Welcome to Political Science

Jaida Barrows

Political Science major Jaida Barrows is a passionate and skilled disability rights advocate, with a special interest in policymaking. 

A creative leader in the classroom, Barrows often steps outside her comfort zone and helps steer class discussions in important and interesting directions. 

“Jaida has demonstrated a unique ability to connect class concepts to the ‘real world’ of politics and public policy,” writes Associate Professor of Political Science Cathy Wineinger.

Outside the classroom, Barrows served as an intern with the Washington State Legislature. She’s also a member of Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, and works at the Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (DO-IT) Center at the University of Washington. 

For her Honors College thesis, Barrows shared her knowledge and experience by creating an innovative high school civics class to give students a deeper understanding of the Washington State Legislature, and tools to engage with lawmakers. 

The year-long thesis project was the most rewarding part of her experience at Western, Barrows says, because she was able to work closely with Wineinger. “And I’ve combined my passions for advocacy and education into one.” 

Barrows has been accepted into the Master’s in Public Administration Program at UW; whatever her future holds, faculty expect Barrows will be driven by a passion for disability justice and service to others.