Dana Smith
October 28, 2014
By Madison Denning, Student Communications Specialist
Dana Smith, junior in Applied Mathematics & Apparel Design with minors in French and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, has recently founded an AAUW student organization at Purdue University. AAUW is a grassroots organization reaching as far back as 1881 with a focus on empowering women as individuals and as a community. She is now a member of The National Student Advisory Council (SAC), which is made up of 10 college women with exceptional leadership. As a member, she actively participates in women’s advocacy and takes action for women’s equality on the Purdue campus. Dana is currently working on implementing AAUW initiatives such as activities for Equal Pay Day, recruiting students for AAUW memberships, marketing AAUW programs, etc. and also planning the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in the spring.
Dana passionately addresses the representation and participation of women at all levels of politics, from student government to national elections. She brings this passion to her position as Director of Diversity & Inclusion in Purdue Student Government and to her job as a Resident Assistant in the Windsor Halls. "My theme for my floor this year is Wonder Women, so for instance in each weekly newsletter I feature a different woman activist or trailblazer and her accomplishments for inspiration."
Dana was also a past participant of the Elect Her-Campus Women Win. It is a program that encourages and trains college women to run for student government and future political office. The AAUW describes it as, "a collaboration between AAUW and Running Start, Elect Her addresses the need to expand the pipeline to women running for office and to diminish the longstanding political leadership gender gap." Elect Her is a one-day, 4.5-hour training session where participants practice hands-on campaign skills, hear from inspiring local speakers, and discuss research on women in government.
Dana offers this inspirational advice.
Challenge yourself. Through challenge is how we grow. Yes, this might involve being uncomfortable, it might involve failing, and it might involve doing something you’re not ready for. But ultimately, all of these experiences will give new perspectives, skills, and knowledge to be able to move forward with.
