Halle Herbert works hard to be an inclusive leader.

A political science student at Missouri State University, Herbert uses the public affairs mission to drive her work as an inclusive excellence leadership scholar and aspiring public administrator.

Her goal of inclusivity is what she believes landed her a seat as the Missouri representative in the Henry Clay Statesmanship Student Congress, a congressional workshop in Washington, D.C., this summer.

Herbert is the sole representative for the state of Missouri.

The Henry Clay College Student Congress

The student congress, which takes place May 13-25, hosts 51 students, one from each state and the District of Columbia.

“I’m excited to work with students who come from different backgrounds, and who have ideas and values that are different than mine,” Herbert said.

At the conference, students work with lawmakers, politicians, journalists and business leaders on matters of public policy.

“The mission of the Henry Clay Center is to transform the tone of our country’s political discourse,” reads the Henry Clay mission statement. “We don’t seek to change partisan minds, but rather to teach individuals how to listen and find common ground.”

A grassroots interest in politics

Herbert grew up with a fascination for Jefferson City.

She lived 30 minutes away in Eldon, Missouri. She contributes her roots in politics to living so close to the state Capitol.

“I got to meet with my representative and my senator in high school through Future Farmers of America, and that piqued my interest in politics,” Herbert said. “From there I decided to make it my major in college, and it’s been a great experience.”

Herbert hopes her time at the student congress will help her decide on a career in city management or public administration.