January 20th, 2009 was a bitter cold day in Washington DC but that did not keep four 2003 Center for Women in Government & Civil Society Fellows from witnessing the amazing, historical moment when President Barack Obama took the oath of office. The experience was truly phenomenal. Americans from all walks of life huddled together at the National Mall to show support for our new President and to marvel at what we had accomplished together. We were once again proud to call ourselves Americans and for the first time in far too many years had hope for the future of our nation and the world. From Left to Right: Erica Olsen, Gemma Pujadas-Rubero,
Suzanne Neusteter and Allison Sesso. On that day new life was breathed into the dying promise of America and the values we stand for. Tears fell from millions of faces as power was peacefully transferred to the first Black President, an extraordinary tradition that truly captures the beautiful idea we call America.