Thursday, April 16, the College of William and Mary’s chapter of Virginia21 held a panel discussion on the Virginia General Assembly and public service. Virginia21 is a nonpartisan civic engagement organization that encourages young Virginians to get involved in the political process.
The panel event hosted Legislative Consultant for Hilltop Strategies Mark E. Smith, Virginia House of Delegates Chief of Staff Caleigh Lynch, Virginia State Senate District Director Yousif Omer and Assistant Director for Finance Policy and Government Relations for the State Council of Higher Education Grace Khattar.
President of Virginia21 at the College Sophia Hosford ’26 explained that the chapter is focused on integrating students into the world of state government.
“Our primary goal is in alignment with the broader organization’s [mission] around getting people to understand the legislative process,” Hosford said.
The College’s Virginia21 chapter marketed the event as an opportunity for students to gain insights into the Virginia General Assembly, pathways and careers in public service and the upcoming special election on redistricting.
The panel began with moderator Cameron Swartz ’28 asking questions about the panelists’ backgrounds and professional advice for students in the audience.
Omer gave advice on bridging the gap between political parties.
“Follow up, be respectful, be polite and understand [that] we don’t ever have to agree, even if we’re in the same party,“ he said.
Smith echoed this sentiment. He said that anyone interested in legislation or public policy should not fear looking to other parts of the political spectrum for opportunities.
The panelists also emphasized connecting with others as a form of career development.
“Mentors are very important, but part of it is being there, being visible,” Smith said.
Omer highlighted the importance of using online tools in building professional connections and finding opportunities.
“I pride myself on being a LinkedIn warrior,” Omer said.
The panelists agreed that the benefits outweigh the costs when it comes to searching for mentors and professional opportunities.
Khattar said that she came across her current professional opportunity through networking. She added that working at her current job is something she did not envision earlier in her career.
“I think as an undergraduate student, I never knew that we existed,” Khattar said.
Omer suggested that students begin by exploring the professional opportunities the College offers.
Hosford acknowledged the challenges students may experience in finding professional opportunities under the current job market.
“We were glad to bring diverse perspectives, especially when the job market is tough,“ Hosford said.
In closing the event, the panelists further emphasized persistence in finding and contacting others. “Push yourself to do those things like shooting the LinkedIn message or reaching out for a coffee or cold emailing someone about a job,” Lynch said. “Sometimes, it’ll pay off, and then you take the next couple steps.”
