Arizona State University sophomore, Katie Ritchie talks about her experience as a politically engaged student and her plans in progress to make a difference in her community.
Reporter: Georgia Hough
Editors: Rei Tedoco and Isa Gomez
Katie Ritchie speaking on a panel at Bank of America Conference in Washington D.C. to discuss service and leadership within the U.S.
Up until the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in 2020, Katie Ritchie, a current sophomore at Arizona State University, was not particularly interested in politics.
However, she soon became curious of the COVID-19 policies and restrictions that impacted her and the millions of high school students around the world, sparking a sudden focus on politics and policy at the local level.
Ritchie explained that many young students are turned off of politics and tend to avoid the subject. She began attending school board meetings and her passion for policy education and information took flight.
“Katie Ritchie is an outstanding student leader. She has been active in USGD service first as a Barrett Honors Senator her first year and Director for Government Relations and Sustainability this year” Amy Golden, Assistant Dean of Students, said. “She had a summer internship in Washington D.C. which only fueled her passion for government relations, policy, and advocacy work.”
Katie Ritchie with a group of students from Carnegie Mellon University’s Public Service Weekend.
At the end of her first semester at ASU, Ritchie began applying for internships and eventually received the opportunity to intern in Washington D.C. with the U.S. Department of Education in the summer of 2024. With this new experience under her belt, Ritchie hopes to work in federal education policy in a small community as well as inter-governmental organization and affairs work.
Furthering her experience and political inclusivity, Ritchie has focused on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus, educating students on the importance of voting and being politically informed. On Oct. 7, Ritchie organized and held a voter registration event on Taylor Mall with several local organizations in attendance such as the Arizona League of Women Voters. This event provided students with 2024 Presidential Election information and a guide to the importance of voting.
“Katie has grown in a number of ways. The most significant way, I would say, is in Student Government. The executive team had a little hiccup and our Director of Government Affairs was vacant halfway through the year. Katie gladly and confidently stepped up to the task, even though she maybe didn’t understand what was being asked of her,” Drew Stanek, USGD Vice President of Policy, said.
In addition to her involvement, Ritchie also aids high schoolers with voter information and education on what community issues they see and how they can take action to make change within their lives. Preparing high schoolers with this information enables self-understanding and perspectives on the surrounding world so that by the time they are legally eligible to vote, they can do so independently.
Katie Ritchie representing Undergraduate Student Government on campus in Downtown Phoenix.
“Peer-to-peer connections and leadership significantly enhance student engagement at ASU. Through their involvement, student leaders at ASU give voice to student needs, interests, and experiences and help foster a sense of belonging among their peers,” Golden said. “Their efforts help to create a campus environment where students feel seen and heard.”
Ritchie also held a watch party for the 2024 Vice Presidential Debate on Oct.1, with over 250 attendees. “The political environment is polarized” was stated by Ritchie when discussing the conflicting division between the Democratic and Republican Parties.
This event withheld the purpose of learning directly from the speakers of the debate to listen to differing policies and perspectives from the source, with open ears to each party. Ritchie said that this debate was “one of the most civil debates we have seen”, referring to the mutual respect presented by both JD Vance and Tim Walz.
“Katie’s characteristics that make her fit for the role and a valuable leader in her community are as follows: passionate, positive outlook on the community, fosters collaborations, organized, highly intelligent, and remains calm in stressful situations,” Stanek said.
Katie Ritchie holding the Department of Education seal with the U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary, Cindy Martin.
When asked if Ritchie has any advice for current ASU freshmen, she said to “throw yourself out there and get involved”. Ritchie also stated that ASU has one of the most “accepting student bodies” where the “opportunities are endless”.
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