Exploring both the universal and particular experiences of children and teenagers who came of age during a time of war, “That Mad Game” features 17 essays by authors from around the world, including up-and-coming Middle Eastern writers Qais Akbar Omar and Aria Minu-Sepehr. Omar’s memoir about growing up in Kabul, “A Fort of Nine Towers” (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), was released in April. “We Heard the Heavens Then” (Simon and Schuster), Minu-Sepehr’s memoir about growing up in Iran during the Revolution, was released in 2012.

Other writers include Elisabeth Breslav, who survived Holland’s Hunger Winter during World War II; Marnie Mueller, born to white parents in one of California’s Japanese internment camps; and Fito Avitia, who writes from the frontlines of the cartel war in Juárez, Mexico. Griffith’s essay “Symphony No. 1: In Memoriam Dresden, 1945” appears last in the collection.

In February, Griffith had the chance to meet fellow contributors at the Associated Writing Programs Conference in Boston, where he participated in a reading and discussion of the essays.

“That Mad Game” was compiled by J.L. Powers, editor of “Labor Pains and Birth Stories” and author of two young adult novels, most recently “This Thing Called the Future,” an alternative fantasy set in post-apartheid South Africa. Powers began collecting essays on children and war while pregnant with her first child.

“The experience was both painful and uplifting, not unlike giving birth,” Powers said according to Amazon. “The most memorable aspect of these essays is their stark portrayal of both survival and hope in the midst of incredible suffering.”

See the full list of Notable Books awardees here.

— Janika Carey

Class of 2013 Leadership Certificate students are Marie Elise-McGonigle (from left), Nicole Lee, A-Joo Kim, Whitney Waller, Lindsay Davis, Rachael Ashdown, Lauren Morgan, Natalie Dolan and Scarlett Reel. Not pictured are Christen Campbell, Julia Green, Victoria Litos and Samantha Schwartz.

On Saturday, Sweet Briar’s Leadership Certificate Program graduated its sixth class, ready to engage and influence the world community they will be part of.

Class of 2013 candidates receiving certificates were Rachael Ashdown, Christen Campbell, Lindsay Davis, Natalie Dolan, Julia Green, A-Joo Kim, Nicole Lee, Victoria Litos, Marie-Elise McGonigle, Lauren Morgan, Scarlett Reel, Samantha Schwartz and Whitney Waller.

Initiated in 2005, 66 students have completed the LCP curriculum, which is designed in three two-semester phases, leaving time for candidates to study abroad. The phases are progressive and combine theoretical and experiential learning. Students explore what leadership is, gain self-awareness, and develop concrete skills such as time management, organization and public speaking.

Emphasis is given to personal values, leadership styles, communication and ethical decision-making. Candidates also work with diverse groups, including external organizations, toward a common goal, and develop an awareness of contemporary and global issues.

“Throughout, there is a big focus on the experiential piece, because you can’t learn leadership by just talking about it,” says Joan Lucy, who has directed the program since 2006.

Unlike the College’s other courses of study that result in a certificate, this one is administered by and rooted in the co-curricular life office. The overarching idea is to help them understand how all of their activities outside the classroom — be it club participation, internships or work-study — complement what they learn in an academic setting by tying together the practical and the theoretical.

Candidates are required to identify 12 credit hours that are relevant to their leadership studies, “so they can draw connections to what they’re learning in the classroom and the things we’re doing,” Lucy says.

Getting involved on campus is a big reason many students sign up for the LCP. Sophomore Sarah Gray says just being in the program has opened doors.

“It’s amazing. I never thought that I would be approached by so many girls whom I respect so much to be on their committees and to be seen as a leader. I have been approached to join teams, apply for jobs, be [a] mentor, serve on committees and run for office,” she says.

Senior Lindsay Davis recognized the value of having leadership skills and the need to be able to assert herself in her chosen field of engineering. She used to shy away from leadership roles and any kind of public speaking.

“Now I feel that I can give a presentation at the drop of a hat,” she says.

The certificate also draws employers’ attention. At least two engineering firms asked Davis about it in interviews. But her biggest takeaway might be the change she has seen in herself — and what it implies for her future.

