Sara Hayet

First Major: Government & Law
Second Major: Women’s & Gender Studies

300 Word Statement

The “Lafayette ideal” is an engaged and compassionate student leader whose passion for service is their driving force in everything that they do. Throughout my time at Lafayette, I have strived to achieve this ideal. Starting my journey I knew I wanted to use my education to enact meaningful change. It was the Lafayette community’s support and guidance that gave me the confidence and skills to turn this goal into a reality. I was able to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it through my work in the Office of Intercultural Development’s Gender & Sexuality Programming. As I developed Lafayette’s Safe Zone program and coordinated opportunities for political engagement on campus, I learned how to be an effective advocate. Because of these experiences I was able to take a leave-of-absence and work as a field organizer in Northampton County on a presidential campaign– I could never imagine seizing such an opportunity prior to Lafayette. In all of these roles, I was able to succeed because of my education and research background. Ultimately, the Lafayette ideal shares what they have learned with others and fosters the growth of rising campus leaders who will make Lafayette a more inclusive and loving space. I am grateful to the professors, faculty, and alumni who mentored me and I hope that I have contributed to this work.

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

  • Thesis (1)

Honors thesis with Professor Stewart-Gambino in Government & Law and Women’s & Gender Studies. Traditional social movement scholars do not consider service providers, such as Planned Parenthood health centers, to be social movement organizations (SMOs). This study seeks to expand the definition of SMOs by demonstrating how Planned Parenthood clinics contribute to the advancement of reproductive freedom movement goals.

  • Marquis Scholar (4)

College’s second highest academic scholarship

  • School of International Training: Global Health & Development Policy (1)

Conducted a qualitative study examining how Romanian institutions’ response to President George W. Bush’s reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule. Interviewed leading Romanian and international reproductive health experts and activists Selected for publication in School of International Training (SIT) Digital Archive.

  • Interview with Kimberlé Crenshaw about “Intersectional Feminism” (1)

Interviewed scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw during the 30th anniversary of the Women’s & Gender Studies program at Lafayette College: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwquxC_Gxc

  • Excel Scholar (1)

Extensively researched the politics of philanthropy with the goal of developing a sustainable model for philanthropy in the Lehigh Valley. Produced several comprehensive annotated bibliographies on philanthrocapitalism, Big Data, and asset-based community development

  • Pi Sigma Alpha (1)

Inducted into the National Political Science Honor Society that “recognizes outstanding students in political science and encourages the further study of politics.”

  • Dean’s List (4)

Have been on Dean’s List every semester.

  • Truman Scholarship Finalist (1)

Awarded based on leadership, public service and academic achievement

  • Minerva and Emil V. Novak Prize (1)

Awarded to a Government & Law major based on overall excellence

  • Eugene P. Chase Phi Beta Kappa Prize (1)

Awarded to a sophomore who has demonstrated scholarship as a first-year student.

Campus Services/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved

  •  Student Associate, Lafayette Board of Trustees (1)

I currently serve on the Committee on Development, Alumni Relations. Attend committee meetings regarding philanthropy. Lafayette’s expansion, and Lafayette’s impact on the surrounding community.

  • Planned Parenthood Generation Action Lafayette (1)

This past year, I co-founded Lafayette’s Planned Parenthood chapter. I have since led advocacy efforts for reproductive freedom on campus. This has included organizing events, including a “Storytelling for Organizing” workshop abd visits from healthcare activists. Our team has gathered over 800 signatures on a petition requesting the school supply menstrual products in academic buildings.

  • Representative, Presidential Oversight Committee on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (1)

I worked to revise Lafayette College’s sexual harassment policy with committee and helped conduct open forums for professors and the student body concerning changes.

  • Association of Lafayette Feminists (2)

As a board member, I organized and conducted events, including Planned Parenthood canvas launches and action forums. I increased membership involvement and created coalitions with other social justice organizations on campus.

  • Lafayette Hillel Social Action Vice President (1)

I organized community service and advocacy events including Challah for Hunger and Holocaust Remembrance Week. I also coordinated educational events such as a brown bag for Women’s History Month entitled “Purim and the Power of the Narrative” which examined women’s representation in the Torah. Although no longer on the board, I am still an active member and occasionally lead services.

