Women of any race or sexuality are welcome to call You, Every Shade their new home.
President Kiarie DeGroat founded the organization this year. You, Every Shade is a multicultural women’s group that focuses on the empowerment of females with the goal of being all-inclusive.
“We openly welcome members of the LGBTQ community,” DeGroat said. “Any person that identifies as a woman is welcome to become a member of our organization.”
DeGroat said that she started You, Every Shade because she felt that most student organizations for women were either inclusive in terms of race or LGBTIQ identification, not both.
“I wanted to bring something that I always sought after in my college career to other women in hopes that they are looking for the same things,” she said.
DeGroat said the overall goals of the club include:
- to empower women within the organization and outside of it.
- to recognize women that are doing amazing things around campus, in the community and within the organization itself.
- to encourage confidence in women.
- to be positive role models and influences for young women in the community.
- to develop professional leadership skills.
“A lot of girls that become members find that self-confidence is the biggest thing they want to work on,” DeGroat said.
Semester goals for the organization include raising awareness of the group and increasing exposure on campus.
“We want to let people know there is a strong, multicultural women presence on campus,” DeGroat said.
“Safe Sex: Pillow Talk!” is the organization’s first event. It will run from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on March 7 in room 1220 in the recreation center on the Kennesaw campus. This will be Q&A format with interactive activities to promote safe sex and highlight resources at KSU.
“This event isn’t just for women. We want anyone and everyone to come,” DeGroat said.
The club’s next meeting, “Interpersonal Violence: Let’s Talk About It!” will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 3007 in the Social Sciences building. Shameka Wilson from the Women’s Resource Center will discuss interpersonal violence at this meeting.
You, Every Shade typically holds a meeting twice a month, and members discuss current events and brainstorm activities for empowering women. As of now, the club has about 20 members.
Prospective members are encouraged to visit the organization’s Twitter page @YouEveryShade, go to its page on OwlLife or email the organization directly at YouEveryShade@gmail.com.
