AVÕïËù

Victoria is from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in African and African Diaspora studies on the pre-health track. Victoria is deeply passionate about addressing the maternal mortality rates among Black women in the United States. Her lifelong ambition is to establish a birthing center for women of color, creating a nurturing environment where they can feel safe and supported when seeking medical care, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.

On campus, Victoria is a part of the only R&B acapella group, Black Experience in America through Song (BEATS). Additionally, she is a Cura Facilitator and Resident Assistant. Outside of her filled schedule, Victoria enjoys listening to music, reading, and creating new memories with her friends.Ìý

Victoria’s hopes for anyone who walks into the Center is that they are filled with a warmth that leaves them craving more support and accompaniment. She is excited to see all the new and returning faces that will bring the energy and life into the Center.

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Anshika is from Surat, a small city in Gujarat, India. She is a Senior majoring in Finance and Information Systems, with a minor in Managing for Social Impact and the Public Good. She was on the Bystander Lead Team last year and will be returning this year. She is involved with CSOM as a peer mentor and will serve as Women Innovator Network's Vice-President. Anshika is also passionate about working with advancements in the clean energyÌý& tech industries. In her free time, she loves to dance and is part of Synergy on campus, she likes to thrift, play racquetÌýsports, and try new cafes (read: coffee addict).

Elizabeth is from Seattle, Washington which fostered her love of hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and basically any other outdoor activity. She is majoring in Sociology with a double minor in Hispanic Studies and History. She joined the Women’s Center because she wants to cultivate a more inclusive and empowering space for students of all identities at AVÕïËù College. Elizabeth is passionate about advocacy for marginalized communities, especially as it pertains to immigrants and survivors of sexual violence. In the future, Elizabeth hopes to work as an immigration attorney, specifically representing Spanish-speakers. She is interested in reforming the justice system from the inside, ensuring all people receive due process and fair representation.Ìý

On-campus, Elizabeth is a member of the Mock Trial Team and is Assistant Director of the Signature Events department of the Campus Activities Board. She is also a trainer for Bystander Intervention.

Off-campus, Elizabeth volunteers with Project Citizenship. When she is not in class or Bapst Library, you can find Elizabeth working out, playing intramural volleyball, or hanging out with friends. Elizabeth is so thankful to be part of the Women’s Center staff and to be surrounded by such incredible people!

Nyla is from Birmingham, Alabama. She is a majoring in Nursing. She is passionate about helping others, advocacy, reaching out to more people and becoming more involved with what AVÕïËù College has to offer. During and after her time at AVÕïËù College, Nyla wants to create a more inclusive space at AVÕïËù College for all people by sparking conversation of ideas and opinions and by empowering others to do the same. Nyla is thrilled to work at the Women’s Center. She is thrilled to become a part of a large network of women who are empowering all women and other minorities through the services they provide. Nyla loves cooking, traveling and binge-watching Netflix shows.

Mariwa was born and raised in the Bronx, NY, a borough known for its diverse population and culture. She is an Economics major minoring in Accounting for Finance and Consulting. Because of her experience as a Black woman in healthcare, Mariwa started off undergrad on the pre-med track, with aspirations of becoming an OB/GYN to find solutions for reproductive health disparities within the Black community. Although she realized that being a doctor wasn’t for her, Mariwa still hopes to give back to disadvantaged communities through education, advocacy, and finding a link between her current major and medicine. On campus, Mariwa serves as Director of CAB’s Live Entertainment department, and is an Orientation Leader and a panelist for SAP. By talking to others about her college experience, she hopes to encourage young students in underrepresented communities to seek opportunities in higher education. Outside of class, Mariwa enjoys reading, listening to Frank Ocean, introspection, and laughing with her friends.

Gabrielle is from New York, and is an Accounting and Sociology major with a minor in Africa and African Diaspora Studies on the pre-law track. She is an RA on upper campus as well as a Cura Facilitator. On campus, she is also involved with the Black Biz Club at BC, and Caribbean Culture Club (CCC).Ìý She is very excited to be working at the Women’s Center as the Center has given her a great sense of belonging and community with other people at BC. Through the Women’s Center, Gabrielle has had the opportunity to participate in the Black Women Matter retreat, and gain some of her deepest relationships through that. When Gabrielle is not doing school or co-curricular work, she is running around Newton, playing badminton at the Plex, visiting the Isabella Gardner Museum or thrifting in the city.Ìý

Liz is originally from Wilmette, IL and is majoring in International Studies and double minoring in French and Design thinking and innovation. With these fields of study, Liz is passionate about understanding social problems from a global context and using strategies from design research to rethink the systems and institutions in society which create inequality. Liz has always been extremely interested in advocacy, mentorship, and service learning programs and is grateful for all the opportunities at BC that have allowed her to continue this work. Working at the Women’s Center, Liz is excited to build community and create resources for other students looking to get involved with the Women’s Center. She first began volunteering with the team for the Women’s Summit and was blown away by all the amazing work they were able to accomplish. On campus, Liz is also a panelist for Student Admissions Program and a member of College Democrats of AVÕïËù College. In her free time, Liz loves cooking, taking spin classes, and hanging out with friends.

