Ashley Judd Instagram – I’m honored, and wow, it is so much fun!!!!
to return to my (second, University of Kentucky having been first) academic home, Harvard Kennedy School.
I am a Senior Fellow with the Women and Public Policy Program! Wahoo, lookout!
In 2009, I thought I would do my Master’s somewhere else, when a professor who knew my international work well asked, “Why aren’t you going to Harvard?”
Totally shocked, I replied, “Why am I not putting a rocket ship up my rear end and going to the moon?” I didn’t recognize myself as “Harvard material.”
I soon reviewed the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Women & Public Policy Program website.I actually wept.
“These are my people.”
I began to feel confident that the expertise of my lived experience births a perspective and wisdom, combined with academic learning and being with folks from all over the planet, that means I have something unique and valuable to offer.
So.
It’s okay to be smart.
It’s okay to care.
It’s okay to be human.
It’s okay not to know,
and
to ask someone how to do things,
free from feeling shame or guilt.
(Like how to use my new email
or the shared folder with class readings! 🤔🤷🏻♀️)
I will guest lecture in a few classes around campus, attend so many neat things (such as with Hon Mr Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji, pictured here, President of the International Criminal Court), goof off, and ask really hard questions it seems many won’t dare to ask!
Thanks for coming along!
Love,
Ashley
@harvardkennedyschool | Posted on 08/Oct/2025 03:16:42
