The idea of women supporting women is increasingly present, not only in society as a whole but in the culture at White Station. Mandy Cassius (11) and Sandy Nguyen (11), the co-Presidents and founders of the White Station Girl Up Club, are encouraging students to both fight for gender equality and inspire themselves.
“The Girl Up organization’s main mission is to give girls and women the resources and platform to start a movement for social change wherever they are. Being an affiliated club with the Girl Up movement, we work towards improving our community in any way we can,” Nguyen said. “We also hoped that the club would provide students a safe space to engage in fulfilling conversations and make connections with others. Especially during the pandemic, we wanted to give students, especially underclassmen, a way to meet new people and build connections.”

The club was formed a month ago, and 35 Spartans have already joined. Social media served as an aid during COVID-19 restrictions for the club to spread its goals and message. 

“It was rewarding to see that something we started had interest, and through posting on our story or on the posts, people began to respond and ask what the club is about. Now, on our Instagram (@wshsgirlup), you can find a link in our bio with helpful resources and what we are all about,” Cassius said.

Despite the challenges of creating a group during the isolation of a pandemic and virtual learning, the club has managed to host events that actively make a difference.

 “We had an event called Cookies and Current Events where we discussed recent events, especially those concerning women’s safety, and baking cookies at the same time,” Cassius said. “Other than that, we are working on a Period Drive at WSHS to collect products for local women’s shelters. Period products are pretty expensive for a product that’s a necessity for all women, so we want to alleviate some of that pressure by providing products.” 

Cassius and Nguyen will continue to empower their members and advocate for women both internationally and locally next school year. But along with leaving their mark on others, the  Girl Up club also works to positively impact each other. 

“Girl Up is really like a community,” Cassius said. “It’s different from other clubs because it focuses more on bonding as well as activism so you really get to know the people in the club and one person has a positive impact on another and then it’s like a domino effect.”