With safe spaces and organizations like the Black Student Union, Student Veterans Lounge, and the Neurodiversity Group, it isn’t hard for students to find diverse and inclusive spaces with like-minded individuals. Sister Circle, a recognized student organization established in Fall 2022, is proud to be an organization focused on supporting and empowering women, especially women of color, on campus.

“The Sister Circle organization was started because a group of us women of color on campus got together and realized that there isn’t really a space for women on campus,” President of Sister Circle junior Maya Bishop said. “We wanted to create a group where women of color, and women in general, could come and meet and talk about the things going on in society, talk about the things going on on campus, just talk about what it means to be a woman in the world. Also just to be there to support each other, to be there to laugh with each other, cry with each other, and give them a group of people to be comfortable with.”

The RSO holds meetings every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Diversity Lounge.

“At our meetings we’re always deep-diving into topics whether it’s hair, self-care, or mental health,” said senior Macaela Garrett, the RSO’s public relations chair. “It’s really unifying and just about creating a bond with others on campus.”

Aside from the weekly meetings, Sister Circle hosts numerous events throughout the year and participates in volunteer work around campus. In the fall semester they hosted a masquerade ball, a bake sale, helped out with move-in and football concession stands. With Women’s History Month coming up in March, the organization has events planned for Women’s History Month in March. Although they are not yet finalized, Bishop said they will be announced soon. 

Not only do Sister Circle executives hope their members will find their space on campus, but they also hope they will find support systems beyond college and into their careers and personal lives.

“The biggest thing I hope people can get from (being in Sister Circle) is learning how to connect with people who come from different backgrounds and also knowing how to find like-minded people in the space that you’re at,” Bishop said. “I feel like in society, in your work environment, in college, you might be in an environment that isn’t necessarily conducive or made for you, but you can find that safe space, those key people that bring out the best in you. I hope that that’s what Sister Circle can bring- it can be that safe space for people while they’re on campus, and when they leave, they can look for people like us to model and find that safe space with.”

Although Sister Circle has only existed for a year and a half, the organization has had a profound impact on its members. For Garrett, Sister Circle has made her feel “blessed” to have such a strong support system. She said it will be beneficial to know how to “find other teachers who can give you the care and support you need” as a future educator.

For Bishop, Sister Circle has led to her meeting some of her closest friends and has offered networking opportunities. 

“Being with this group of women every week puts a smile on my face,” she said. “Even when the semester gets tough and I don’t wanna go, I go, and they bring me out of that state of mind and uplift me.”

Sister Circle is always open to new members. If interested, direct messages are open on their Instagram @esusistercircle, or their RSO page can be found on Hornet 365.