A 麻豆短视频传媒 student organization recently explored the power of representation during a virtual event featuring two women administrators on campus. Sisters Improving Statistics (S.I.S.) hosted the event entitled, 鈥淢y VP Looks Like Me.鈥�
Dr. Pernella Deams, interim vice president for Student Engagement and Campus Life, and Clara Ross Stamps, senior vice president for Brand Identity and University Relations, were the featured speakers for the event. Bayleigh Oliver, a sophomore from Detroit, Michigan and event coordinator of S.I.S., served as the moderator.
鈥淲e felt as though in this point of time, having a woman of color become the vice president of this country is an enormous accomplishment,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淪eeing a woman that looks like us hold that high of a position in the presidential office motivates us and lets us know we can succeed even when society doesn't want to see us succeed.鈥�
Deams and Stamps explored topics such as who do you look up to for inspiration, how do you keep a team motivated despite obstacles, what do you think are the most important attributes successful leaders have, how has having a Black woman in the White House impacted younger Black women, and how have you used your position to influence others.
One message about supporting other women, whether they know it or not, stood out to Oliver.
鈥淪VP Stamps spoke one quote that really stuck with me,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淭his quote was 鈥楤lack girl magic over Black girl mess.鈥� This is still in my mind almost a week later.鈥�
Both panelists discussed risks they have taken in their careers. Deams said living away from her family to pursue career goals was considered a risk and something she received criticism for, despite full support from her family.
鈥淢y family was fine, but it was scary for other people,鈥� Deams said. 鈥淭he noise going on, I dealt with a lot of that. My end result has me where I am now.鈥�
Stamps said she encouraged someone seeking a leadership position to get a mentor and a personal board of directors, people who can say, 鈥淵ou鈥檙e wrong, you need to rethink that.鈥�
鈥淚f you can鈥檛 admit you鈥檙e wrong and listen to others, leadership is not a space you should occupy,鈥� Stamps said.
Oliver said the event meant a lot to her.
鈥淩epresentation is everything,鈥� Oliver said. 鈥淏eing able to see someone who looks like you achieve this high of a position is very empowering.鈥�
Oliver said Sisters Improving Statistics is an organization that was founded on providing young women guidance, advice, networking opportunities and a lifelong sisterhood with other women.