When the coronavirus pandemic struck in March, it caused widespread cancellations and closures that affected everyone around the world. At DU, however, a new club emerged as a beacon of light in all of the darkness.
Leading Women of Tomorrow (LWT) is DU’s newest safe space for women interested in leadership. Founded in 2017 as a national nonpartisan organization committed to aiding undergraduate women in their political aspirations, LWT approached DU about creating a chapter this past summer.
“The national chapter reached out and asked if anyone was interested in running [the club at DU],” explained Teresa Ornelas, secretary and social media coordinator for LWT. “All four of us officers went through an interview process before we were given positions. We were all interested in starting the club because we see a lack of space for women on campus to grow and explore. We are also very passionate about furthering women’s rights.”
For the past three years, the national chapter of LWT has focused on political engagement and public office-prep for women, with the overall goal of disassembling the gender gap in government. DU’s chapter of LWT takes a broader approach, aiding women in their pursuit of leadership in the field of their choice. The club is open and welcoming to anyone interested.
The typical challenges of starting a new club aside, beginning the group amid strict quarantine restrictions posed new and unexplored obstacles for DU’s LWT officers to tackle.
“It has been very hard to get the club out there in terms of publicity,” said Ornelas. “Since we are purely limited to online advertising and events, our turnout has been lower than expected. We have some fun stuff planned, so we hope that will change. As for the silver lining, we have all gotten to know each other very well.”
Despite the difficult beginning, the officers of LWT are hopeful for the future and how they will aid women at DU.
“Once we get more members, we hope to shape the club around their needs,” continued Ornelas. “We are here to support women on campus, so we hope to improve how we do that as the club progresses. I am most excited to meet and work with the amazing people on campus and help them in a way that will progress their future careers and interests.”
Through the summer and into the fall quarter, LWT continues to be a source of positivity for the university. If interested in learning applicable leadership skills or simply hanging with an inspiring group of ladies, LWT meetings are held over Zoom every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. For more information, see @lwt_du on Instagram for updates and upcoming giveaways.
