP)

Home town: Cashmere

Degree and year of graduation: MPPA’24

Beginning an internship at Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has been an educational journey filled with unique challenges and profound learning opportunities. In my role as an intern in leadership and advocacy programs, I have been deeply involved in supporting civic engagement and leading advocacy efforts that seek to empower young women and gender-expansive communities in Western Massachusetts. This experience not only allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical policy studies and its practical application, but also highlighted the influential synergy between legal frameworks and public policy advocacy. Each day brings a new look at how targeted community action can lead to significant legislative change, highlighting the critical role of informed advocacy in shaping a more equitable society.

Organization:

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is committed to empowering women and supporting social change through advocacy, financing and community development. With a focus on promoting equity and inclusion, WFWM supports women, young girls, and gender-expansive communities in the Western Massachusetts region by addressing significant social issues such as intimate partner violence and post-incarceration reintegration.

What am I doing there:

At WFWM, I organize civic engagement opportunities in partnership with area organizations in Springfield and Greenfield. I also support WFWM’s advocacy goals by researching legislative issues related to its mission, attending coalition meetings, and building relationships with local stakeholders. Additionally, I update the database of laws and legislators and attend regional network meetings to support our advocacy efforts. My work not only supports WFWM’s broader advocacy goals, but also includes developing an advocacy campaign to engage young women in the Greater Springfield area in advocacy and civic participation, which is part of the Young Women’s Initiative.

The most important thing I learn:

The most important learning for me was understanding the intricate relationship between public policy, community support, and tangible change. Navigating the legislative landscape to effectively support advocacy goals was extremely educational, reinforcing the power of well-informed and community-led policymaking.

The most challenging part of my internship:

One of the most challenging aspects has been the task of organizing civic engagement opportunities, which requires coordinating with various stakeholders and aligning our activities with WFWM’s broader goals. Balancing these responsibilities while ensuring effective engagement was both challenging and rewarding.

What surprised me the most:

What surprised me most during my internship at the Women’s Fund was the profound impact that conscious and well-organized advocacy can have on legislative processes. It was instructive to observe first-hand how strategically planned civic engagement and advocacy campaigns influence decision-makers. Particularly striking was the enthusiasm and willingness of legislators to listen to and respond to the voices of young women in our community. This experience showed me the critical role that targeted advocacy plays in shaping effective public policy.

Why I study public policy:

I study public policy because I am driven by a desire to understand and influence the frameworks that shape social norms and public life. My passion is analyzing the complexities of policy formulation and implementation, with the goal of developing effective strategies that address and solve social problems. This field gives me a unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling me to advocate and implement changes that can have a profound impact on communities, particularly in areas such as women’s rights and social justice. My academic and professional pursuits in public policy are motivated by a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society.

Future plans:

With a background in law and a deep commitment to public policy, I plan to use these interdisciplinary skills to advocate for women’s rights and social equality. After completing my master’s degree, I plan to work at the intersection of law and public policy, where I can use my legal knowledge to create and support strong policies that protect and empower marginalized communities. My goal is to engage in policy analysis in governmental and non-governmental organizations that influence public policies both domestically and internationally. By integrating my legal knowledge with public policy, I aspire to contribute to creating systemic change that ensures justice and gender equality and to influence policy discussions at the highest levels.