Lucy Buller, a senior at Bethel College, has recently returned from a transformative experience in Washington, D.C., where she participated in the prestigious Albright Young Women Leaders Program. This initiative, named after Madeleine K. Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, aims to empower young women through global educational exchanges.
Encouraged by Jennifer Chappell Deckert, an associate professor of social work, Buller took a leap of faith by applying to the program, despite initial doubts about her chances of acceptance. “Even though I hadn’t taken any classes with her, she was very aware of my involvement on campus,” Buller noted. Her perseverance paid off as she became one of four women from Kansas and six from the United States selected for this year’s program. Notably, Buller is the first participant from a Kansas private college.
The program began with an orientation in Washington, D.C., where participants from 84 countries—including Pakistan, India, Mongolia, Morocco, Hong Kong, Lebanon, and Zambia—came together. The orientation included a conference at Georgetown University and a tour of the Washington, D.C. monuments. Following this, Buller and her cohort were divided into smaller groups, with Buller’s group spending the majority of their time at the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, including visits to St. Louis University and the University of Missouri at Columbia.
The program’s focus was on “adaptive leadership,” a concept that emphasizes leadership as a function of effective communication rather than mere authority. Buller and her peers engaged in rigorous academic work, mentorship, and projects designed to challenge traditional notions of leadership. Buller’s Leadership for Change project tackled violence against LGBTQ+ groups in Harvey County and the broader Kansas area. Her goal was to create a safer environment for queer women, ensuring they do not have to leave their hometowns to feel secure.
Reflecting on her experience, Buller highlighted the program’s impact. “Being in a room with over 80 women passionate about leadership and diverse issues was incredible,” she said. “The emphasis on collaboration over competition and the freedom of ungraded academic work made it a truly enriching experience.”
Buller, an English major with plans to complete teaching certification, has been actively involved at Bethel College, including roles as co-president of the BC Pride Alliance Council and a member of various advocacy groups. Her participation in the Albright program represents a significant step in her ongoing commitment to leadership and social justice.