“I now know that the only thing keeping me from doing anything is trying,” Davis says. “I’ve learned that I would rather try and fail than never try at all. I believe that with my Sweet Briar education, along with my experience in the Leadership Certificate Program, I can do anything I aspire to.”

Learn more about the Leadership Certificate Program here.

— Jennifer McManamay

In addition to a sneak peak into the festival’s upcoming productions, the evening will include performances of beloved songs from Broadway hits such as “In the Heights,” “Jersey Boys,” “Gypsy,” “Follies” and many more.

Baum recently appeared in the international tour of “Cinderella” with Lea Salonga. This spring she directed “The Children’s Hour” at E.C. Glass High School.

Fitzgerald is a film director, playwright, screenwriter and actor whose work has been featured on HBO, at the Sundance Film Festival and on FX.

Millner was a New York-based actress and singer for 20 years. She is now the creative director at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville.

A portion of the concert’s proceeds will be designated to Endstation’s high school educational outreach. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students. For more information, visit endstationtheatre.org or call (434) 826-0391.

Endstation Theatre Company produces the Blue Ridge Summer Theatre Festival each summer in Central Virginia. This year’s festival includes William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” May 31 to July 7 and “Cymbeline” June 14 to July 21, as well as the musical “Violet” June 28 to July 14.

She is one of 15 advancement professionals chosen from a large pool of candidates.

“This honor is a wonderful recognition for the successful efforts of Sweet Briar to build a culture of philanthropy involving alumnae, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends of the College,” McCrory said.

“It’s a reflection of the outstanding efforts of alumnae and development staff and volunteers … I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the advancement profession — a profession that I am passionate about. It’s also a privilege to serve the CASE organization that has mentored me so well over my own career, and, through the commission, to interact with an extraordinary group of professionals, colleagues and friends.”

McCrory joined Sweet Briar College almost 13 years ago, holding a variety of development positions before becoming vice president in 2006. She previously worked in development at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and New England College. Beginning her career in advertising and public relations, McCrory earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern Methodist University and a master’s in English from UNC-Greensboro.

McCrory has volunteered for a number of organizations, including Girl Scouts of the USA, serving as a board chair, national delegate, cookie mom, fundraiser and speaker. In 2007, she received the Athena Award from the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her as a professional woman who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business profession, improves the quality of life for others in the community, and who helps other women realize their full leadership potential.

McCrory has been a speaker and workshop leader at various professional conferences, including the Virginia Community Colleges Chancellor’s Annual Planning Retreat, Virginia Senior Leadership Seminar for Women in Higher Education, CASE and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

— Janika Carey

The threatening weather was nothing for the Class of 2013, as senior class president Lauren Morgan noted in her remarks at the podium.

Among the many lessons she and her classmates shared during their four years together, she said, “We learned that we can survive whatever Mother Nature throws our way including snowstorms, earthquakes, derechos and seventeen-year cicadas.”

Human rights activist and historian Allida Black delivered the keynote, “The Courage to Lead,” at Sweet Briar’s 104th commencement ceremony.

Morgan began by speaking about how much change they have experienced — changes in friends, faculty coming and going, changing political and religious views, even their feelings for the College from day to day, she said, drawing a chuckle from the crowd.

“One thing that change always brings is the opportunity to learn,” Morgan said. “My mother gave me one piece of advice before first leaving for college. She told me, ‘Never let school get in the way of your education.’ That’s one thing Sweet Briar has given us, an education. Not just a liberal arts education, but it has given us some lessons on life.”

2013 Presidential Medal winner Elizabeth Hansbrough followed Morgan at the podium, after an introduction by President Jo Ellen Parker. In a fitting prelude to the keynote address, Hansbrough encouraged her classmates to use their education not only to serve others, but to be true to their own values. She pointed to first lady Eleanor Roosevelt as an example.

“[Roosevelt] once said, ‘Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this,’ ” Hansbrough said.

“ … Remember that you have the ability to think and make your own decisions, and much power lies within that ability. Don’t waste your power; you must use it to defend your beliefs and make change where you see necessary.”

