Last week, 13 Spelman College students traveled to Washington D.C. for the annual Spelman on the Hill initiative. Over five days, students met with legislators, explored the nation’s capital and advocated for policies impacting their communities.
The Spelman on the Hill students were selected from competitive pool of over 100 applicants for their commitment to civic engagement and passion for advocacy.
“Spelman on the Hill is a program I’ve been following since before I came to Spelman. It gave me an idea of the type of Spelman woman I wanted to become, one that engages in federal policy and has a hand in the decisions being made for us every day,” said Kennedy Blue Washington, C’2027, a sociology major from Richmond, Virginia. “Being in the same room where decisions are made about our communities reminded me of the importance of representation and advocacy.”
Fighting for Policy Change
During the trip, the Spelman on the Hill cohort was divided into four policy groups: economics, international relations, health and environmental policy. Washington’s team tackled health policy and developed the Accessible Chronic Treatment and Support Act, which seeks to expand treatment options for individuals experiencing mental health challenges related to chronic illnesses.
Dazaree’ Ware, C’2025, an economics major from Hinesville,Georgia, was assigned to the international relations group. With the slogan ‘Keep Skilled Hands Working,’ her team advocated for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to extend work visa terms for agricultural laborers and provide greater workforce stability.
“The lobbying experience and presenting our research after months of preparation was enriching,” said Ware. “The experience was invaluable and gave me an honest glimpse into a life of policy in D.C. Being able to network and share my work with such distinguished individuals while surrounded by so much history and legacy was truly unforgettable.”
Washington and Ware said that one of their favorite parts of the trip was the Spelman Alumnae Reception, where students connected with Spelman graduates working in government policy.
“It was a beautiful setting that allowed me to see myself through the alumnae and picture myself in their positions one day. I was also able to engage with lobbyists who work on the Hill and connect with them for various opportunities,” said Washington.
Enriching Experiences Beyond Capitol Hill
The trip featured a packed itinerary of educational tours and networking events. The students began their journey at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, deepening their understanding of Black history and legacy.
The following day, they attended a power breakfast with Interim President Roz Brewer, C’84, who shared insights and encouragement ahead of their policy meetings. Students later met with officials from Brookings Institution to discuss their group policy issues.
“Spelman on the Hill reminded me that advocacy is more than words: it’s action, connection and presence,” said Ware. “Being in those spaces reaffirmed why I want to use my voice to push for equity, especially in economic, international and educational justice and access areas.”
As the trip continued, the Spelman students engaged with representatives from the National Council of Negro Women to discuss challenges impacting Black women in the U.S. Following a tour of the Library of Congress, the students metwith members of Congress, including Congresswoman Lucy McBath, Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Senator Jon Ossoff. They also had the unique opportunity to meet Mathilde Mukantabana, the Rwandan ambassador to the U.S., and Hadnet Keleta, head of public and community affairs for the embassy of Eritrea.
“This experience deepened my commitment to advocacy and showed me the power of being in the room where decisions happen,” said political science major Kendell Young, C’2026. “Being able to visualize my dreams in such a tangible way gave me the confidence I needed at a time when the world can feel so uncertain.”
Reflecting on the week, Young said the most enriching part of the trip was being able to strengthen the relationship between her and her Spelman sisters.
“The best part of the trip was the bond I built with my 12 Spelman on the Hill sisters. This experience brought together incredible, multifaceted women I may not have crossed paths with otherwise, and I’m so grateful for the friendships that formed,” said Young. “Even in the structured, high stakes world of politics, we never lost our authenticity. We brought our personalities, our passion and our sisterhood into every room, proving that advocacy doesn’t mean losing the joy that makes us who we are.”
2025 Spelman on the Hill Cohort