Phenomenal Woman Forum held

The Phenomenal Women Forum held at the University on Nov. 4 showcased three women's struggles with various obstacles i their lives.

The event, hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Rho Theta Chapter, had each panelist tell share experiences from their lives, all of which proved that they were truly ‘Phenomenal Women.'

The first speaker was faculty member and Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) Denise Santiago. She explained her educational background and experience. She faced many doubts, but overcame all of them and has become a success in her field.

Santiago proceeded to explain womanhood and what events defined her personal rite of passage to womanhood. She explained her definition of womanhood, saying "there is no age when we become a woman, it's a series of events."

The next speaker on the panel was Sherrish Holloman. Holloman is alumni of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State (NCA&T) and Columbia University. She went from teaching in North Carolina to working as a Columbia faculty member.

She began her presentation with acknowledgements from her dissertation. Her father was a U.S. Marine and she had to adjust to a lifestyle of continually moving up and down the east coast. As a military dependent, Holloman learned a networking technique that she values deeply.

"I had to learn how to be that new person," Holloman stated in regards to the networking technique she adapted. When first presented with the opportunity to speak at the event, Holloman thought, "I'm a Phenomenal Woman? That's Maya Angelou, not Sherrish Holloman."

The final speaker was Harlem native, Madeline Nelson. "I did not want to miss this because I knew its importance," Nelson said. The crowd was thankful for her commitment because she made a great and lasting impression on them. She began her speech with powerful statistics on domestic violence, poverty and high school dropout rates.

The audience was shocked to find out that Nelson was a statistic for each area mentioned. She explained that she was physically and mentally abused as a child.

Nelson wanted a way out so after she graduated from high school she left home at the age of 17. She went from college to working in several entertainment jobs until finding her purpose. She explained, "It's beautiful when you can find purpose in your pain."

Nelson now works for The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN). The organization was founded by R&B artist Mary J. Blige and is dedicated to helping all women gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their full individual potential. Someone asked Nelson what was the organization selling and she replied, "[we're selling] hope."

After the forum ended and audience members had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions or make comments on their speeches, members dispersed into different circles talking to the panelists.

A small group surrounded Santiago and one of the students commented on her speech saying, "It completely went from your mouth to my soul."

Santiago continued to advise the circle of the detours that life provides, but that "finding the back way to the path again" was possible. Holloman, explained that being a part of the panel was a very humbling experience.

Sorors, Akosua Naana Ohene and Charis Victory oversaw the planning of the event. Ohene expressed that the process was "hard and very stressful."

When asked how she felt about the final results she replied, "I am extremely, extremely excited. I hope people went away with something." There was no doubt that both ladies, as well as the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha, provided an excellent forum.