Now in her second semester at Wright College, Suzette Alvarado has yet to meet her classmates in-person. However, that hasn’t stopped the first-year political science student from finding a welcoming community at the school.
Suzette is president of the Feminists Unite club at Wright College, which meets every week over Zoom to discuss topics relevant to those who identify as female and beyond. From the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on Black and brown communities, to maintaining strong female friendships, the discussions are wide-ranging and informative for everyone involved.
That’s why Suzette and the rest of Feminists Unite are encouraging others to join the club and the conversation. With the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day being “Choose to Challenge,” they know that an inclusive world will require everyone to speak out against and challenge gender biases.
“If you believe in equality, Feminists Unite wants your voice at the table,” Suzette said.
Students at other City Colleges are also working to break down barriers and biases. For example, Renee King, a student at Truman College and immigrant from Jamaica, is motivated by the desire to set an example for her daughter that “women move mountains every day.”
Renee, who was recently named a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, says that we do a disservice to future generations if we don’t challenge gender inequalities. The near 4.0 GPA student with dreams of becoming a dentist refuses to be “bullied by glass ceilings.”
Additionally, Yoselin Serrano, a former student in Kennedy-King College’s Automotive Technology program, wants to change the stereotype that females don’t belong in the automotive field. She recognizes that it’s difficult for women to get into a profession where there’s a lack of female role models, and she’s determined to increase representation.
“My long-term goal is to start a non-profit that helps young women get involved in the science and automotive fields,” Yoselin said.
As we continue to recognize Women’s History Month and commit to challenge gender biases on International Women’s Day, it’s clear that these three women are paving the way towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
To learn more about Feminists Unite at Wright College, please email Club Advisor Tineka Scalzo: tscalzo@ccc.edu
