Women’s Resource Center awards above-average efforts

The 16th Annual Women’s Recognition Reception took place Thursday at the University Center Ballrooms to recognize female students, staff and faculty who’ve made efforts to improve UNC.

The ceremony celebrated 30 years of the Women’s Resource Center, the ninth anniversary of the Stryker Institute and the 90th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. The theme for the event was a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“Tonight, we want to recognize women who have gone above and beyond in different capacities,” Stryker Graduate Assistant Jennifer Kennymore said. “These ladies are inspirational and know their passion, and I think that really motivates people.”

There were 36 women recognized from the Stryker Institute Leadership and Development Program, including first-year student leaders, mentors and middle school “Little Sisters” from the mentoring program.

Through the program, second- and third-year Stryker scholars are able to mentor young girls for team-building activities and discuss what it’s like to be a woman in today’s society.

Seventh-grader Bethany Schmunk said she thought one of the activities on body image was influential and inspirational.

“I’ve learned that you are who you are and loving yourself is all that matters,” Schmunk said. 

Scholar and mentor Cydney Martin said the program is a way to encourage girls and let them know that others believe in them.

“It’s a way for us to give them the tools to succeed and set a good example as females,” Martin said.