When Hadley Gilbert transferred to Marywood University from Wilkes University, she was determined to make a difference. Gilbert quickly became the transfer student representative on Marywood’s Student Government Association (SGA), founded the Transfer Student Association, and sits on Marywood Activities Council’s late-night committee.

In addition to creating a safe space for transfer students, Gilbert saw a need for a safe space for all women on campus to voice their concerns on women’s rights issues. Inspired by Marywood’s history of ensuring female education and equity, Gilbert and current SGA Vice President Anne Marie McGrogan created the Female Empowerment Club.

“Marywood did start as an all-girls school and we feel that the appreciation for girls has fallen off and we wanted to revive that,” explained Gilbert.

Upon its founding in 1915, Marywood was the first college for women in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Gilbert hopes to honor the female empowerment values that the university was founded on through the Female Empowerment Club today.

While the club is still in its early stages, Gilbert has big plans which include holding a feminine hygiene drive and helping out at the Scranton Women’s Resource Center. Club leaders also hope to collaborate with Pacers Against Sexual Assault to sponsor a self-defense club for students.

As club president, Gilbert also works closely with the Director of Student Equity, Inclusion, and Programming Keshia Vilchert to ensure that all voices are heard on campus.

“I really believe in them. I am a feminist, I believe in female empowerment, I think that it is extraordinarily and extremely important, and I think that it is important when we look at what that means for each individual person,” said Vilchert.

The group is not restricted to only female students. Gilbert encourages all students who care about women’s rights issues and topics to join in the discourse that the club has.

“We really want to serve everyone. We want to work as one community to say that we would like to create a safe space for all individuals on campus to express their ideas and discuss their concerns,” Gilbert emphasized.

Students who wish to join the Female Empowerment Club can email Hadley Gilbert at [email protected] or Elizabeth Bonczek at [email protected]
Contact the writer: [email protected]