  • Focus Group on Gender Neutral Spaces & Policies (1)

I developed plans with other students and faculty to implement policies that would benefit transgender and nonbinary students.

  • Alumni Association Student Volunteer Service Award (1)

Received September 2017-Recognized a student who, through volunteer efforts in the broader community beyond the College, has demonstrated compassion, energy and ingenuity in serving others.

  • Paul Tully Memorial Prize (1)

Received May 2016-Awarded to student who embodies principles of social and political service.

  • The Spirit of Drew Scholarship (1)

Received June 2017-Awarded to a student who exemplifies Drew’s spirit and desire for unity, inclusion, and love who are a leader in their community and contribute to making life better for fellow LGBTQ+youth. Received based on my work on Lafayette’s Safe Zone Program.

  • Aaron O. Hoff 1974 Award (1)

Received May 2016-Awarded to the student who most exemplifies the groundbreaking spirit of the first class of women from Lafayette College by working toward equality for women on campus.

Community Service – Total Years Involved

  • Digital Intern, Stronger States PAC (1)

I wrote social media content for a Super PAC seeking to strengthen the Democratic Party at the state and local level. I increased their Facebook followers by 49% and made over 11,700 Twitter impressions.

  • District Intern, Congressman Cartwright (1)

I responded to constituents concerning legislative concerns and casework. I also wrote speeches, policy memos, and letters and conducted research on district issues, including the intersection of women’s health and the opioid crisis.

  • Social Media Intern, Planned Parenthood Keystone (1)

I relaunched Planned Parenthood Keystone’s blog and dramatically increased their following. I generated weekly content pertaining to comprehensive sex education, sexual health, and reproductive rights. I was responsible for blog design and graphics.

  • Third Street Alliance Sharing the Caring Volunteer (2)

Through the Landis Center, I assisted weekly in fun programming – including music therapy, art, and games – for senior citizens with memory disorders at Third Street Alliance.

  • College Captain for Close the Loop Clothing Drive (1)

I was selected by the nonprofit Do Something to lead a month-long clothing drive to promote sustainability. As part of this effort, I led a team and organized a successful and fun fashion show to collect donations. We partnered with several campus organizations, along with the Easton Farmer’s Market. Over 2760 clothing items were recycled or donated to those in need.

  • Volunteer, Northampton County Democrats (3)

Canvassed the Easton area to speak to voters and turn out the vote for critical local, statewide, and national elections.

Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved

  • Amateur Yogi (4)

I maintain a regular home yoga practice and attend Group Fit classes through Lafayette. Achieved ability to touch my toes.

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

  • Field Organizer, Pennsylvania Democratic Party (1)

As a junior, I took a semester off to work for the Pennsylvania Coordinated Campaign. I built a powerful organization of 143 active volunteers and 1 campaign intern working to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. I utilized leadership and time management skills to consistently hit goals set by my regional organizing director, culminating in 37,179 phone calls made and 8,994 doors knocked by volunteers. I organized weekly phone banks, voter registration drives, and canvassing launches.

  • Intern, Democratic Governors Association (1)

I completed long-term projects for the events, finance, press, and research departments to support Democratic governors and candidates. I crafted social media content for the digital team and was responsible for outreach and interview for the Fall 2017 internship. Through this position, I gained knowledge of every side of statewide campaigns.

  • Special Assistant to the Dean of Equity & Inclusion (1)

In this role, I train and manage Gender & Sexuality Programming staff and oversee the promotion of Intercultural Development events. I’m also responsible for administrative and organizational tasks. This past fall I coordinated a tour event for activist, and alumna Jennifer Weiss-Wolf ’89 for her new book, Periods Gone Public: Taking a Stand for Menstrual Equity.

  • Director of Safe Zone Curriculum Development (2)

I led training’s to educate students on allyhood and LGBTQ+ issues. I also crafted and developed the curriculum and created a new curriculum for Greek Life members. Lastly, I created monthly newsletter for continuing education.

  • Honorable Mention for Written Expression at 2015 LVAIC Undergraduate Women’s Studies Conference (1)

In recognition of paper, “Sexist Critiques of Young Adult Literature”