Poly sci student Karly Moen receives national award for social activism, engagement

Kate Menzies

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-20-2013

Abstract

Poly sci student Karly Moen receives national award for social activism, engagement

Karly Moen knows the importance of working well with others and going beyond expectations.

Those basic building blocks for success will serve her well as she explores interests in politics and political science.

But even now, the UND senior is being lauded – at the national level, no less – for her commitment to serving others.

Moen, a native of Shelly, Minn., has received the national "College Women's Leadership Award," given by Sugati Publications. The award recognizes young leaders who have outstanding skills in and commitment to social activism and political engagement.

Sugati Publications established the award to highlight the commitment, aspirations and potential of women in politics and social change.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to have been chosen for this award," Moen said. "The recognition that Sugati Publications is giving to women committed to social activism and political engagement means that Americans are realizing the lack of female presence in the government and they agree that it is time for representative equality.

"This award means that other female college students can be recognized for all of the great things that they have done to better our country."

Throughout her college career, Moen has been involved with the Alpha Phi sorority and has served as its director of scholarship and vice president of program development. Her love for politics also led her to serve as treasurer and president of the UND University Democrats, where she was able to work with community members to advocate for important issues.

"During the 2012 election cycle, I worked as a field organizer for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party in Grand Forks," Moen said. "This opportunity gave me a firsthand look at grassroots campaigning, helped me to develop deep ties with the constituents in the Grand Forks area and reassured my passion for the political process," said Moen.

Opportunities, motivation

UND has presented many opportunities for Moen to exercise her leadership skills.

"The environment that UND has that allows students to devote their time to whatever student organization they are passionate about was essential for the development of my leadership skills through University Democrats and Alpha Phi."

Faculty and staff also continually motivated her to get involved with the political process.

"The professors in the Political Science and Public Administration Department have consistently been challenging us in class and encouraging us to become involved and informed citizens of the world," she said. "They are truly exceptional and inspirational. Knowing that I could ask them for advice about things not related to school was what gave me the confidence to become more involved and do things I would not have normally considered."

Moen first became interested in political science because of her high school government teacher, who sparked her passion for politics and government at an early age.

"After her class, I knew that there was nothing else that I would ever be as interested in," Moen said. "Political Science is challenging, always changing and there is never a time when I will know or be able to do everything that is related to it."

With her Political Science degree from UND, the sky will be the limit for Moen.

"No matter where I am working at or who I am working for, I want to always be doing it to promote positive social change," Moen said. "I want to do my part to make a positive difference in the world through the political process; no matter what avenue that may be in."

Kate Menzies, University & Public Affairs student writer

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