To Hansbrough’s advice, human rights activist Allida Black would add don’t be afraid to make trouble. Black, a research professor of history and international affairs at George Washington University and executive editor of fdr4freedoms Digital Resource, gave the keynote address. She also is the founding editor and chair of the editorial advisory board for GWU’s Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project, whose mission is to preserve, teach and apply Roosevelt’s writing and discussions of human rights and democratic parties.

Black set the tone for a rousing speech by asking the Class of 2013 to rise to their feet and scream at the top of their lungs. She wanted them to be heard.

Members of the Class of 2013 make their voices heard during commencement.

She acknowledged the role of parents and faculty in getting them ready to face the world, then turned to shake President Parker’s hand.

“Jo Ellen — Madame President, a title I hope to hear soon in a different arena — thank you for your work. Because if women don’t lead, we are in trouble,” Black said, with a gusto not often seen on such occasions.

Women lead every day in their professions and family life, she said, but that’s not enough. Women need to work hand-in-hand with men to set public policy, and build humane businesses and the kind of world community we aspire to.

Turning to the theme of change, she told her audience to embrace it, noting most people will have three distinct careers in their lifetimes. She never thought she’d go from running a rape crisis center to small-business owner to historian to working with human rights leaders around the world. Change requires risk-taking, but Black said they should draw courage from those who came before them, as she is inspired daily by Eleanor Roosevelt.

“She has taken me into the world to meet people that I never would have met and into arenas that I never imagined — like flying in a fifty-year-old Soviet aircraft whose radar was not really effective, landing in Roberts Airport in Monrovia [Liberia] at the end of the civil war, praying with every fiber of my being that in fact the landing gear would work,” she said. “You know, my sphincter muscles were working overtime.”

She found herself in that situation because other women who were her teachers and mentors encouraged her to take risks and that it’s OK to fail.

Nicole Lee is happy to have her diploma.

“What’s bad is not trying,” she said. “We need you to take these risks because you will be our doctors, our lawyers, our business leaders, our teachers, our community leaders, our international representatives, our artists, our performers, our reporters. Without you, we are toast.”

Black asked the graduates to think about the thing they really want to do and then what about the job scares them. “And then I want your joy to stamp out that anxiety, because it’s OK to doubt but it’s not OK to stop. … I cannot say enough that the world is in your hands.”

She said if she could impart just one thing, it is to know the power of the human spirit — because it shows us what a gift courage is and what a difference it makes. She left the graduates with a charge.

“The world can be thrilling and terrifying. No matter how many friends you have, you ultimately face it alone. You are stronger and smarter and braver than you think. Don’t be afraid. Fear will shrink your heart,” she said.

“Tackle injustice and selfishness with a boldness you didn’t know you had. It will swell your soul, bring remarkable people into your family, and show you how indescribably magical the human spirit can be.”

Following the presentation of the candidates’ diplomas and award announcements by President Parker and dean of the faculty Amy Jessen-Marshall, Alumnae Association president Mollie Nelson ’64 was invited to the podium. She implored the graduates — no longer alumnae-in-training but after today the “real McCoy” — to stay involved, support the College and, above all, visit often.

“Driving up the driveway is better than Prozac, I promise you,” she said.

Parker brought the occasion to a close with her own charge to her “classmates” of 2013 — they arrived at Sweet Briar in her inaugural year four years ago.

Observing that a liberal education might better be called a “liberating” education because it frees the human intellect, she charged them to use it to improve the others’ lives.

“Use your influence to uphold the freedoms of speech and worship for others — especially those with whom you disagree. Use your talents and skills, your professional and civic activities, to free others from want and fear. Let your work, and your example, demonstrate the liberating power of education not only for individuals, but also for communities and nations.”

— Jennifer McManamay

The Penelope Lane Czarra Award was established by Edgar F. Czarra Jr., father of Penelope Lane Czarra of the Class of 1975. The award honors the senior or seniors who best combine scholastic achievement, student leadership and effective contributions to the improvement of the quality of student life at Sweet Briar. The recipient for the Class of 2013 is Katherine Margaret Macklin.

In honor of Dr. Connie M. Guion, Mr. and Mr. J. Wilson Newman and their daughters, Clair Newman Blanchard ’60, and Mildred Newman Thayer ’61, established an award given to a member of the graduating class for her excellence as a human being and as a member of the College. The recipient of the Connie M. Guion Award for the Class of 2013 is Elizabeth Leigh Begej.

