University’s Women of Color Collective Hosts Inaugural Networking Event

Tyler Agosto ’25 believes that when it comes to gender, equality and connection are very important. She teaches her two young cousins about gender stereotypes and about the importance of sharing. Those were among the topics she recently discussed as part of a networking event at the University that brought a diverse group of Chargers together to connect and share their experiences.

A marketing major, Agosto serves as treasurer for the Women of Color Collective (W.O.C.C.), a new recognized student organization. The group, in collaboration with the University’s Women’s Leadership Fund, hosted the inaugural Women of Color Networking Event – a program Agosto says she enjoyed being a part of.

“I think the event was amazing,” she said. “For women of color to encourage each other to grow and know they are needed is so important.”

‘I’ve really enjoyed my time here’

The event brought students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds and genders together to mingle and engage in discussions. The W.O.C.C.’s first networking event, it was supported by Women’s Leadership Fund’s grants that were awarded to students, faculty, and staff to fund initiatives that empower and support women across the University community.

“In my four years at the University, I’ve seen diversity increase on campus,” said Nicole Harry ’23, a biology major and president of the W.O.C.C. “This was a great way to end the semester.”

As part of the event, faculty, staff, and students participated in up to five networking roundtable discussions, each moderated by a faculty or staff member who identifies as a woman of color. They began by discussing their own experiences at the University.

Robin Salters ’91, director of strategic initiatives for the University who was among the table moderators, shared her experiences as an employee for nearly three decades and talked about her time as a student. Darby Brown ’25 discussed the activities she has been involved with as a student, including her passion for her role as an Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) senator.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” said Brown, a forensic science major. “I’ve been very involved on campus. I love being a USGA senator.”

‘Heartwarming to see so many people’

Moderated by Danielle Cooper, Ph.D., CPP, an associate professor of criminal justice, the event provided each table with a variety of prompts.

“It has been a truly rewarding experience to host events that bring students, faculty, and staff together to celebrate women at our University and across our state,” said Dr. Cooper. “The collaboration with the Women of Color Collective was a natural choice for me, since I am the RSO’s adviser, and they embody the collective spirit of what it means to come together for the greater good.

“I am most proud that this event was supported by so many different people and groups across our campus,” she continued. “I met many new people, and I look forward to future events that break down social barriers and encourage communication among our campus community.”

Attendees were assigned their first three tables, enabling them to meet and chat with a new group of Chargers at each one. They discussed topics such as confidence, overcoming conflicts, and serving young people.

“I’m a big proponent of leadership, professional development, and lifelong learning,” said Shaily Menon, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and vice provost for interdisciplinary initiatives who moderated one of the tables. “I learn from younger generations a lot, and I have benefitted so much from professional development.”

At each table, the discussion enabled participants to share their expertise, as well as their experiences at work and at school. It was a chance for participants to connect in a safe and supportive environment with members of the University community they had not yet met.

“This was a great way to create connections between students, faculty, and staff who didn’t know each other before this,” said Saniyah Brinney ’23, a political science major, USGA president, and founder and vice president of the W.O.C.C. “We were able to bring so many people together, and we opened our space as the W.O.C.C. to other allies. I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, and it was heartwarming to see so many people be a part of this.”