Jeanne Shaheen has spent thirty years in politics. Now her job is to nurture a new generation of leaders.

Question: Beyond a simple title, how would you describe what you do for a living?

Jeanne Shaheen: Well I would describe myself as a politician. That certainly has been my experience for the last 30 years. And even now I’m currently the Director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard; I still view my work as political. It’s got a little different direction to it now because our mission is to engage young people in politics and public service. And so what I’m really trying to do these days is to inspire young people about the importance of getting involved in politics, and about giving back. We’re carrying on the Kennedy legacy of trying to engage this young generation in giving back to the country and the world through public service.

Recorded on: 6/13/07