Ferris State Bulldogs, gear up for some fresh vibes as a new student organization comes to campus providing new opportunities for women of color and leadership.
Integrative studies senior Taylor Spidell and the Dean of Student Life Lina Blair threw an event to support student leadership for Black women. When more than 30 students attended, Spidell knew it could be more than just a one-time thing. Because of the event turnout, Black Women Student Leadership became Ferris’ newest registered student organization.
As Spidell is a very active member on campus, she created this RSO in hopes that it would give Black women a space on campus to feel comfortable and to express their interest in leadership.
“It was a matter of creating a space for Black women as a whole because [we] are a minority,” Spidell said. “We are able to get together to work and to collaborate.”
Even though the organization is still new, there are already over 20 members attending the mandated weekly meetings.
“It’s exciting with how many members we have. I look forward to working with everyone and learning from everyone in the future.” Spidell said. “I don’t have an exact plan on how to grow the group, but I do hope that it continues to expand.”
One of the members, Psychology sophomore Iyonna Hester joined the RSO because she wants to involve herself with her community, meet new people and hopefully get out of her shell.
“I stand with the mission statement, an organization of Black women leaders,” Hester said. “To me, that’s power. If this is executed properly, it will have a huge impact on campus.”
Psychology senior Rayona Charles is the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance’s internal community chair. She is now also the community chair of the Black Women Student Leadership organization.
“You don’t have to feel pressured in this group,” Charles said. “I think being with others who are like you brings a sense of comfort and that’s the best thing that’s going to come from this group.”
Despite Ferris already offering over 200 organizations, Charles believes that this RSO offers something unique to campus.
“It’s on a smaller scale compared to other RSOs, but we have the same big ideas,” Charles said. “We want to be a place where everybody is welcomed. [Somewhere] that is drama-free and where women can come and be supported.”
Everyone throughout the organization has high expectations for the group and is excited to see what can come of the new Black Women Student Leadership organization.
The group meets every Thursday in the David L. Eisler Center at 6 p.m. Look out for future posts about the new organization on their Instagram page, @blackwsleadership.