‘It comes down to respect and respect of women as equals’
Samantha Van Kooy, philanthropy chair for the South Jersey chapter of American Association of Women in Community Colleges, highlights the organization’s determination to create equal opportunity for all.
Rowan College at Gloucester County became the first South Jersey chapter of American Association of Women in Community Colleges in 2012. At the same time, Samantha Van Kooy, executive director of student engagement, was just starting her position at the college when she was invited to join the organization. She is now the chair of the philanthropy committee, committed to giving back to students and providing them with opportunities and resources to succeed.
The AAWCC is an organization that focuses on empowering women in leadership positions in community colleges. It encompasses four sections — philanthropy, scholarship, leadership and mentorship. Students, faculty and staff are all invited to become members, work together and learn from each other.
“It’s been a benefit to get to know other women on campus who are in different leadership areas that I normally wouldn’t have contact with,” Van Kooy said. “It increases the camaraderie among women at this college, from all different backgrounds, that we all are working together for a common goal of supporting students on campus.”
Although the organization is primarily focused on the leadership and empowerment of women, there are men involved with the group who support the goals and achievements of the females who surround them.
“At the end of the day, it comes down to respect and respect of women as equals,” Van Kooy said. “When men join these types of organizations that are women’s empowerment groups, or leadership groups, they are showing that we’re on a level playing field with them and we are equals. I think it’s important for men to get involved with women’s empowerment because it shows that they know women are not perceived as equal in many parts of our society.”
In the fall semester, Van Kooy and the AAWCC launched a food pantry for students on campus called Roadrunners Refuel, a free and confidential amenity that provides students with grab-and-go food and snacks.
“We had noticed there was a need on campus through advisors and faculty that we had a lot of students coming to campus hungry,” Van Kooy said. “Upon further researching that trend on a national level, we found there are a lot of colleges establishing food pantries on campus to serve their students.”
Throughout the year, the organization coordinates fundraisers and charitable acts to give back to students, faculty, staff and the community.
“I think that while we’ve made so many strides, the statistics show that women are still underpaid, women are still really struggling to find the work-life balance, and by providing students on this campus with positive women role models from all different backgrounds in leadership positions, that really empowers our students to feel like they can be successful in any career path they decide to take as well,” Van Kooy said.
Women in Gloucester County believe education, advocacy and determination is how women can make a difference globally and locally this International Women’s Day — and beyond. Hear more empowered voices from women in Gloucester County here.
