Speaker Pelosi, VP Harris Make History!
April 28, 2021: When President Biden gives his first address to the Joint Congress tonight, history will be made! For the very first time, two women will be seated immediately behind the President: Trinity graduate and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University. President Biden is expected to note this historic moment at the beginning of his speech.
Vice President Harris and Speaker Pelosi are the nation’s highest ranking women and the 2nd and 3rd highest elected officials in the country. They are both proud of their immigrant heritage, and fiercely proud of their alma maters, both in Washington, D.C., just a few blocks apart, both with unique missions: Trinity Washington University, an exemplary women’s college and, today, the only university in D.C. that is both a Predominantly Black Institution and Hispanic Serving Institution, and Howard University, one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).
Trinity students are excited about this historic moment – students of all ages, women and men, Dreamers, students of color and student leaders, eager to make their mark on the world. They are also keenly interested in what President Biden will say about a wide range of issues, including pathways to citizenship, climate change and expanded support for college students.
Michelle Vasquez, President of Trinity’s Student Government Council, president of her class, and a political science and business administration major, met Speaker Pelosi on Trinity’s campus in January 2020 and is looking forward to tonight’s Joint Session of Congress. “As a first-generation college student, I am thrilled by the opportunity to see two great women leaders representing our country. I am inspired by their courage and ability to persist despite the circumstances that we may face. They are only a reminder of how much women’s leadership is needed! I look forward to hearing President Biden’s response to the border as several migrants and undocumented people across the entire United States are struggling to fight the challenges that are faced within our communities. It is imperative that our leaders continue to support the most vulnerable in our community.”
Mercy Ogutu, a Trinity Dreamer and her class president, interned with Speaker Pelosi in 2020. “I am excited to see the historic year of 2021 full of women empowerment and diversity in leadership. I was inspired to volunteer for Kamala Harris, from 2018-2020, when she announced her campaign for then President and now Vice-President. As a student, I am inspired by both Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris’ effort to work hard towards inclusion for minorities and women’s rights. Learning about their progression of work, has demonstrated their effort to make sure all people know that there is a seat at the table. I believe leadership is a choice, not a position. Both Speaker Pelosi and Vice President Harris, continue to work and create inclusive change for community development, inspiring young leaders to be the change today and tomorrow. As a Dreamer, I feel this new wave of change will lead to new beginnings and productivity, even in this unique climate.”
Media Contact: Ann Pauley ,Media Relations, pauleya@trinitydc.edu 202-884-9725
