By Kyle Huff/reporter
A club called Women in Power is one of the newest additions and one of the first female groups to hit TR Campus.
Club president Cortney Walden said the idea of starting this club came to her when she realized that TR Campus had several programs for men and even coed groups but not a group that was specifically driven toward the aid of women.
“I spoke to other people before I started this group to get an idea of what someone would want out of this kind of group,” she said. “They said they wanted mentoring, leadership and encouragement because they want to have support in their lives.”
The club is looking forward to tackling many tasks in the near future, but the first item on the agenda is its Labels Project.
The project will bring awareness to the inequality everyone faces on a day-to-day basis. The first part of the project involves gathering pictures and stories regarding traumatic labels society has given people throughout their lives. The pictures, bearing the labels attached to them, will then be broadcast on all of the electronic signs that run along the road in front of the campus as well as put on YouTube.
“I was inspired to do this idea because Ohio State University did a campaign to bullying last year where all of the members had to wear derogatory labels all over their bodies,” she said.
Another task the group is working on are the “Women in Power” workshops.
The workshops will offer different personalities and ways of thinking from current members, faculty and community leaders who will make regular appearances to speak and guide those needing advice.
Though the group is in its infancy, it has already acquired three TR mentors: Demesia Razo, student support coordinator; Stevie Blakely, academic success coordinator and the group sponsor; and Mayra Olivares-Urueta, student development services director.
“The reason I chose those specific women is because, at one point or another, they have given me positive advice and encouragement,” Walden said. “The goal is for our members to make connections with these positive role models, so, if needed, they can return to them for help and support.”
The group is trying to diversify and bring as much knowledge as possible to the mentorship, said member Oliver Lewis. Many people have already been through some of the hardest times and found a way to make themselves successful, Lewis said.
“I would like to learn from the historical women in power,” Lewis said.
Though the group has made strides with the plans and people they have, the group was further asked to come up with more ideas and ways to improve upon their future.
Though the name of the group is “Women in Power,” the group is open to men and women.
“My expectations for the group is to inspire women to be more than just another fish in the pond, regardless of if the inspiration is coming from a man or woman,” member Aney Leos said.