The Walker Family Award honors a senior or seniors with high scholastic standing, a cheerful, positive disposition, and who show warmth, generosity and humility. This year’s recipient is Jessica Faye Murphy.

The family of Professor Judith Molinar Elkins established a prize in her name to recognize the outstanding achievements of a senior majoring in the mathematical, physical, environmental or biological sciences who has actively participated in the College community and demonstrated the ideals and dedication to learning exemplified by the life of Professor Elkins. The Judith Molinar Elkins Prize went to Alison Michele Lifka.

Each year, the College recognizes academic achievement by conferring upon the highest-ranking member of each class the honorary title of Emilie Watts McVea Scholar. In addition, the National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta sends to each chapter a book to be awarded to the graduating Alpha Lambda Delta member who has the highest GPA. The recipient of both awards for the Class of 2013 is Katie Jane Bitting.

Among the selected students are rising juniors Ashley Baker and Fumin Li, who just completed Pannell Scholarships, as well as Dolores Gallagher, Moriah Donaldson and Amy Kvien; rising seniors Kaitlyn Cartwright, Rebecca Dalley, Anna Donko, Katlyn Fleming and Lilian Tauber; and soon-to-be graduate Jennifer Gray.

“This is a bigger group of students than we have had in a while,” said Julie Hemstreet, who organizes the program. “We also had a bigger and much more competitive pool of applicants than we have had in many years.”

Under the supervision of a faculty member, each student will conduct independent research on a topic of her choice. The eight-week, on-campus program offers participants a exceptional academic experience by providing the opportunity for intensely focused research, a one-on-one working relationship with a faculty mentor, and weekly meetings and presentations by both professors and students highlighting their ongoing research.

For more information about the program, email jhemstreet@sbc.edu.

Projects:

Ashley Baker ’15
Faculty sponsor: Rob Granger (Chemistry)
With an understanding of photosynthesis, Baker will replicate it using organometallic catalysts (molecules that contain both carbon and metal atoms).

Kaitlyn Cartwright ’14
Faculty sponsor: Abraham Yousef (Chemistry)
An important aspect of anticancer research is the development of compounds that possess selectivity to cancer cells and the ability to avoid resistance from cancer cells. Cartwright will synthesize a novel organic compound containing a phenanthroline scaffold that will allow for binding to platinum and a 3(2H)-furanone core. The compound will later be tested against various cancer cells, both with and without platinum. The project will serve as the beginning of her Honors thesis work.

Katlyn Fleming ’14
Faculty sponsor: Abraham Yousef (Chemistry)
Fleming’s research project involves a novel organic compound containing a phenanthroline scaffold designed to bind to platinum. While platinum-containing compounds are known to be effective against cancer cells, not all compounds are equally effective, and some cancer cells can develop resistance to currently known drugs. The target compound will be synthesized this summer and later tested against various cancer cells, both with and without platinum. Fleming will continue her research in her senior Honors thesis.

Rebecca Dalley ’14
Faculty sponsor: Janet Steven (Biology)
Using clonal growth in plants, Dalley will investigate the age of interrupted ferns (Osmunda claytoniana L.). Interrupted fern rhizomes grow at a slow rate of about a quarter inch per year. With the use of DNA markers and measurements taken during sampling, Dalley will determine the approximate age and illuminate the history of the current forest undergrowth.

Moriah Donaldson ’15
Faculty sponsor: Scott Pierce (Engineering)
Donaldson’s project aims to help develop a new treatment for phantom limb pain, a syndrome affecting 80 percent of amputees. She’ll create a realistic, computer-based simulation of hands as they perform grasping and pointing motions. Her two main goals are constructing a complete kinematic model of a hand in motion, and using a solid modeling library to create dimensionally correct models.

Anna Donko ’14
Faculty sponsor: Pamela DeWeese (Modern languages and literatures)
Through her research, Donko aims to demonstrate how Ramón del Valle-Inclán’s theatrical concept of “Esperpento” molded his creation of the fictitious, dictatorial world in his masterpiece, “Tirano Banderas,” a novel depicting the fall of a cruel South American dictator.

