MACON, Ga. — Mercer University sophomore Shafa Gilani was accepted into the Up to Us Leadership Network civic leaders cohort.
Led by Campus Compact and made possible through funding by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, the program brings together undergraduate students from across the country to participate in national virtual trainings and regional in-person learning opportunities. Over the course of six months, participants will be equipped with the vital knowledge and skills they need to advocate for policy change.
“I’m really looking forward to learning more about fiscal policy and how I can integrate what I learn with Up to Us as a Mercer student,” said Gilani.
Among the requirements for the cohort, Up to Us looks for candidates who:
- Are student leaders with a variety of backgrounds, majors and political perspectives
- Have demonstrated civic engagement and leadership potential
- Have an interest in careers in public service, policy, or community leadership in the U.S.
An economics and political science double-major from Marietta, Gilani is an Honor Council associate justice and founder of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, Mercer Chapter. After graduation, she plans to attend law school.
“Shafa is a terrific student — bright, eager, hard-working and ambitious,” said Dr. Will R. Jordan, professor of political science and co-director of the Center for America’s Founding Principles. “She is an excellent choice for this program and will be a great ambassador for Mercer. I have no doubt that Shafa will make the most of this experience and use it as a springboard to future success.
