MPA candidate, IPA Research Assistant
e-mail: mnorris@udel.edu
phone: 302-831-8526 | fax: 302-831-3296
188D Graham Hall | IPA | University of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716-7380
introduction | education | experience | qualifications | honors and awards | conferences | projects and reports | presentations
IntroductionMargaret Norris is passionate about public service and helping to improve the community. She graduated in the spring of 2008 from the University of Delaware with a degree in Leadership. During her undergraduate career, Margaret had the opportunity to study abroad. In the winter of 2005, she travelled to Australia and Fiji. There she studied leadership in organizations and social responsibility. Two years later, she was able to travel around the world exploring many countries, such as Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Thailand, and China. On this six-week study abroad, Margaret studied international leadership and international child-labor policy. These experiences have enhanced her global leadership perspective.
Currently, Margaret is pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in Health Policy. Her specialization complements her interest for improving the physical and emotional wellness of women and adolescents. Margaret’s passion formed after completing an undergraduate independent study focusing on comparing self-esteem across ethnic boundaries. Through her research, she discovered the role society plays on individuals’ daily lives. In the future, she will strive to change how individuals feel about their role in society through improving their emotional health.
As a Research Assistant for the Institute for Public Administration, Margaret has the opportunity to work with Dr. Maria Aristigueta on analyzing the role women play in higher education. In addition, she will be focusing on improving the Master of Public Administration program by analyzing previous performance-assessment tools.
EducationBS, University of Delaware 2008, Leadership
Study Abroad
Winter 2007 – Around the World: Global Perspectives & Policies (Italy, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Thailand, China)
Winter 2005 – Australia and Fiji
ExperienceSeptember 2000 – present
Research Associate, Institute for Public Administration, University of Delaware, Newark, Del.
January – April 2008
Donor Relations Intern, Delaware Community Foundation, Wilmington, Del.
Assisted with current and potential donor outreach; aided in creating marketing strategies for potential donors.
Conducted an audit of fund holders.
Advisor, Youth Philanthropy Board (YPB), Delaware Community Foundation
September 2007 – May 2008
Leadership Coach, Jefferson Awards for Public Service: Youth Service Initiative (YSI)
Advised student leaders on public relation strategies for YSI program within their school and community.
September – December 2006, September – December 2007
LIFE Peer Mentor/Peer Mentor Trainer, University of Delaware, Newark, Del.
Educated 20 freshmen students regarding academic and student life logistics; motivated students to be involved on campus.
June – August 2007
Benefits Intern, Urban Outfitters, Philadelphia, Pa.
Communicated daily with employees and insurance adjusters; investigated work compensation claims.
June – November 2006
Logistics Coordinator, Friends of Stephanie McClellan (county councilwoman), Newark, Del.
Assisted in the organization of campaign events and materials; constructed and wrote canvassing letters.
QualificationsProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SPSS, FIMS database
Honors and AwardsDistinguished Leadership Award, 2008
Stein Social Responsibility Award, 2006
Undergraduate Research Award, 2007
Marion Steele Symposium, First Place, 2006
Helfman Collaborative Award, 2006
Leadership Panel for Outstanding Students, 2006–2008
Women’s Democratic Club of Delaware Scholarship, 2007
ConferencesAntendee, Paul R. Jones Leadership Conference, Newark, Del., Summer 2007
Presenter, Marion Steele Symposium, Newark, Del., April 2006
Projects and Reports“A Comparative Study Between Caucasian and African-American College Women on Self-Esteem and Body Image,” September 2005 – April 2006
I surveyed and researched self-esteem and body image levels among college women. I focused on comparing the self-esteem levels between Caucasian and African-American women at the University of Delaware.
“Around the World Study Abroad: Global Perspectives of Leadership and Child-Labor Laws”
Over a six-week period, I conducted observational and interview-based research on international child-labor laws in six countries (Italy, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Thailand, and China). I was able to draw conclusions and a correlation between the role of leadership and the presence of child labor.
Presentations“A Comparison Study Between African-American and Caucasian College Women on Body-Image and Self-Esteem,” Marion Steele Symposium, Newark, Del., April 2006