Fumin Li ’15
Faculty sponsor: Bethany Brinkman (Engineering)
Using AutoCAD, Li will create a virtual model of Sweet Briar House that people can visit online.

Dolores Gallagher ’15
Faculty sponsor: Bryce Walker (Classics, philosophy and religion)
During her project, Gallagher will study medicine in ancient Greece, particularly its relationship to Greek culture. She will also look at the Hippocratic oath and its influence on doctors at the time and today.

Jennifer Gray ’13
Faculty sponsors: Lynn Laufenberg (History) and Eric Casey (Classics)
Through a comparative historical study, Gray hopes to understand how the perception of women with political power evolved between the 5th century B.C. and the 6th century A.D.

Amy Kvien ’15
Faculty sponsor: Sherry Forbes (Economics)
Kvien’s research project seeks to understand the effect of the recent financial regulations in response to the Great Recession on the structure of the financial services industry.

Lilian Tauber ’14
Faculty sponsor: Lynn Laufenberg (History)
In her research, Tauber will investigate the Arab Spring and its impact on the emergence or expansion of political and human rights in the countries involved. Among other things, she will explore whether U.S. interests in the region have had an impact on this process. Tauber hopes to shed light on it through a comparative, historical investigation into discernible U.S. influence in two case studies (Egypt and Morocco), focusing on the integration of political rights into government institutions in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Professor Horwege welcomes Suri Xia ’15 (left) and Olivia Fagan ’15 as the newest members of Delta Phi Alpha.

On Tuesday, May 7, Sweet Briar College’s Lambda Eta Chapter of the Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society initiated two new members. The ceremony took place during a dinner at Main Street Eatery in Lynchburg.

The society welcomed sophomores Suri Xia and Olivia Fagan. Professor of German Ronald Horwege conducted the ceremony, which was also attended by John Reynolds, national secretary-treasurer of Delta Phi Alpha, as well as Alyssa Sarminento ’15 and Sixtine Abrial ’15, who were initiated last year, Stacey Karmen ’15, German assistant Carola Haese and Horwege’s wife, Sandra.

Delta Phi Alpha was founded at Wofford College in 1927 and now has more than 236 chapters throughout the United States. Sweet Briar College received its charter in 2001. Professor Horwege is presently serving as national president of the society.

The purpose of the society is stated in its charter: “The National German Honor Society, Delta Phi Alpha, seeks to recognize excellence in the study of German and to provide an incentive for higher scholarship. The Society aims to promote the study of the German language, literature and civilization and endeavors to emphasize those aspects of German life and culture which are of universal value and which contribute to man’s eternal search for peace and truth.”

Alyson Booth ’13 on her horse Dom, who spent three years at Sweet Briar. “I like to think he has earned his undergrad degree also,” says mom Debbie.

“Alyson has gained so much from her time at Sweet Briar, it feels right to give back and make sure that Sweet Briar can continue to provide students competitive programs and resources,” says Bill, who made a career in point-of-sales marketing and retired after working for Coinstar during its startup phase. “[She] has benefited from the generosity of those who came before her, so getting involved and contributing to the Annual Fund is our way of giving back.”

This month, Alyson is graduating with a B.S. in biology and a minor in chemistry. She’s already been accepted to the veterinary program at Ohio State University, where she’ll start in the fall.

Alyson’s journey began during her junior year in high school. As a participant in the College Bound riding program in Gainesville, Fla., she met Sweet Briar riding director Mimi Wroten, who told her everything about the College’s equestrian program. After a campus visit, Alyson was ready to disqualify all other colleges from her wish list.

“Alyson’s passion is horses,” Debbie says, adding that her daughter has been riding since she enrolled her in a spring break riding camp in elementary school.

“When it came time to choose a college, she wanted to attend a school that would provide her the opportunity to continue riding.”

Sweet Briar was the only school Alyson applied to — despite her initial aversion to the idea of attending a women’s college.

“I remember suggesting Sweet Briar to her when she was a sophomore in high school,” says Bill, who had visited the campus when he was a student at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania.

Natalie (left), Bill, Alyson and Debbie Booth at Alyson’s high school graduation.

