Dr. Stacy Downing
Director, Student Activities and Leadership Development
With University Community since 1998

Dr. Stacy Downing heads up Student Activities and Leadership Development which allows her an extraordinary amount of contact with students from all walks of life.  We sat down with Downing and asked her to share her thoughts on campus women. 

We asked Downing what she considered to be the most pressing challenges regarding the future generations of women.  “Cultural shifts, not necessarily forward moving, and media defined standards of acceptability.” she replied. She would like to see more priority given to obtaining degrees, being politically active, more critical thinking.  Downing is wary of the emerging technology disconnects that the media age has ushered in and the lack of communication observed in students who often find it easier to text than to talk.  In her personal life, Downing works with her nieces to encourage experience of different things.  “I want to expose them to more opportunity.”  Downing says. 

Downing presently sees her current generation contributing to the empowerment of women by making more education available. “The women of my generation are more in tune, more vocal, proactive, all around more involved due to opportunities afforded.”  When asked what excites her about where women are on this campus academically, Downing replied: “I am excited by the pursuit of more opportunity, the possibility, [I am] very hopeful and optimistic about where women in leadership can lead.”

Downing drives herself with the following advice from her mentor: “never be comfortable, always stretch yourself professionally, shy away from complacency, and obtain various skill sets.  Women of color, establish yourself and how you run your business, assertiveness is a good trait.  Say who you are and what you are about.  Do not let others just say anything to you.” 

What does Downing wish she knew then that she knows now?  “I let some opportunities pass by being nervous. Even if you are doing well you have to appreciate all opportunities. Seize the moment.  If it is coming your way it is meant for you.  Don’t be afraid.”  Downing shares.

Downing is constantly defining her purpose as a woman.  She is clear that she is still searching, ever changing, and open to reinvention. “I am constantly defining my purpose, you have to change in order to be able to grow.”    We asked Downing for parting words of wisdom and she shared the following: “If you believe it you can achieve it. You have to do the work.  We can be so empowered, take advantage of the possibilities.”

The UC Women’s Center is proud to salute Dr. Stacy Downing’s contributions to campus women.