Introduced by Mills alum Congresswoman Barbara Lee, this year’s graduating senior class will be addressed by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood as the commencement speaker.
Underwood, a Democrat, represents Illinois’ 14th Congressional District. She got her master’s of public policy and master’s of science from John Hopkins University in nursing. Underwood was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, becoming the youngest Black woman to serve in Congress.
Underwood is a registered nurse and an advocate for affordable health care. She contributed to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and worked on the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. She was endorsed by former President Barack Obama, and has the most liberal voting record in the House of Representatives in the 116th U.S. Congress.
“We are honored to have Congresswoman Lauren Underwood — a staunch advocate for health care equity, public education, and economic opportunity — as our Commencement speaker this year. There is no doubt that her advocacy, determination and voice will inspire our graduates, their families and friends,” President Beth Hillman said in a press release.
