Today we feature Alayna Harrison, a leader at Rowan University. Alayna is the Vice President of Women of Color Alliance and the Women’s Field Hockey Club. She’s a senior, first-generation college student from Lindenwold, NJ (Camden County). Alayna majors in Writing Arts with a specialization in creative writing and a minor in Elementary Education. She shares who inspires her and gives leadership advice.
This story is part of a series spotlighting campus leaders during Women’s History Month.
What have you learned in your role as a leader?
To always be authentic to who you are. In being a leader, it does not simply mean to take charge, it means to guide a group of people to success. I have also learned to never doubt the abilities of myself and my group. If we have our mind set on something, we have everything in our power that we need to achieve it. Together, there is nothing that can hold us back.
What is your favorite memory as a leader or at Rowan in general?
Being able to put together the “Say Her Name” protest at Rowan in October was my greatest accomplishment. We put it together within three weeks. We had Rowan police, Rowan Public Safety, Glassboro Police, Rowan SGA and other cultural organizations involved.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the leaders of the Black Panther organization, the Me Too movement, the BLM movement and more. These organizations and movements started as an idea. They started as pain and then turned into a national movement. They have made such a difference in the nation.
What’s the most significant barrier to women today?
I have seen a lot of women being torn down for trying to stand up for what they believe in. In many cases, there are people who think that being a feminist means that we only want the best for women, when in reality, we just want an equal playing field.
Would you like to mention anything else?
Always be true to who you are. Those who you are leading will be more receptive to your authenticity.
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Story by:
Marian Suganob, senior public relations and advertising double major