Center for American Women and Politics holds event on positions in public service

Women in public service discussed the opportunities for appointed positions in government at an event hosted by the Center for American Women and Politics, a part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

The event, titled “Shape New Jersey’s Future and Yours: Appointments to State Boards and Commissions”, featured current and former women in public service, including multiple former directors of appointments in the Office of the Governor. Through panel discussions and Q&A sessions, speakers gave advice to attendees on how to navigate the world of appointed politics.

Tara Dowdell, former Director of Appointments for Governor Jim McGreevey, spoke on the value of women on state boards, as well as the challenges that come with getting appointed. She told attendees to be confident in their applications, even if they do not have extensive expertise, as most offices look for professionals and outsiders to have balanced representation on the board.

Dowdell spoke about the practice of “polite persistence”, or working hard to get appointed without crossing a line of professionality. Dowdell told WRSU that it can be difficult for students new to public service to find that line, but it’s a valuable lesson to learn.

“It’s about consistently following up, but not pestering,” Dowdell said. “It also gives people a sense that you’re interested, you’re someone who’s going to work hard, who’s going to be aggressive, but at the same time you’re not bothering them.”

Kellie Doucette, Executive Director of Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team, spoke about the opportunities for public service available under the soon-to-be Sherrill administration, as well as her personal journey in public service.

Doucette stressed the importance of fair representation, as well as the encouraging number of applications her team has already received.

Kellie Doucette, Executive Director of Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team, spoke about the opportunities for public service available under the soon-to-be Sherrill administration, as well as her personal journey in public service.

The Sherrill-Caldwell transition team launched an online portal to accept applications for appointed positions just after winning the 2025 election. Doucette celebrated the encouraging number of applications her team has already received, and stressed the importance of fair representation, thanking individuals for “helping more New Jersey voices find a seat at the table.”

Associate Director of CAWP Jean Sinzdak, an event organizer and panel moderator, said she was encouraged by the number of attendees and women invested in appointed politics.

“We had over 200 people registered and the room was full,” Sinzdak said. “We feel really happy with how it all went and how engaged and inspired people seemed to be.”

Sinzdak added that events like these are part of the center’s mission to facilitate women in and entering politics. 

“We’re all about advancing women’s position in politics and then enhancing their influence in political life,” Sinzdak said.

Criminal Justice major Eman Albukhari told WRSU she was inspired to hear from women who have found success in politics and still choose to connect with students.

“I really just wanted to learn more about how women can be more involved in politics in New Jersey,” Albukhari said. “We really dived into what was considered, what I should look for in my application, and how to really stand out from the crowd.”

Masters student Taïphane Orange said she felt more prepared to begin a career in public service.

“I don’t think I really realized what I was actually doing until I came here and they went through the entire process,” Orange said.

After the event, Dowdell and other speakers met with students and other attendees to establish connections and help elevate women starting careers in public service.

Noah Choi and Jennifer Kim contributed to this story.