First-Year to Fraternity Founder: An Undergraduate’s Leadership Path

Taylor Lefkowitz, a public policy analysis major, leads the way in two new student initiatives at the Glenn College.

She shares her experience pursuing research as an undergraduate student and serving as the inaugural president of Kappa Omega Alpha, a co-ed public policy professional fraternity.

When I came into college, I knew I wanted to study public policy, but public policy is an emerging major at most universities. The Glenn College, however, had a legacy of producing public servants and the support system, such as advisors, faculty and organizations, to continue producing workforce-ready students. When I met my freshman year roommate and other students on Go Glenn Day, I knew the people interested in the program aligned with my goals. We all are driven and want to make a difference in our communities, and that passion resonated with me.

My passion is in housing policy and economic development. I worked for a woman running for state representative in downtown St. Louis whose formal job was in affordable housing development. From her I learned about how vacancy can ruin an area, how young homeowners are vital for a thriving community, how food deserts can cause many other issues such as obesity, and how small businesses build a socially active community as well as a thriving economy.

That is why I joined the International City Manager’s Association and why I decided to join Professor Stephanie Moulton’s Power of Home research team.

I always wanted to do research as an undergraduate student to explore avenues of how to get involved in policymaking while still in school. I was initially introduced to Professor Moulton’s project by a peer a year ahead of me who was on the research team. We discussed our passions for housing policy, and she knew there was an opening on the Power of Home team. After meeting Professor Moulton and sharing our passions, I knew this was the team for me. From this experience I hope to gain an understanding of budgeting and the grant and loan processes and experience in community outreach and Excel.

Besides the availability of research in the Glenn College, my advisors, my professors and the classes offered set me up for success. My advisors are always available for me, whether in the office or through email. 

Most of my professors have experience working in their field in various capacities, which enables them to relate class material to the real world and help foster professional connections. My professors are also very passionate about their roles, as they often teach classes related to their prior experiences, which enhances the impact of the classes. The classes offered are broad and let me explore my passions, as I never feel limited or trapped to one policy area, which is great for me as I continue to explore all aspects of policy.

Exploring all aspects of policy and making connections with others in the college are part of the reason I and the other founders started Kappa Omega Alpha (KOA), a co-ed public policy professional fraternity.

In the short term I want to foster a community among all those passionate about policy and making a difference, both inside and outside of the Glenn College. KOA will do this through fostering professional connections, holding professional workshops, inviting speakers, participating in community service and holding brotherhood events.

Part of my college journey started with the John Glenn Civic Leadership Community, where I lived on a floor with people who were also interested in policy, and we took a class together. Through the John Glenn Civic Leadership Community, I toured Moritz College of Law, which influenced my decision to partake in the new Law and Public Policy Minor. As a community, we also toured the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Legislature and engaged in social activities, which was vital to my character development and my ability to feel comfortable at The Ohio State University as an out-of-state student.

As a freshman I was the program manager for the John Glenn Civic Leadership Council, which allowed me to grow as a professional and set the foundation for KOA and my bid for presidency. We hosted a law panel, social events and service events. I got to work on a team with those older than me and learned a lot from my peers during my time on the council.

My experiences during freshman year laid the groundwork for my 2025 summer experience, where I started as a field associate on a campaign for the 8th ward alderman for St. Louis and then got promoted to communications director due to my communication and organizational skills and professionalism.

Read the latest edition of Public Address, the Glenn College magazine.