Ducks Engage: Advocacy and Impact
Learn more about what it takes to run for public office!
Have you ever wondered what it takes to run for political office? Interested in learning more about the requirements to become an elected official who works to serve their community?
Join the Holden Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, UO Government & Community Relations, and the Student Alumni Association for our very first panel event where Duck alumni and other community leaders will share their journeys in getting elected to public office and their views on the value of being civically engaged.
Free pizza will be provided for UO students!
Registration
This event is open to all UO students!
Walk ups are welcome; however, registration will help us determine how much food to order.
Meet Our Panelists
Panel Moderator
KARA SHRECKENGAST, BA ’26 (political science)
University of Oregon
Kara is a senior at the University of Oregon with a passion for civic engagement and voter participation. As a Civic Engagement Program Assistant at the Holden Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, Kara helps create programs that encourage students to take an active role in their communities and the democratic process. Kara hopes to pursue a career supporting communities and promoting social resilience.
Panelists
STATE REPRESENTATIVE LISA FRAGALA
Oregon Legislature
State Representative Lisa Fragala was elected to serve in the Oregon Legislature in 2024. She represents House District 8, which includes the University of Oregon main campus in Eugene. Before serving in the Oregon Legislature, Rep. Fragala worked as an educator, first as an elementary classroom teacher, and then at Pacific University's College of Education on teacher licensure and workforce development.
JESSE MALDONADO, MPA '23
LCC Board of Education
Jesse grew up in Lewiston, Idaho, where at 18 he became the youngest City Councilor in state history and the first Latino elected in the city. He is now the National Political and Labor Director for Democratic Municipal Officials, working with and advising local Democratic candidates and officials across all 56 states and territories. Jesse now teaches at UO as an Adjunct Professor. In 2025, he was elected Secretary of the Oregon Democratic Party and a Trustee for Lane Community College.
COMMISSIONER LAURIE TRIEGER
Lane County Board of Commissioners
Commissioner Laurie Trieger was elected to the Lane County Board of Commissioners in 2020. She represents District 3, which includes the University of Oregon’s main campus. She worked previously for FOOD for Lane County, NEDCO (Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation), Family Forward Oregon and Family Forward Action, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, and Sponsors, Inc.
Agenda
| April 23 | |
| 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM |
Check-In
Attendees can grab free pizza. |
| 5:45 PM - 6:30 PM |
Panel Discussion
Hear from elected officials about their journeys and why it's important to be civically engaged. |
| 6:30 PM - 6:45 PM |
Q&A
Attendees get a chance to ask panelists questions. |
| 6:45 PM - 7:00 PM | Event wraps up |
This event is open to all UO students.
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