Re-‘Jen’-erating Change: Fellow Turns Setbacks into Strength
“Currently in the United States, there are many authority figures at the federal level who are taking rights away from Black people, women, LGBTQ people, immigrants, and other marginalized citizens and residents. They are circumventing constitutional law and overexercising their political power. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we take these politicians to task.”
Those words, sharp and unflinching, belong to Jennifer Ansong, a 2025 Center for Women in Government Fellow. Her voice cuts through the noise at a moment when many in marginalized communities say they feel increasingly under attack.
Art, Advocacy, and Identity
Outside of her policy work, Jennifer Ansong brings her voice and passion to the stage. She has starred in several local theatre productions and musical plays, which allow her to explore her other talents in different, yet equally powerful, forms. Her presence in the performing arts is more than a creative outlet; it reflects the depth, range, and humanity of this university graduate — a testament to the multi-talented nature of the Center for Women in Government's emerging leaders, who draw on diverse experiences to inform their advocacy and connect with communities in ways that transcend traditional boundaries.
Pushed to the Limit, But Not Broken
When asked about her biggest challenge during the Fellowship — and how she overcame it — she explained that the schedule was very demanding and that she hardly had any free time. She had to relearn how to balance her time to ensure she got all her work done without burning out.
“I scheduled everything I had to do (classes, fellowship work, due dates for homework, presentations, etc.) on a calendar so I could visualize all the work I had to do. After, I broke my calendar down day by day. I focused on making sure I finished all the work necessary for that particular day.”
A Painful Start, a Powerful Choice
There were also moments when she almost gave up.
“The day before the Fellowship started, I sprained my ankle very badly. I had no time to rest before I had to start. I was also sick with upper respiratory infections, on top of having to balance all my schoolwork and fellowship work. My ankle wasn’t healing properly, and I learned that there was a small fracture, which I had been walking on the entire time. It felt like things got worse just as I expected them to get better. What kept me going was knowing that I had committed to this work and that I would be more disappointed if I gave up. I knew that what I would get out of it was so valuable.”
For Jennifer, the Fellowship holds a deep emotional meaning.
“It means that I get to be a part of a 40-year-old legacy of uplifting young women professionals and encouraging them to work for the government and on public policy, a place where women are still underrepresented.”
Her advice to future applicants is straightforward: “Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to it. Plan your schedule carefully to avoid burnout.”
Rethinking Leadership
The experience has reshaped her perspective on leadership.
She believes that “leadership and advocacy can look like different things, while still being impactful. One does not need to achieve the status that someone like Martin Luther King Jr. or Angela Davis achieved in order to impact their community or change the world. Leadership and advocacy can start small and still matter.”
A Lesson in Rejection
Her perspective on perseverance stretches back years. As a teenager, she poured months of practice into preparing for an audition with a prestigious orchestra. She didn’t get in, despite many dedicated months of practice. But she did not let that stop her.
“I reminded myself that I could still play in other orchestras, chamber ensembles, or by myself. My love of playing in orchestras did not have to go away because I did not get into one specific orchestra.”
For Jennifer, that lesson connects directly to her view on policy change: obstacles should never discourage progress.
Blending Policy and Passion
She also expressed gratitude for the Fellowship experience.
“I learned the policy-making process in much greater depth, especially as it pertains to the New York State legislature. This fellowship enabled me to combine my interests in public health with my passion for social activism. This was an invaluable experience for someone who would like to work on health care policy in the future. I have developed my writing and leadership skills considerably. As someone who would like to impact health care policy, this fellowship gave me the skills I needed to write and advocate for health care policy.”
Jennifer Ansong’s journey is defined by resilience, discipline, and hope. And for her, the message is clear. The fight for justice cannot pause — it must press forward, no matter how many obstacles stand in the way.