Influence
Women of Influence (WOI) members believe in the transformational power of education. Our influence is greater collectively than it is individually. We will work collaboratively to utilize each member’s strengths, providing the University of North Alabama students, faculty and staff with opportunities and experiences they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. WOI will be intentional with our program support, evaluating all opportunities to provide the most impact. We will give voice to the unheard and influence positive change in support of the educational mission of the University of North Alabama.
FISCAL YEAR 2023
Kilby Laboratory School
The Kilby Safety Improvement Project focuses on providing physical enhancements and education for the faculty and staff on ways to improve the current status of the safety infrastructure at Kilby. We will seek resources to make the physical building even more secure. We will also provide educational opportunities and training for the faculty and staff to ensure they are utilizing best practices for a safe and nurturing learning environment at Kilby.
The $50 for 50 Campaign
This campaign directly impacts the lives of our female student-athletes. This fund provides resources that will continue to shape the trajectory of our eight Women’s programs and assist them as they continue to grow and evolve.
Children's Respite Program
Local families are given the opportunity to bring their child with special needs and their siblings to monthly Respite Program events. The program provides an evening of food, fun and engaging social activities for these families.
Tiny Cubs Community Baby Shower
This project contributes to the continuation of a baby shower event and siblings Bootcamp aimed at low-income mothers, new expecting parents, and soon-to-be siblings. The aim of this event is to increase awareness and prevention of infant mortality rates in the state of Alabama while also providing senior-level student nurses with an opportunity to lead in public health promotion.
Poverty Simulation: An Immersive Experience
This simulation allowed students to assume the role of 26 different families that are facing poverty. Examples included ones that are homeless, unemployed, single-parent homes, families receiving temporary assistance, retired families living on a limited income, and families where grandparents are raising grandchildren. The goals for the students were to keep their homes secure, feed their families, keep their utilities on, make loan payments, pay for expenses, and meet any unexpected needs that might arise. In addition to this, the students are expected to report to work, get children to school, and provide child care as needed. This experience is eye-opening for not only the students but for the faculty and community volunteers that are involved.MUNCH: Making UNforgettable Children Less Hungry
The purpose of MUNCH is to provide food bags each week to children who are in need of nourishment over the weekend. The children receiving these bags are identified by the respective school counselors but are not shared with the organization. These bags are packed with a variety of breakfast, lunch, and snack items that are kid friendly.
FISCAL YEAR 2022
Stock the Classroom: A First-Year Teacher Initiative
UNA’s Teacher Education Program (TEP) remains one of the most established, premier preparatory programs for future educators in Alabama. Upon their final semester at UNA, TEP students work full-time as unpaid student-teacher interns, gaining valuable experience and enriching school systems in the process. Twenty students participating in the program will receive $250 for classroom supplies.
International Women's Day Celebration
Women in Business is a new Registered Student Organization that officially got off the ground in fall 2020. Its purpose is to support the advancement of women through mentorship and community. WIB provides mentorship through engagement with faculty and community leaders; hosts skill-building workshops; and focuses on empowerment and education in terms of relevant issues facing today’s women. International Women’s Day is March 8, 2022, and marks a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In honor of this and the Year of the UNA Woman, Women in Business will host a week-long celebration of events.
First-Generation Student Mentoring Program
Approximately 25 percent of UNA students are the first in their immediate families to attend college. However, in the absence of programming focused solely on their needs other than an affinity group that was started last year, it was time to do more. The First-Generation Student Mentoring Program has 21 students enrolled and matched with faculty, staff, and alumni mentors for the 2021-2022 academic year. Each participant who completes the program will be awarded a $100 book scholarship.
The Lion, The Pitch, and the Wardrobe
With limited space in the Career Center for the former clothing closet, some UNA students find it difficult to dress for success for interviews and job fairs. While virtual interviews are becoming the norm, formal in-person meetings require students to look professional in order to make a strong first impression. Each selected student will be provided with a maximum of $250 to be applied toward the purchase of professional attire for interviews.