A&S student receives Feminist Changemaker Award
UC student Anna Smith empowers her peers through education and inclusion
By Tawney Beans
Award winner Anna Smith has led more than a half dozen feminist initiatives since she began studying communication at the University of Cincinnati three years ago.
Because of her drive and advocacy for women and gender minorities, Smith has been awarded the Feminist Changemaker Award, conferred by the UC’s Women’s Center.
Smith, a student in UC's College of Arts and Sciences, was nominated by UC students, faculty and staff. The award recognizes those who who have created change in the name of gender justice.
We believe it is incredibly important to showcase the work of women and gender minorities on campus and to promote the spirit of lifting while you rise.
Mandy Shoemaker, director of UC’s Women’s Center
“Although these awardees don’t seek to be recognized, we know the power of storytelling gives hope to others doing similar work, supports connection across shared advocacy and bolsters the enthusiasm our awardees have for the work they are doing,” said Shoemaker.
As director of women's affairs in the Undergraduate Student Government’s Equity & Inclusion Committee, Smith has led many efforts for supporting women across campus. This includes hosting programming for student leaders who identify as women to build a supportive community for one another; planning and hosting several programs for gender minorities focused on personal development and artistic expression and helping lead the free menstrual products pilot program with the Tampon Task Force, according to former student body President Chandler Rankin.
“Beyond all of this, Smith is a relentless advocate for gender minorities and has a graceful way of educating her peers who may not know as much about gender disparity as she does,” said Rankin. “She calls people into conversations about gender and is willing to help people gain a better understanding for the issues facing women, while being an excellent example for her peers and women younger than her.”
Award winner Anna Smith gets her picture taken at a Women of Student Government photo shoot. Photo/ Micah Faison
Additionally, Smith has been a member of UC Feminists and has hosted events like Women in Student Government socials, Painting for a Change and an International Women's Day Brunch. Smith’s goal with all of these initiatives is to “create authentic inclusive environments, give women the agency to have a voice and build an empowering feminist community among students,” she said.
According to Smith, her experiences in UC’s Women in Leadership and Learning program changed her life and helped her win the coveted award. In this program students learn about intersectional feminism, inclusive leadership and professional development. Students must also lead an initiative that embodies feminist principles.
For her project, Smith led a collection drive that allowed over 40 boxes of menstrual products to be donated to the Bearcat Pantry. She also hosted a period positivity event, which involved showing the documentary "Period End of Sentence" and creating a conversation afterwards about the stigma around periods and how students can help to end period poverty.
"In the past, I have experienced gender-based discrimination and learned about women's issues, so it is very important for me to have a communal space where I can channel those feelings into action,” said Smith. “It gave me the confidence and tools to create better futures for women.”
Featured image at top: The McMicken College of Arts and Sciences stands tall against a blue sky. Photo/Anne Bowling
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