Shannon Oteri

Shannon Oteri

Written by jlowndes

Hailing from Ocean City, New Jersey, senior Shannon Oteri is a force to be reckoned with. As a fashion merchandising major, Shannon has experience in both business and the arts. Her leadership in both UDress and Gamma Phi Beta have prepared her to kick start her own clothing boutique, Shop Seasha.

How have your RSO experiences impacted your experience at UD? 

RSO’s were my first way of meeting people at UD. I was able to make friends with similar interests to me who I probably would have never crossed paths with otherwise. Especially when you are starting out your college career and completing a lot of basic courses, you can tailor your college experience and grow friendships based on things you enjoy. I started out by joining UDress and I have met so many amazing older and younger UD students from different backgrounds and majors, even though we all share a passion for creativity and fashion.

What was the process like moving up from a UDress member to Editor in Chief?

I decided to apply to UD and attend UD specifically for UDress. UDress is the student run fashion magazine at UD and it is incredibly impressive. I first applied to be a fashion stylist and a photographer. These were two positions that kept me busy but they were very worthwhile.

As a stylist, you are attending photoshoots, traveling to vendors to style looks, helping to pose models, communicating with models and team members, and so much more. As a photographer you are bringing these photoshoots and articles to life through the use of campus locations and props. I was a stylist for 2 years, then I was promoted to Style Director as a Junior. When an unexpected opening for the position below EIC opened and I was asked to step in, I was very shocked but excited. Moving up to EIC has allowed me to push the boundaries and challenge everyone to put their most creative foot forward. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this role?

One of the biggest challenges is probably organizing something around so many different people’s schedules. While you are a student at UD, your top priority should always be academics. This can be challenging, especially around exam times. To make this magazine come to life, there are many people that are involved and to find a date and time for so many schedules to align can be difficult but it somehow always works out.

I’m sure for all of your challenges there were plenty of rewards. What’s your favorite memory from UDress?

I think my favorite memory from UDress is probably just all of the amazing people I have met. Everyone has really had an impact on my college experience and I love to see everyone on my teams and the models I meet at photo shoots around campus. I also love the photo shoots because it’s exciting to see everything I envision in my head come to life. 

 

I was able to make friends with similar interests to me who I probably would have never crossed paths with otherwise.

 

What inspired you to join Gamma Beta Phi and run for the PR position?

Greek life was something that kind of intimidated me my freshman year. I was always very nervous to be around a lot of girls at once. In my freshman year I moved from a freshman dorm to an upperclassman dorm, and I didn’t have many friends at UD besides the people I had met in class and through UDress.

I decided to try going through recruitment as a sophomore because I felt lonely and I was interested in making more friends that shared a similar mindset to me without being in all of the same classes. From day one I always felt really comfortable with the people I have met through GPhi. Gamma Phi is a laid back sisterhood that supports empowering women and it has changed my entire college experience.

I feel like this organization helped me to gain confidence through the people I met. I have some amazing mentor figures that were in Gphi and I am able to be there to help others. I was interested in getting more involved, so I ran for an exec position (PRVP). It was a lot of responsibility, but it helped me to learn how to lead teams and manage budgets, while also manage my own time better. I also was able to work on an exec team and it made my experience in the sorority so much more worthwhile. 

 

 

 

You also run your own online boutique, Shop Seasha. Was it intimidating to open a business as a full-time student?

So I started Shop Seasha in July 2019 after I didn’t get accepted to any of the internships I had applied for. I wanted to prove to myself that I was good enough and I decided to start this small online business as a way to exemplify that. Everything from setting up the e-commerce and social media, to marketing to shipping orders was what I spent every day doing. It was like I was working 24/7 but I loved every second of it. I realized the power of social media from this endeavor and I also realized the power of redemption. I really wanted to prove that I could do something amazing and within 2 months I had started an entire business out of my bedroom closet. It was definitely intimidating but I put my all into it. I thought it was a good time to try something like this because I am at a point in my life where I am able to reach an entire campus of people, plus each person’s personal network of friends outside of UD. 

 

When I am busy, I feel like I can conquer the world.

In a typical week, what goes into running your own business?

Just about everything you can imagine and more. In the summer, I spent every waking moment working on Shop Seasha. From buying items, organizing photo shoots, editing photos, creating product listings, running social media, packing orders, marketing the brand and more.

How do you manage so many responsibilities? Any advice for other students?

