introducing the spring 2015 fellows
Re-elected to her second term as Attorney General in 2010, Martha Coakley has devoted her career to protecting children and public safety, standing up for consumers and taxpayers, and fighting for equality for all. After growing up in North Adams reading Nancy Drew novels and watching Perry Mason, perhaps it’s no coincidence that Coakley has charted a career as a distinguished prosecutor on the state and federal levels before serving as Middlesex District Attorney and now as the Commonwealth’s first female Attorney General.
Coakley has successfully prosecuted some of the Commonwealth’s most dangerous criminals and brought landmark cases to protect consumers, civil rights, and the environment. In all of her roles, Coakley has demonstrated an ability to bring people together around a common goal, a passion to stand up for victims in the face of unfairness, and the vision to achieve innovative solutions to solve problems.
Why did you apply to be a Fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics?
Judge Mark Wolf called me last Fall to encourage me to apply. He had loved his time here as a fellow recently, and knew that I had done some teaching and discussion groups with Williams students around Law and Public Policy. Meeting with the students, Eric, and Maggie made me glad that I had applied and been selected. Plus the weather has been great!.
What can students and participants expect to learn about during your study groups?
We hope to explore together how, through politics and other disciplines, needed change can actually occur, and look at some changes made and still needed in marriage equality, income inequality, human trafficking, and public health issues and disparities. Can you “Be the Change’? Or is it “the times, they are achangin’”?
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
Exploration with the students on their ideas and commitment to change and progress, and what tools may be available to help them navigate successful personal, professional, and civic growth. And digging out of all the snow.
What do you think the “future of politics” looks like?
Different, as I think the impact of new communication technologies is just beginning to be understood. But, for our democracy to survive, we need to continue to insist on good politics that make for good government.
Do you have a favorite life motto you try to live by and why?
Life is too short not to enjoy it!
What would you say to inspire young people to pursue a career in politics and public service?
There is no greater personal and civic satisfaction than throwing your hat in the ring, and working together with people of like minds and mission to leave the world a better place than we found it. And maybe changing some minds along the way!!