#YouBelongBoiseState
During the month of March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. From Harriet Tubman to suffragists and the 19th Amendment to Rosa Parks to Title IX to Kamala Harris, the strength and resilience of women have been on display since the dawn of time. In March 2022, many of the faculty and staff at Boise State University felt moved to convey that students, regardless of their demographics, are welcome in every discipline. The movement, #YouBelongBoiseState, was created by a faculty member in the School of Public Service to communicate with every student that they belong at Boise State University, no matter their lived experience or identity. If someone wants an education, wants to grow personally and professionally, and if they decide to pursue their goals at Boise State University, they belong.
I’m a proud faculty member at Boise State University and my research agenda and teaching philosophy center around diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. In March 2022, we celebrated Women’s History Month by proactively spotlighting women both inside and outside of the classroom.
Women in Sports and Entertainment
On March 1st, 2022, we hosted Boise actor/singer/songwriter Carnessalyn Hunt, guest lecturing social work students on the entertainment industry and mental health. Ms. Hunt spoke with students about her journey in the pursuit of happiness.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Caq-LDOL7wN/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 10th, 2022, we hosted Boise gymnast Olivia Woods and her mother, film-industry makeup artist Amanda Woods, guest lecturing social work students on gymnastics, mental health, and body positivity. Ms. Woods spoke with students about her experience meeting Simone Byles and Katelyn Ohashi at Boise State University, Ms. Byles is a national advocate for athlete mental health, and Ms. Ohashi is a national advocate for body positivity.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca8yEbSLoUK/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 16th, 2022, I spoke as a guest on the Mastery Minds Podcast, hosted by rising star Brianna Daniels. The topic of conversation was a strategically systematic approach to reverse-engineering success.
LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS3Fb9dPqjY
Women as First-Generation College Students
On March 5th, 2022, I presented to first-generation Boise State University students on ideological diversity and self-esteem during their retreat. I also spoke about strategies to overcome Imposter Syndrome, particularly among first-generation college students.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca-ZZwrvxut/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 8th, 2022, I presented to first-generation Boise State University students on college connecting to career connecting to capital. I prioritized reverse-engineering success by asking students to consider their long-term capital goals — to reverse-engineer their eventual career prospects — to reverse-engineer their present college experience.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3lOInLgwC/?utm_medium=copy_link
Women and the Inclusion of Ideological Diversity
On March 17th, 2022, we hosted Julie Feferman (Boise State University President of Network of Enlightened Women) and Darby O’Connor (Boise State University President of Turning Point USA) guest lecturing social work students on ideological diversity and false assumptions about race, religion, and gender. Ms. Feferman and Ms. O’Connor are both women from minority backgrounds, challenging the notion of ideological homogeneity.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbQd04pPU3f/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 31st, 2022, we hosted Emma Grimes (Boise State University Marketing Operations Coordinator and Vice President of Turning Point USA) guest lecturing social work students on the glass ceiling in women’s workforce participation. Ms. Grimes detailed her experience developing the concept of an ‘Awesome List’ to find her voice and author two books.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cby5nESuVMw/?utm_medium=copy_link
Timeless Women
On March 14th, 2022, I presented to North Junior High School & Boise High School students on the topic of self-esteem and friendship. This presentation has since been adopted by Boise Public Schools as part of their health curriculum. I’ll be meeting with public schools in Ontario, Nyssa, and Payette, OR as they have also expressed interest in adopting the presentation as part of their health curriculum.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbK2EeErCjr/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 18th, 2022, I presented at the Horseshoe Bend Senior Citizen Center on the topic of adding quality to the quantity of life. Nutrition, fitness, sleep, and stress were all discussed as holistic health and happiness components.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbV7zuQLTkb/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 21st, 2022, I presented at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators conference (NASPA 2022) on the topic of Boise State University students’ mental wellbeing. This research study indicates that outdoor recreation and participation in the Boise State University Living Learning Program can positively influence student mental health.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYPxzovluw/?utm_medium=copy_link
On March 29th, 2022, we hosted incoming Boise State University freshman and current Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School student Abigail Dufort, guest lecturing social work students on women’s reproductive mental health. Ms. Dufort plans to major in nursing at Boise State University.
LINK: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbteg7crteI/?utm_medium=copy_link
We can all be proactive in establishing a more diverse, inclusive, empowering environment at Boise State University. I consider it an honor to share my platform to empower voices included from a diversity of backgrounds. Although March is Women’s History Month, it’s important to recognize women throughout the year. #YouBelongBoiseState is not confined to the month of March, every month is a good month to celebrate #YouBelongBoiseState.
