EmpowerHer

EmpowerHER is a dynamic group of Virginia State University women who serve as the student extension of the Women’s Leadership Institute. This companion committee is dedicated to redefining leadership and championing women's empowerment across the campus. Working closely with the Sr. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost and, Dr. Tia A. Minnis and Executive Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute, Dr. Gabrielle D. Pina, EmpowerHER members will immerse themselves in a mentorship journey, gaining invaluable leadership skills, fostering a spirit of empowerment among their peers, and nurturing a culture of resilience and excellence within the VSU community.


As liaisons, these students will receive direct mentorship and leadership training to lead effectively and inspire and mobilize their peers. They will play a pivotal role in organizing events, spearheading campaigns, and crafting initiatives that empower women at VSU. Through their involvement, committee members will cultivate resilience and a powerful sense of agency for future endeavors.

View 2026-2027 EmpowerHer Cohort

Mission


To nurture a thriving network of student leaders who passionately cultivate a community that uplifts, educates, and propels women to the forefront of innovation, leadership, and societal progress.

Vision


To be a transformative force within Virginia State University and the broader society, shaping a future where women students emerge as empowered leaders, resilient change-makers, and inspiring role models for generations to come. EmpowerHER envisions a world where every woman's potential is acknowledged and passionately championed.

 

  • Empowerment Through Education: Promote personal and professional development among committee members and the wider female student body through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs.
  • Leadership in Action: Foster a proactive approach to leadership, encouraging committee members to lead by example and initiate projects that drive positive change on campus.
  • Collaboration and Inclusivity: Uphold a culture of teamwork and respect, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, fostering an inclusive environment where every woman feels empowered to contribute.
  • Resilience and Growth: Instill a mindset focused on resilience, encouraging members to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
  • Community Engagement: Strengthen the connection between the VSU student body and the Women’s Leadership Institute by creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and dialogue.
  • Legacy of Leadership: Commit to leaving a sustainable impact that transcends their tenure, setting a foundation for future leaders to build upon.

Every woman at Virginia State University carries a unique narrative, Her Story, the cornerstone of the EmpowerHER committee. These individual stories form the collective history of women on campus. Recognizing, sharing, and celebrating these narratives is crucial, providing insight, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Her Story acknowledges the past achievements, present endeavors, and future aspirations of VSU’s women, ensuring that their experiences shape the institute's legacy.

Excellence is the standard to which EmpowerHER aspires in all its endeavors. It symbolizes the pursuit of superior performance, leadership, scholarship, and service. Encouraging women to excel creates a high-achievement culture, setting the bar for what women on campus aim for and accomplish. Excellence in thought, action, and intention fuels the committee’s mission, guiding members to strive for and attain their highest potential.

Resilience represents the steadfast spirit and tenacity of women at VSU. It's about bouncing back from challenges, adapting to change, and overcoming adversity. EmpowerHER instills resilience as a key quality, believing it is essential for leadership and personal growth. This resilience enables women to navigate the complexities of their academic, personal, and future professional lives with courage and determination.