���ӽ紫ý

Fall 2023: Skye Calhoun

I am delighted to say that I've gotten the privilege to experience the Warrior Queen Project for a third time and was once again hit with a multitude of experiences I can keep and carry close to my heart. Each semester, it's something different, and with each experience, I went home knowing that not only did I learn something valuable and was impacted but had the opportunity to impact others as well. This experience was something else entirely. It's a unique opportunity to simply exist with your identity, and talk about it without judgment or fear of backlash.

I was provided with the opportunity to look around and see people so different from me and yet still have the same experiences as me. Struggles typically downplayed in male-dominated fields were talked about openly and freely. I found myself being able to relate to not only my peers but also the different women in leadership positions who came down to speak to us. There was a layer of transparency, and I looked at them and also saw me. I was taught about using my voice and finding the power when picking certain battles and letting things be because there is power in using your voice and there's also power in walking away. Now, I could go on and on about the different experiences and ramble about the important carefree but also serious conversations that allowed small weights to be lifted off my chest. Instead, I can end by saying that I was hit with another realization that sisterhood is all around me and if I find myself lost and feeling unsure, I can take solace in knowing that I will always have a sisterhood to help guide me.

Spring 2023: Christine Guardian

The Warrior Queen Project was an amazing opportunity for me. As someone who didn't grow up with sisters, I learned to appreciate sisterhood in a whole new way. I loved the feeling of community and support that came from being surrounded by so many amazing and hardworking women.

One of the things I loved most about the program was the professional development skills we learned. Workshops covered topics like networking, community service and crafting an effective elevator pitch. As someone who is generally shy and introverted, the WQP workshops helped me come out of my shell because the cohort and lead peer mentor, Lauren Cross, were very welcoming. I never felt out of place at a workshop because everyone was on a similar journey. Overall, these skills from the workshops have helped me both personally and professionally and have given me the confidence to put myself out there and make new connections.

Besides the WQP teaching me valuable skills, this program made me feel truly empowered and awakened my inner Warrior Queen. Swati Bhise, the inspiring creator of the program, gave uplifting speeches about the importance of sisterhood, advocating for oneself, and achieving your goals. Her words encouraged me to be more confident and assertive, something I had struggled with before.

Being a part of the Warrior Queen Project also made me feel like my inner warrior queen was awakened. In the future, I hope to continue supporting other women in my community. Especially since in today's world, it's more important than ever to empower everyone who identifies as a woman and provide them with equal opportunities.

Participating in the Warrior Queen Project encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I'm grateful for the experience and will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life. I feel more confident, assertive, and empowered to pursue my dreams. I am also not as afraid to seek support anymore because this program reassured me that there is always a community of supportive and inspiring women behind me every step of the way.

Spring 2024: Viviana Hernandez

Before joining the Warrior Queen Project, I knew I had some worth as a young woman. But really standing up for myself, believing in myself, and seeking guidance consistently felt like a struggle. When I was a little girl, I said I wanted to grow up to be a princess until I found out what a queen was, and said I wanted to be a queen instead. As young girls we have no thought of others or the world around us that it was easy to be confident…why is it hard to feel that way as an adult?

The program helped me reflect on my own past and hearing other empowering women’s history and stories on how they became the powerful women they are now. Through the program we learn about resilience, having a voice, and being bold. All wonderful values that will stick with me forever because I learned to have confidence again like the little girl I was. I started having trust in myself that I can be and do more. But this program doesn’t just teach self-growth, it also teaches us to rely on fellow women because we truly are stronger together. This program gave me another sense of community within the university. I loved meeting the women in the cohort trying to grow together, I loved meeting with community partners of women as if we’re seeing our future in our own career goals, and also the women alumni hearing their inspiring journeys. This program is such a safe space to hear each other, to listen to each other, and to help each other.

As a graduating senior, I will miss this beautiful program and the beautiful people in it. I encourage all undergraduate women to take this opportunity to join the Warrior Queen Project, break your shell, build your courage, and become a Warrior Queen!

Three years ago, my advisor encouraged me to apply to the Warrior Queen Project as a way to become more involved at ���ӽ紫ý. Through her recommendation, I was introduced to what has become my favorite part of ���ӽ紫ý, a community rooted in sisterhood and support. Some of my closest and most meaningful bonds were formed through this group of remarkable women. Being nominated as “Most Bold Warrior” means so much to me, as it reflects the growth and confidence I’ve gained over the past three years. I’m incredibly grateful and excited to spend my final semester surrounded by this amazing community.

Spring 2025: Nat Martinez

I am truly honored to have received the Most Bold Warrior Queen award through the Warrior Queen Project. This recognition means so much to me, not only as a student but also as the daughter of immigrants from Mexico who have worked tirelessly to provide me with opportunities they never had. Attending higher education has been one of the greatest sources of pride in my life, not just for myself, but as a way to honor my family’s hard work, sacrifice, and resilience.

The Warrior Queen Project has been a life-changing experience that has helped me grow in ways I never expected. Through this program, I have learned what it truly means to be empowered and to step into spaces with confidence and strength. I have learned to use my voice, trust in my abilities, and embrace the power that comes from uplifting those around me. Being surrounded by such amazing women in higher education has been nothing short of inspiring, and I am grateful for every moment spent learning, sharing, and growing alongside them.

I want to express my deepest thanks to Emilia Dang, the Lead Peer Mentor for the Warrior Queen Project. Emilia’s leadership, kindness, and support have meant so much to me and have played a huge role in my journey through this program. She has shown me what it means to lead with both strength and compassion, and I am so grateful to have had her as a mentor and guide.

This award is not just a reflection of my own journey but of the incredible community that has surrounded and supported me throughout this experience. I will carry the lessons, friendships, and confidence I have gained from this program with me as I continue to grow both personally and professionally. Thank you again for this incredible honor. It is something I will cherish always.