In Summer 2025, the Impact Office at the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought provided grants to several students with internships in the political arena, fostering a new generation of leaders dedicated to both public service and Jewish values. Among them was Anouchka Ettedgui (SCW ’26), a political science major who spent the summer interning for the Winsome Earle-Sears for Governor of Virginia campaign.
Anouchka’s work placed her at the intersection of communications strategy and grassroots organizing.
“My responsibilities ranged from door knocking, phone banking and voter outreach to assisting at campaign events,” she explained. “I also contributed to the communications department by writing letters to the editor, preparing transcripts and offering input on social media posts.”
Through this blend of fieldwork and strategic writing, Anouchka gained firsthand insight into how political messaging takes shape. Her primary focus was on voter engagement—understanding which issues resonated most with Virginians and how to communicate those effectively. “The central themes,” she reflected, “were trust, authenticity and ensuring that voters felt heard.”
Anouchka credits the experience with sharpening her communication skills and her ability to adapt quickly to different audiences. “Whether talking to voters at their doors, on the phone or through campaign materials, I learned how to tailor my approach while staying consistent in tone and message,” she said. “I also gained confidence in the logistics side of campaign work, where you have to stay flexible and detail-oriented under pressure.”
One of her most rewarding tasks was drafting letters to the editor for the campaign—an experience that revealed to her the power of concise, persuasive writing. “The process showed me how written communications can shape public discourse,” she said. “I also realized how much I enjoy working in political communications—it opened my eyes to a field I now hope to pursue professionally.”
Her grassroots experiences were equally formative. “Door-knocking was surprisingly challenging,” she admitted. “Every conversation was different, and I had to respond in real time to people’s concerns. It taught me that personal connection remains one of the most powerful tools in politics.”
Reflecting on the intersection between her internship and the generous support she received from the Straus Center, Anouchka emphasized how the center’s mission guided her work. “The Straus Center emphasizes integrating Jewish values with engagement in civic and political life,” she said. “That perspective shaped how I approached this internship—with an awareness of the moral weight of public service and the responsibility that comes with advocating for policies that affect real communities.”
Looking ahead, she hopes more Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół» students will explore similar opportunities. “Campaign work is fast-paced and demanding, but also deeply meaningful,” she concluded. “Every phone call, door knock and post contributes to how democracy functions. For anyone interested in leadership in the public square, it’s an invaluable experience.”
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