J.C. Watts INSIGHT Launch Reception

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., The Honorable J.C. Watts Jr. (INSIGHT Honorary Chairman) was joined by 9 Members of Congress, and over 300 other supporters and notable attendees at the Inaugural Launch Reception for INSIGHT America. The event was held at the Heritage Foundation’s Allison Foyer.

Congressman Watts articulated his vision for a Congress that reflects the multi-faceted diversity of our nation. ” The INSIGHT launch is the culmination of several years of work by a diverse and dedicated group of people focused on making our nation better by ensuring every community is fully engaged in the legislative process. Through investments in internships, professional development, policy discussions, and networking INSIGHT will ensure today’s communities are positioned to positively impact tomorrow’s America.”

Congressman Watts also announced INSIGHT’s first policy discussion. The event will be hosted by Senator Rob Portman and held in Senate Russell Building Room 332 at 11:00am on March 19, 2013. The discussion will center on re-authorization for the Second Chance Act and strategies to decrease recidivism.

During the reception, Congressman Watts acknowledged the presence of Dr. Mirta Martin, Dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University. The Robert F. Lewis School at Virginia State University was the first of many schools to contact INSIGHT regarding the internship program.

Other attendees included The Honorable Tom Coburn (R-OK), The Honorable Tim Scott (R-SC), The Honorable Spencer Bachus (R-AL), Heritage Foundation President-Elect The Honorable Jim Demint, Chairman National Minority Technology Council – Karl Cureton.

Members of Congress in Attendance:

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) Congressman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) Congressman Scott Rigell (R-VA) Congressman James Lankford (R-OK)

Other Notable Attendees:

Heritage Foundation President-Elect: The Honorable Jim DeMint Heritage Foundation Board of Directors Member: Kay Cole James Dean Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University: Dr. Mirta Martin Virginia State University: Mario White Morehouse College: Denise Moore United Negro College Fund: Meta Williams RNC Co-Chair: Sharon Day Chairman, National Minority Technology Council: Karl Cureton CEO/Founder, Gryphn: Navroop Mitter CEO/Founder, Discourse Analytics: Lou Aronson CEO/Founder, Michelle In Training: Kat Calvin Black Republican Congressional Staff Association: Ja’Ron Smith Hispanic Conservative Staff: Wadi Gaitan Asian Pacific Islander Congressional Staff: Tessie Abraham Hispanic Leadership Network: Emily Benavides Conservative Inclusion Coalition: Suhail Khan

L to R: Meta Williams (United Negro College Fund), The Honorable J.C. Watts, Jr., Mirta Martin (Reginald F. Lewis School of Business: Virginia State University), Kay Coles James (Heritage Foundation Board of Directors), Elroy Sailor (INSIGHT Co-Founder)

For more information about INSIGHT please connect on Twitter: @INSIGHT_America on the website: www.INSIGHT-America.org on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/boldinsights

INSIGHT (@INSIGHT_America) exists to empower communities through equipping a diverse group of young professionals with the training, contacts, and awareness needed to succeed in the public policy space.

### ADVISORY: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) will host INSIGHT’s first policy forum. The event will be held March 19, 2013 in the Senate Russell Office Building Room 332 (SR332). The discussion will center around re-authorization of the Second Chance Act and opportunities to empower communities and increase public safety through decreasing recidivism. The press should RSVP to INSIGHT Executive Director, Brandon Andrews, (703-665-9226).