Flagler College student headed to United Nations in March to serve as commission delegate

A Flagler College student will be discussing gender equality at the United Nations this spring as a delegate for the intergovernmental organization’s Commission on the Status of Women.

History and English major Shannon Schmidt was recently accepted to the commission, which is dedicated to promoting women’s rights and shaping global standards on the empowerment of women.
“This has been one of the greatest honors of my life thus far,” she said. “I can hardly express how enthusiastic I am about this unique opportunity, and I am confident that it would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and mentorship I’ve received at Flagler.”
Each year the commission, a functional unit of the UN’s Economic and Social Council, focuses on a different theme; this year’s is economic empowerment of women. As a delegate, Schmidt will engage in cross-cultural dialogue and assess the progress that has been made, as well as the progress that needs to be made for the global advancement of women.
Associate Professor of History Dr. John Young assisted Schmidt in her application.
“She has been a force of nature during her four years at Flagler, not only excelling in the classroom with a double major in History and English, but also demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to service with her work in student government and student clubs,” he said. “Shannon shows how much one can accomplish when the perspectives of a liberal education is coupled with the passion to make a difference in the world. She will represent Flagler very well at the UN.”
Schmidt will join the 61st session of the Commission from March 13 to March 24. For more information, visit here.