Jennifer Croughwell ’25

Jennifer is a legislative aide for Connecticut State Mae Flexer. “In my role as a Legislative Aide, I support Senator Mae Flexer in serving constituents across northeastern Connecticut. My work includes policy research, drafting correspondence and official citations, coordinating with state agencies and local officials, and helping residents navigate state programs and services. I also assist with community outreach, meetings with stakeholders, and tracking legislation that impacts our district. The role has given me the opportunity to work directly at the intersection of policy and community needs.

I also serve as the Regional Organizer for the Second Congressional District for Ned for CT. In this role, I help support the campaign’s political and organizing strategy across the district by working with local leaders, community partners, and volunteers. My work focuses on coordinating regional outreach, supporting coalition building, and helping ensure the campaign’s message and priorities are effectively communicated throughout the district.

Why I Chose Eastern:

I chose Eastern because of its strong sense of community and the opportunity to receive a personalized education in a supportive environment. I was drawn to the small class sizes and the ability to build meaningful relationships with professors and classmates. Eastern also provided many opportunities for students to be actively engaged in campus leadership, public service, and advocacy, which aligned closely with my interests in government and policy.

Faculty Mentor(s):

Dr. Nicolas Simon has been an especially meaningful mentor during my time at Eastern. Through his mentorship, I became deeply involved in open educational resources (OER) and advocacy for textbook affordability. His support encouraged me to take on leadership roles, speak on panels about open education, and work collaboratively with faculty and students to improve access to educational materials. The mentorship and guidance I received from faculty like Dr. Simon made a significant impact on my academic and professional development.

How I Apply the Skills I Learned at Eastern:

Eastern helped me develop strong research, communications, and critical thinking skills that I use every day in my work at the Connecticut State Capitol. My coursework in political science and sociology strengthened my understanding of public policy, social systems, and how government decisions affect communities. Additionally, my involvement in campus leadership and advocacy helped me build skills in collaboration, organizing, and public engagement.

These experiences prepared me to work effectively with constituents, community leaders, and policymakers to address real-world issues. Eastern not only gave me the academic foundation for my career, but it also helped me build the confidence and leadership skills needed to pursue public service.