Thank You to Our Seniors!
Women’s Center Programming Manager: Olivia Bayard
Olivia is an Economics major from Charlotte, NC. She will be entering the workforce as a financial analyst after graduating. Her favorite memory working at the Women’s Center is organizing and facilitating the Financial Empowerment Series. The greatest lesson Olivia learned in college is a little bit of self compassion can go a long way. If she could give advice to her younger self it would be to always remember her “why” and to push harder in pursuit of her goals.
“Congratulations on graduating, Olivia!! Thanks so much for your kindness and ability to make people feel heard. I know you’ll do great things, keep writing :)”
Women’s Center Programming Coordinator: Imani Butler
Imani is a Sociology major from Riverdale, GA. She plans on going into UX design after college. Her favorite memory from working in the Women’s Center is the first Detangling Doubts event. She had absolutely no clue that so many people were going to come out to the event! She loved seeing such a variety of people packed into the BSA lounge and bonding over natural hair experiences. The greatest lesson Imani learned in college is that “Closed mouths don’t get fed.” If she could give advice to her younger self she would say you don’t ever have to know your next steps. Just always keep learning and exploring new things, so that you never get stuck in one phase of your life.
“Congrats, Imani!! I’ve always appreciated your friendliness, and I know you’ll achieve great things. I’m lucky to know you!”
Women’s Center Student Program Coordinator: Maggie Kuhn
Maggie is a Sociology and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major from Charlotte, NC. She plans to graduate with an open mind and an inclination to follow either people and culture operations or service-based nonprofit work. Maggie has so deeply enjoyed any moment working in the Women’s Center’s because it has allowed for genuine connection and conversation. It amazes her how safe people feel in the Women’s Center, and she definitely appreciates the relationships and connections she has fostered as a result of that. The greatest lesson she learned in college is that her most meaningful moments of self-reflection she has had in college all revolve around knowing and trusting herself and her support system. She has always really grappled with the paradox of being her own best friend, while also knowing when to ask for help and lean on others. For this, she is so thankful for her Wake Forest family for pushing her to grow! If Maggie could give advice to her younger self she would say chase what makes you tick. No one is judging you like you’re judging yourself. Healthy boundaries breed healthy relationships, and good people attract good things!
“Congrats, Maggie!! Your personality can lighten a room! The care you show to others is so genuine. I know you will continue to touch the lives of all around you!
Women’s Center Student Program Coordinator: Mare Salinas
Mare is a Business and Enterprise Management major from Orlando, FL. After college, she plans on moving to the beautiful city of Tampa, FL and working for General Mills. Her favorite memory from working in the Women’s Center is participating in our weekly staff meetings because they gave her the opportunity to be around supportive people who are always authentically themselves! The greatest lesson she learned in college is that people are often their own worst critic. It took her a while to accept that college is not about perfection, having the best grades, the best social life, etc. Instead, it is about doing your best and having fun. Mare emphasizes that comparing yourself to others is not worth the stress and effort. All that matters is that you are happy with what you are doing. If she could give advice to her younger self, Mare would say speak up and try new things! You only experience undergrad once; it is a time to take chances and get outside of your comfort zone. You never know who you will meet or what you will accomplish.
“Congrats, Mare!! You’ve been a really constant presence at Wake for me and someone that I can always count on! I am excited to see where life takes you!”
Women’s Center Communications Coordinator: Kiah Stith
Kiah is an English major with a minor in Global Trade and Commerce from Durham, NC. Upon graduation, she will be working for North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction in the State Superintendent’s Office. Her favorite part about working in the Women’s Center is participating in our G-Chats. She enjoyed being able to reflect on different aspects of herself and her own experiences while encountering other points of view. The greatest lesson Kiah learned in college was to “Be true! Be true! Be true!” – Nathaniel Hawthorne. If she could give advice to her younger self she would say don’t worry so much! Everything is a learning opportunity so you can only continue to grow.
“Congrats on graduating, Kiah!! You bring such a positive energy wherever you go, and I know you’ll keep that with you in the future, too!”