The Women of Color Collective (WoCC) was founded in 2018 as an initiative of the Kent State Women's Center to provide a supportive space for faculty and staff women of color at Kent State University. Through professional development, supportive networking, and emotional support, the WoCC seeks to advance the needs of women of color and thereby enrich their professional journeys at the university.
“Honestly, I was so excited when WOCC was created and I received the first invite,” said Keya Jennings, Senior Advisor I. “I thought this would be a welcoming space that I can go and network, breathe and have great discussions on various topics that we as women of color can relate to and gain knowledge to help us in our various roles. Attending WOCC is another level of my self-care as well. I feel like I can release and just be me. I love the energy and sisterhood, which helps me feel like I actually do belong because we all do.”
The WOCC has over 100 members and meets monthly to discuss various topics centered on professional development, mental health and barriers in the workplace. Due to COVID 19, the WOCC increased its meeting frequency to help provide more support to faculty and staff as they transitioned during the pandemic.
Over the past couple of months, the group has invited various speakers who serve in various leadership roles, including Eboni Pringle, Dean of University College; Sonya Williams from the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Tameka Ellington, interim assistant dean, College of the Arts and associate professor, School of Fashion.
The next WOCC session will be a Microsoft Teams meeting on July 21 at noon. For more information, or to become a member email wc@kent.edu.