Mackenzie Lombardi
University of MontanaMackenzie Lombardi is a Communications and Political Science major at the University of Montana who has set her sights on changing the nature of American political rhetoric. Using her talents in communication and passion for social justice, Mackenzie has served as an incredibly successful campaign manager in student government, interned with the Office of Montana Governor Steve Bullock, and served as an advocate with the Student Advocacy Resource Center. Mackenzie is dedicated to public problem-solving and promoting equality. She holds herself to high standards of kindness and dedication when working with others and will set aside personal goals in pursuit of a common good. Mackenzie has the passion, talent, and vision to enact positive social change and the ability to inspire others to do the same.
Personal Statement
Words and the way they shape our understanding have always fascinated me. As a feminist, I am struck by how the oppressive institutions of our world are constructed, upheld, and even destroyed by language. As a student of politics, I came to understand that political rhetoric can be fundamental to these institutions. We are all hyper-aware of the fear-mongering, uneducated, offensive rhetoric that can dominate the political sphere. This is not what public discourse should be; we are all better served when our politics is about speaking the truth well. The political rhetoric I intend to shape is one that meets people where they are ideologically and appeals to basic instincts for compassion, justice, and tolerance. This is what draws me to political communication, and why I love campaigns. Whether knocking doors in a statewide campaign or drafting a strategy for a student body election, I find power and passion in helping those who would represent us solidify and polish their message. At my core I believe that words matter, and through rhetoric I can shift the tone of American politics.