Emme is from Kansas City, MO and is majoring in Political Science and Global Health. She is extremely grateful to join the Women’s Center and cultivate new friendships while giving back to her community! Emme was first introduced to the Women’s Center through her open-mic performances at WC events and growing passion and determination to make a mark during her time at AVÕïËù College. She is interested in gender equality efforts, public health policy, and women’s health. On campus, Emme is a research assistant, a Bystander trainer, and a member of the Residence Hall Association. In her free time, she loves trying new foods, playing tennis, spending time with friends, and curling up with a good book!Ìý

Zina is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, but now resides in Chicago, IL. She is majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track and minoring in Global Public Health Studies. Zina is highly passionate about global health disparities regarding young females, inequalities within the educational realm, and cultural/ traditional expression through art, dance, and speech. Zina hopes to utilize her time at AVÕïËù College by raising awareness of various health disparities and bridging the gap in healthcare between first and third-world countries by helping technological advancements in medical facilities in low-income countries. Zina also admires artistic expression and therefore has a passion for traditional art forms across many different cultures.

On campus, Zina is involved with the F.I.S.T.S dance team and 48 Hours council, while off-campus she is involved with SCRIPT under AVÕïËù Children’s Hospital and Xanderena Foundation.Ìý

When Zina is not laughing with friends or stressed in the library she is braiding hair, watching Netflix, or simply cooking food. She hopes to contribute to the vibrant energy and an uplifting mood within the Women's Center so that all students continue to see this place as a home away from home.

Justine is from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and is entering her third year on staff. She is an International Studies major with minors in Finance and Philosophy, aspiring to work in finance or government after graduation. She is passionate about intersectionality and female empowerment, and feels particularly passionate about uplifting student voices and creating space for feminist discourse. Outside of the Women’s Center, Justine is the Co-President of the Corcoran Center’s Undergraduate Real Estate Council and serves as a tour guide and panelist for the Student Admissions Program. Last semester, she studied abroad in Vienna, Austria. In her spare time, she likes to read, spend time in nature, and discover new music. She believes that the Women’s Center is an incredibly special spot on campus and hopes to increase student engagement with all the resources the Center has to offer!Ìý

Fairuz was raised in New Rochelle, NY but currently lives in Yonkers, NY. She is an Applied Psychology & Human Development major with a focus area in Observational Studies and Human Capital. With a passion for social justice and amplifying student voices on campus, Fairuz’s engagement on campus is driven by her devotion to advocacy and systemic change. After graduating, she hopes to enter sectors like Human Resources or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within a company or bank to help these spaces become more inclusive and aware. She wants to utilize her critical and restorative lens to empower others and to make opportunities equitable and accessible for marginalized communities.Ìý

On campus, Fairuz is a member of the Bystander Intervention Team. She is also on the AHANA Leadership Council of UGBC and spent a year as a Bowman Advocate with the Bowman AHANA Intercultural Center where she facilitated DEI training for first-year students and engaged in discussions surrounding discrimination on campus. During her free time, you can find Fairuz organizing her Pinterest boards, listening to music in the sun, or dancing to bachata and reggaetón with her friends.ÌýÌý

Katerina Trantzas was raised in Westchester, New York. She is pursuing a double major in Biology and PhilosophyÌýwith hopes of attendingÌýmedical school after graduation. She has a passion for women's health, ethics, AHANA+ representation, supporting survivors of sexual assault, and advocating mental health. In her future career, Katerina hopes to useÌýher studies in medicine and women's health issues to assist in the fight toÌýendÌýthe cycle of humanÌýtrafficking.Ìý

Katerina first started volunteering with the Women's Center during WC Care Week. Through her time volunteering, she recognized the environmentÌýof empowerment and belonging at the Women's Center and sought to help foster this environment in the AVÕïËùÌýCollege community. Outside of the Women's Center, Katerina works to help keep AVÕïËù College a saferÌýcampus as an EMT with BCEMS. When not in class, you can find her studying outside on the grass, or playing intramural tennis with her friends.Ìý

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Marissa is from Thomaston, Connecticut, and is majoring in Applied Psychology and Theology. She is hoping to pursue a career in social work and is very interested in the intersection of faith and social justice. She joined the Women’s Center because of her love of community and her passion for various women’s issues, specifically the disproportional impact that poverty has on women.

On campus, Marissa is involved in Prison Arts Outreach as the Outreach Coordinator, BC Bigs, Retreats Council, Appa, I Am That Feminist, Habitat for Humanity, Chi Alpha, and Endowed Scholars.

Outside of BC, Marissa holds an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies, is a certified paralegal, and works part-time at her town’s public library and as a waitress. Marissa has four little sisters whom she loves more than anything in the world. When she is not adding things to her Google Calendar (that she obeys religiously), you could find Marissa playing pick-up basketball, reading, hiking, participating in intramural sports, starting a spike ball game, or going on a res-walk with a friend. Marissa is honored to be able to work at the Women’s Center and is excited to learn from this incredible community!

Katie is from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and is majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Leadership and Management. She was a Bystander trainer and a part of Advocacy for You last year and will be returning this year. She is excited to be working with more Women’s Center folks and developing new connections in her senior year! Katie is also Vice President of Women’s Club Rugby and has played on the team since her freshman year. She has worked for Johnson & Johnson for the past year where she is a part of Open & Out, supporting people of all identities. She is also passionate about sexual assault awareness, mental health awareness, sexual violence prevention, and gender equality.Ìý In her free time, she loves to run, lift weights, spend time with her friends, and drink coffee. A goal of hers since freshman year, Katie is looking forward to being a part of the Women’s Center Staff and contributing to cultivating an environment of inclusion and comfortability for all BC students. <3Ìý