Park University senior Diana Reyes defines feminism as the idea of creating equal opportunities for men and women. She says she is proud feminist and the new student leader for an organization focused on equity and education for women.

“The organization started in 1881,” Reyes says. “I wanted to make sure I had that date right.”

Reyes sat cross-legged at the edge of her bed with a computer in her lap. Her dark, thick hair was pulled up high into a bun. She was researching the American Association for University Women (AAUW) organization.

“I grew up not really believing I was smart,” says Reyes, “and that I didn’t belong at college.”

She looked up from her computer as she talked about what inspired her. It was last year, Reyes says, she realized what she was capable of when Joy A. Piazza, assistant professor of public relations, reached out to her.

“I was able to share with her wisdom that I’ve gained,” says Piazza. “It was the kind of conversation that puts a person’s personal life, and life aspirations, and abilities into perspective.”

It was Piazza, Reyes says, who empowered her to believe in herself. Through this she was inspired to empower other young women. Now, Reyes is hoping to empower Park women through her involvement in AAUW.

Park’s AAUW club has been inactive for almost three years. When Reyes transferred here in August 2013 she was looking for clubs to join and stumbled upon AAUW. Linda Vestal, student affiliate advisor, offered her the opportunity to lead the organization and get it going again. Reyes took the opportunity in August this year.

The AAUW focuses on uniting college women. They aim to promote not only equity and education, but also intellectual growth, individual worth, and development of opportunities for women and girls.

“It’s not just about women’s rights,” Reyes says. “It’s about making men and women equal.”

Most people, she explains, think it’s all about being against men. She hopes those people will educate themselves on feminism before bashing it.

She stresses the importance of improving lives for both women, and men. Reyes thinks through creating more opportunities for women, men will benefit too. Men will feel free to be emotional and express their feelings if they aren’t held to such a high standard, she says.

“It’s important to look at it as not only helping women,” Reyes says, “but also at making lives better for our male counterpoints.”

She even encourages men to join AAUW.

With only two attending members at the last meeting, Reyes says her most important goal for the organization is awareness. She’s working to develop a strategic plan to increase membership. Park students will soon receive informative emails about the organization.

AAUW posters will soon cover the bulletin boards on Park’s campus. Soon students will be invited to ‘like’ a Park University AAUW Facebook page. It’s important to her for students to know about the organization so they have the chance to be a part of it.

“Being able to voice your opinion and share your thoughts,” says Reyes, “makes you feel empowered…and that other people are there to hear and care what you have to say.”

According to Reyes, AAUW will be a safe place to discuss what’s on your mind. Planning events, round table discussions, and sharing views can be expected at upcoming meetings. Topics like fair pay, student loan debt, violence against women, and women in leadership are a list of issues the organization might discuss. She hopes to develop a mentoring program, which will invite feminist guests to sit in on meetings and share their thoughts and experiences.

“After graduation,” says Reyes, “I want to do something where I’m creating opportunities for girls.” Reyes plan to graduate from Park with a major in public relations in December 2015.

The next AAUW meeting is likely to be the middle of November. To learn more about becoming a member contact Reyes at [email protected].