Political science and urban studies student gains political experience as campaign manager for local city council member

Kelsey Mize ’26, a political science and urban studies major at The College of Wooster, devoted the summer before her senior year to managing the re-election campaign of Sara Continenza, a city council member in South Euclid, Ohio. Through an APEX Fellowship, Mize gained experience in public administration through publishing monthly newsletters, canvassing neighborhoods, drafting city legislation, and attending community events. In addition to developing her flexibility and perseverance skills, Mize interacted with a variety of people and viewpoints over the course of the campaign, including engagement with community members, councilwoman Continenza, the mayor of South Euclid, fellow city council members, and her mentors. Her experience provided valuable exposure to potential careers in government, politics, and campaign management. 

“These experiences pushed me to embrace discomfort; a skill I know will serve me well in any future career.” 

—Kelsey Mize ’26 

FINDING OPPORTUNITIES 

Mize: I was introduced to an internship opportunity through Betsy Tietjen, a family friend and the coordinator of experiential learning at Gilmour Academy. Betsy connected me with Sara Continenza, a city council member in South Euclid, Ohio, for an initial meeting. After speaking with Sara about my interests and strengths, she offered me the role of campaign manager for her third-term re-election bid. The position suited me well, as I’m naturally outgoing and enjoy engaging with others. Throughout the campaign, I effectively communicated with Sara, other City Council members, and members of the South Euclid community. 

CARRYING IT FORWARD 

Mize: What interested me most were the newsletters I published for more than 700 people, concerning topics of legislation of note, community events, Sara’s campaign updates, and more. Some of my day-to-day tasks included going door-to-door canvassing, going to community events for petition signatures, making graphics on Canva, such as sign-up QR codes, and voter registration. I also assisted with drafting four pieces of legislation, ranging from street lighting at night to tree planting requirements. 

GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH 

Mize: My fellowship mentor, Megan Wereley, associate professor of education, was incredibly helpful during this summer position. She would give me great feedback after I submitted my weekly reflections, as well as ask insightful questions that helped me dig deeper into the big picture of my internship. Alongside Denise Rotavera-Krain, associate director of experiential learning, my mentors assisted me with gathering additional tasks and career opportunities I could research throughout the summer. 

LESSONS LEARNED 

Mize: This internship taught me to be adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity. Whether it was doors closing in my face or interacting with less-than-welcoming residents, I stayed committed and canvassed every neighborhood necessary to gather petition signatures. I also stepped far outside of my comfort zone, taking on tasks I never imagined myself doing, like engaging with diners in restaurants and going door-to-door to speak with community members about Sara’s campaign. These experiences pushed me to embrace discomfort, a skill I know will serve me well in any future career. 

WHAT’S NEXT 

Mize: I have seen that I work well within public administration based on my communications skills. However, I have learned that government action, whether at the local, state, or federal level, is a long process. It is rare that tasks get done the day they are administered. This internship has given me enhancement of my patience and motivation, since it is rather slow-moving in the political world. After graduation, I plan to move to Colorado to start my career in the field of emergency management and disaster response. 

Featured image: Kelsey Mize ’26, photo provided by subject.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2025 on August 6, 2025.