Student Spotlight - Karin Agness

Karin Agness is a born leader. A senior at the University of Virginia (UVA), she refuses to “subscribe to the victim mentality.”

She is a staff member and columnist for The Virginia Advocate, a Lawn Resident, first year mentor, and member of the College Republicans and Students for the Preservation of Honor. She's also the founder of the Network of enlightened Women (N.e.W.) and served as president of UVA's chapter in 2004-2005.

When asked why she decided to start N.e.W. Karin says, "While interning in DC, I had the opportunity to spend time with other conservative young women. I found this to be a unique environment for me and I really enjoyed it. After talking with some friends, I realized that I was really just a part of a large group of young conservative women who often felt silenced by bold men or feminists.

"I created N.e.W. at the University of Virginia as a solution to this problem. N.e.W. is dedicated to fostering the education and leadership skills of conservative university women. And N.e.W. is devoted to expanding the intellectual diversity of UVA.

"I started N.e.W. as a book club. However, we also hold events for the larger University community. For example, this year we held a celebration of World Freedom Day, the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. We built our own 'Berlin Wall' and tore it down in an evening vigil as we listened to President Reagan's famous speech.

"I have learned many lessons since starting N.e.W. One of the main lessons I have learned is that conservative college women around the nation are looking for a forum to discuss and develop their ideas. This is the reason N.e.W. has been successful with starting chapters at other schools.

N.e.W. gets involved in a variety of exciting activities during the school year. In February, Karin and N.e.W. took part in CBLPI's V-Day Unveiled campaign. Among the most successful events was a debate that took place between Karin, N.e.W.'s current President Meredith Ramsey, and the president of the University Democrats. The directors of the campus production of The Vagina Monologues and the president of N.O.W. refused to participate. The event was standing room only and a big hit.

Karin is no stranger to the fight against this play. Last year her group hosted Luce speaker, Dr. Christina Hoff Sommers to give her popular talk on Sex, Lies, and The Vagina Monologues. "Students were skeptical as to why anyone could possibly critique The Vagina Monologues, showing how dominant the play was on our campus. However, many students emailed me after the event that they thought Dr. Sommers presented an intelligent argument. Our student newspaper, The Cavalier Daily, was filled with columns and letters-to-the-editor the following week. Dr. Sommers definitely helped launch our club within the university and enhance our credibility." Karin found email to be the most effective way to publicize N.e.W.'s events, followed closely by publication in various media outlets.

As for the advice to offer other students, Karen says "I think it is imperative that the students have a solid group of 5-10 people willing to work hard to make the event a success and take responsibility for certain aspects of it. While it is time consuming to plan a big event, I would tell students that it is rewarding to do it, especially if it could possibly be the only conservative woman who your fellow students are exposed to during their four years in college."

When Karin's not busy making a wonderful difference in the world, she likes to unwind with a bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream and a game of tennis. "As to my career interests, I hope to be practicing law and still involved in politics."

While her drive for involvement seems instinctive and her ability to manage any leadership role is effortless, it all falls in line with the motto by which she lives: "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for everything."