Temple University is an institution with countless organizations, all serving a unique purpose. Some clubs work to further your career, some share a similar interest in music, and others engage with the community. For sophomore communication studies major Mariam Elias-Danjuma, her organization serves women who attend Temple University.
“We really just want to give women the tools to be able to go out and be leaders,” said Elias-Danjuma.
Girls Who Lead stems from a mother organization called Her Rising Initiative. Underneath this umbrella label, Girls Who Lead chapters have spread across college campuses throughout the country and the world. Their mission is to empower the next generation of women leaders, something President Elias-Danjuma takes very seriously.
“Being a girl who leads doesn’t mean just like me individually, even just being president,” said Elias-Danjuma. “We all work together, and we work hand in hand with everything that we do. And it’s just so amazing.”
Girls Who Lead holds general body meetings, professional workshops, and volunteer opportunities, all to push their attendees to become better leaders. Recently, the organization had Philadelphia House Speaker Joanna McClinton speak at one of their meetings. The involvement of different fields of interest represents the multifaceted nature of the general body of Girls Who Lead.
“We really just want to empower women in all business sectors,” said Elias-Danjuma. “I know we kind of focus on policy sometimes, but we also go into education and health and media and the arts.”
And while the organization only got its start this year, sophomore social media director Erin Ingram says she’s already seen the impact the organization has made on her. Being a member of Girls Who Lead has placed her in situations where she might not feel comfortable, but the organization has given her newfound confidence.
“During TempleFest, we weren’t allowed to get a table, so we had to hand out flyers to people,” said Ingram. “That definitely helped me with my confidence as a very reserved person.”
Ingram majors in health professions, a field where science takes the forefront over creativity. She says Girls Who Lead gives her an opportunity to balance her passion with the professionalism of her career.
“Health professions are just like science and a narrow space,” said Ingram. “Girls Who Lead made me step into my creative side. And it just made me feel more comfortable adding my own twist on things.”
Now, having built their own community, Girls Who Lead looks to impact those around them.
“It is beyond an organization. It’s beyond a club. It’s truly a movement. That’s how I see it,” said Elias-Danjuma. “We’re going out, we’re impacting our community, and we’re letting our community impact us in such an amazing way.”