Women’s Empowerment Club

The Women’s Empowerment Club meets weekly on campus to brainstorm about events, plan campus activities, and outline goals related to educating and connecting with the Steward community and beyond.

Faculty advisors Julia Tompkins and Ryan Burgess said the club gives participants opportunities to make and foster meaningful connections with women from a variety of walks of life and encourages an understanding of the multifaceted role of women in our world.

“Club members learn from each other and from adults on topics such as dealing with adversity, overcoming obstacles, and advocating for themselves and others,” explained Ms. Tompkins. Members collaborate to bring the club’s mission to life and plan events, and also enjoy community as they discuss a variety of topics.

“Participating in both the creative ideation and the execution of projects, including contacting, outlining, and coordinating with various parties ahead of events, is part of the Women’s Empowerment Club experience,” said Ms. Burgess. 

This year, the club rolled out Lunches with Ladies, a monthly series featuring invited speakers. The informal gatherings give students the chance to explore career paths, discover new interests, and learn. The series kicked off on September 18 with three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus (daughter of Lower School Music Teacher Sandy Dacus). Lucy is also a member of the band boygenius. In the BlackBox Theatre, club and audience members asked Lucy questions, including how she has dealt with challenges throughout her life.

Lucy said that earlier in her career, people often took advantage of her youth and limited experience. She shared, “You’ve got to do what’s right for you.” When asked what role luck has played in her life, Lucy said, “Luck is the last element,” and encouraged students to work hard, even when things don’t go as planned. “Just keep doing [what you love] … keep learning. You have to love it when it’s terrible and love it when it’s good. And get ready for luck.” 

She advised students to be true to themselves and leave room for the unexpected.

“The way that you are suits you. Work toward something, but try not to be hyperfocused,” she encouraged. She also cited one of her musical dream collaborations, Bruce Springsteen, who once Facetimed her to wish her a happy birthday, and she shared a recent dream-come-true collaboration with Hozier. 

Juliet Forlano ’28, president of the Women’s Empowerment Club, said that being in the club is an enriching experience. “I have learned that we are so much more united than we think,” she said. “Some struggles can make people feel alone, but being in a supportive environment is a reminder that we can all have empathy for one another.” She added, “I feel thankful to have had Lucy spend time with the club. She carries herself with such confidence and grace! It was an honor to hear about her experience as a woman in the music industry, and a great way to kick off the Lunches with Ladies series.” 

“We are grateful to Sandy Dacus and Lucy Dacus for making our first Lunches with Ladies event a success,” said Ms. Tompkins. “Lucy’s advice and down-to-earth manner really resonated with club members and the audience.”

Ms. Burgess noted, “It’s energizing to see students committed to learning from each other and the lived experiences of women. Julia and I were impressed with the leadership of the club officers, who contacted Lucy Dacus, organized the BlackBox space, and arranged with faculty and students to facilitate this amazing meeting with such a great turnout. Being the conscientious students that they are, the club members made a point to try to keep the gathering small to coincide with the vision they had for a conversation with Lucy Dacus.”