“I had a fraternity brother whose girlfriend attended Sweet Briar. They got in a fight and he convinced me to ride with him to visit her over a weekend. … If someone had said to me back then, ‘Someday, you will have a daughter and she will attend Sweet Briar with her horse,’ I would have told them they were crazy.”

While growing up just 30 miles apart in the Pittsburgh area, the Booths didn’t meet until they were both working for the same supermarket vendor, but in different cities. A corporate training program in California brought them together.

Two children and many years later, Debbie continues to work in marketing, now for the personalized digital media company Catalina, where she has been for 19 years. Last summer, Becca Davidson ’13 interned at Catalina and stayed with the Booths while Alyson was away with “Vets in the Wild” in South Africa.

“We had done this once before with a UVa student who was a friend of Aly’s sister Natalie, so we were totally open to doing it again when one of Aly’s friends expressed an interest in exploring a career in human resources,” Debbie says. “Aly suggested she reach out to me. After speaking with her, I encouraged her to send me her resume and I sponsored her candidacy for the Catalina Summer Internship Program. When she was accepted, we invited her to stay with us for the summer.”

Debbie hopes more parents will open their homes — and internship opportunities — to Sweet Briar students.

“Many parents may be able to offer a similar opportunity and just have not thought about it. It’s a rewarding experience for the student and for the host family.”

Alyson, in turn, has benefited from the generosity of many Sweet Briar parents in Virginia, who took her in during holidays when she couldn’t make it home.

To Debbie, “that says a lot about the SBC parent community.”

Through their involvement on the Parent Steering Committee, the Booths have connected with many other Sweet Briar families, and every time, they find a lot in common.

“In all my encounters, the parents have shared similar, positive SBC experiences and consistently place a deep value on the women’s college education and experience,” Debbie says.

Alyson during the “Vets in the Wild” program in South Africa last summer.

Both Bill and Debbie know that Sweet Briar was the right choice for Alyson.

“The family atmosphere, the collaboration and support of the professors and the support of alumnae are all examples of what makes Sweet Briar such a special place,” Debbie explains. “Aly was appropriately challenged and supported by professors [who] believed in her and provided her strong advice and guidance.”

They’re especially grateful for the many opportunities Alyson was offered in preparation for vet school. The summer between her freshman and sophomore years, she interned at a Sweet Briar alumna’s small animal practice in the Lynchburg area, and her pre-vet and senior research advisor, biology professor John Morrissey, encouraged her to participate in the “Vets in the Wild” program. Each opportunity has brought Alyson one step closer to fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian.

For as long as the Booths can remember, “Aly was bound and determined to get into vet school,” Debbie says. “She was accepted at five schools — three abroad and two in the U.S. … We are thrilled and truly blessed.”

But it’s not just about academics. Alyson has grown on a personal level, as well, something Bill is keenly aware of.

“Alyson has flourished. Her self-confidence has grown, she has a deeper understanding of who she is; she is more independent, she speaks up. She’s developed gumption. She has also has taken [the] initiative to try new things, such as participating in cross country. I have seen her become a leader rather than a follower.

“Last but not least, she has developed deep friendships that will last forever.”

Alyson, for her part, is glad she made the choice to attend Sweet Briar. That her parents have been there to support her every step of the way means a lot, she says.

“It was important to me because they got to be a part of my college experience in positive ways, other than just helping me pay for school.”

— Janika Carey

“I am proud to represent our state on the Republican National Committee and look forward to working with all of the members,” she said in a press release by the Maryland Republican Party.

“Thank you for the support and trust of the Maryland Republican State Central Committee. It is going to take the same energy and passion our members showed this election as we take on the Democrats for the 2014 elections. I plan to lead the efforts to improve our grassroots organization, raise money to support our candidates and communicate our vision directly with the voters.”

Waterman was elected to the Republican Central Committee of Queen Anne’s County in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, serving as a member, treasurer, vice chairman and chairman. She has also served on several committees for the Maryland Republican Party, including Credentials, Resolutions, Voter Registration, Chairman’s Ad Hoc Voting Committee and Bylaws.

Prior to her election as first vice chair of the Maryland Republican Party, Waterman served on the National Federation of Republican Women’s Membership Committee. She was elected first vice president of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW), having served previously as a regional chair and club president for the federation. She remains active on the MFRW.