By Emily Wilaj / Jambar Contributor
Cryshanna Jackson Leftwich, professor of public affairs and politics at Youngstown State University, is being honored for her dedication to civic community engagement with her induction into the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown Hall of Fame.
The League of Women Voters is an active nonpartisan organization that encourages women to vote while educating them on social issues and policies.
Amanda Fehlbaum, LWVGY co-president and YSU associate professor, said its mission is to increase voter participation among young women.
“The main mission of the LWV is to empower voters and defend democracy. It’s a grassroots nonpartisan organization that encourages folks to be active participants in the government at all levels,” Fehlbaum said.
Leftwich said the LWV celebrates females who make diverse contributions to their community.
“They were looking for people who have been an example and have put people in positions to better themselves,” Leftwich said.
Leftwich said that her favorite part of her position is discovering and executing new ways to improve the lives of her students and people in her community.
“It’s not just about what I can do, it’s about how I can help individuals, whether it is students or people in the community and how we can build a stronger community,” Leftwich said.
Leftwich was nominated by Betty Jo Licata, Williamson College of Business Administration interim dean and professor.
“I was pleased to nominate Dr. Jackson Leftwich, as her impact on campus and in the community embodies the League of Women Voters’ mission of encouraging civic participation and influencing public policy through education and advocacy,” Licata said.
Licata highlighted Leftwich’s dedication both inside and outside the classroom. This includes Leftwich’s involvement in programs such as the Oakhill Collaborative, [Young Women’s Christian Association], Urban Internship Program, YSU’s women and gender studies and more.
“She has an extensive research record and her teaching engages students in a wide variety of opportunities locally and globally. Dr. Jackson Leftwich is truly a leader in our community whose work creates opportunity and impact,” Licata said.
The LWV mission aligns with the beliefs of Leftwich. She said the LWV continues to serve as a platform that unites generations of women to take action and make future change.
“Some challenges are resistance to change or some people not having the same amount of passion that I have,” Leftwich said.
She is very grateful to receive this honor and values it both professionally and personally.
“I do things because it is the right thing to do and not to get awarded, and it makes you feel bubbly inside that people are seeing the things you’re doing,” Leftwich said. “Professionally, it’s a good look because Youngstown is my home, and I put a lot of effort and energy into there.”
Leftwich encourages everyone to get involved with civic engagement and assisting with bettering their community.
“You just have to do it, sometimes you have to do the right thing and stand alone. The League of Women Voters, the YWCA Mahoning Valley, campus organizations are a great place to start,” Leftwich said.