Being busy is the best thing that ever happened to me. When I am busy, I feel like I can conquer the world. I get so much done, I prioritize my work and I hold myself accountable for everything and anything. I have earned Dean’s lists awards for my academics during the two most busy semesters of my life. I think that when you are busy, you know what you have to do and you know when you have to do it so you can work around that to plan time to study and see friends. I would recommend getting involved, paying full attention to everything you are doing and using a calendar to stay scheduled. I live by my google calendar app!

Favorite band:

I listen to everything and anything. I’ve been really into Mac Miller lately 

 

Favorite movie:

I recently finished The Morning Show on Apple TV and it is AMAZING! Highly recommend.

 

Best way to start the day:

I was never really a morning person but I always love sunlight in the morning. I love to open up the blinds on my windows to wake myself up!

 

Something small that brings you joy:

Dogs.

 

A skill you’d like to learn someday:

I think something I really want to learn is mastering a foreign language (specifically Italian) 

Related Articles

Related

Shannon Oteri

Hailing from Ocean City, New Jersey, senior Shannon Oteri is a force to be reckoned with. As a fashion merchandising major, Shannon has experience in both business and the arts. Her leadership in both UDress and Gamma Phi Beta have prepared her to kick start her own...

read more

13 RSOs to Join if you Love Business

13 RSOs to Join if you Love Business

If you’ve ever wanted some real-life business experience, look no further. UD offers a handful of business-related RSOs, meaning that your education doesn’t have to stop in the classroom. Whether you’re interested inhospitality or economics, there’s a student group out there that will provide countless hands-on opportunities in your field. 

As many students can tell you, joining a professional RSO opens a world of networking opportunities. Most student groups bring in guest speakers and company representatives who are more than qualified to give out post-grad advice. 

Not a business student? No worries! There are no major requirements when joining some RSOs. The most valuable asset you can bring to a business group is your desire to learn and meet students with similar interests. A business RSO is a great way to diversify your major with valuable experience in the trade.

Check out these 13 RSOs that will give you a step-up in the business world!

Accounting Students Association

With over 20 years of history at UD, this RSO has tons of connections and programs aimed at helping accounting students succeed. Since its founding in 1995, the Accounting Students Association (ASA) has connection thousands of students to opportunities within the business world. Over 100 students are currently involved in the Accounting Students Association. According to their constitution, the ASA enhances the involvement between accounting students and professional firms as well as creates bonds between students. They meet several times a semester and host talks from major firms including KPMG.

All You Knead is Love

This new RSO is meant for students with a sweet tooth and a heart of gold. The premise of the club is simple: students make and sell chocolates to benefit the A.I. du Pont Children’s Hospital. However, its effects are much more profound. Not only do students get hands-on experience in both baking and selling, but the hospital receives funds necessary to give children the highest quality of care. The RSO was founded in 2019 when Executive Chef John Deflieze joined the Vita Nova team. The club now meets one or two times per month at the Trabant Satellite Kitchen and consists of mostly hospitality business management students.

 

Association of Latino Professionals for America

 For over a decade, the Association of Latino Professionals for America has been providing the Lantinx community with opportunities in all sectors of business. This RSO aims to create a professional networking environment with a focus on Lantinx students and professionals. The group tackles topics including getting attention from recruiters, feeling recognized at college and developing post-grad plans. They meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at Ewing 204.

Blue Hen Economics Club

Open to all majors, the Blue Hen Economics Club hosts a variety of events each semester catered to students with a passion for anything business. Members can enjoy programs including resume-writing workshops, guest speakers, case competitions and networking events. The BHEC encourages a positive learning experience by hosting several free introductory economics group tutoring sessions each semester.

Blue Hen Marketing  Club

In affiliation with the American Marketing Association, this RSO offers students a chance to meet with peers, professors and professionals in the marketing field. A major goal of the group is to make marketing students feel prepared for their internships in careers. They organize resume and LinkedIn reviews, speeches from alumni and even social activities to help relieve stress. The BHMC meets monthly and has over 100 members.

Club Managers Association of America

Interested in event planning and hospitality? This RSO is a great way to get practical experience in the private club industry. Members participate in many events throughout the year, including planning dinners for club managers, attending conferences across the country and networking with country club owners. The CMAA is also involved with volunteer activities, including Relay for Life and can drives. The RSO meets on Monday nights in Raub Hall.

National Association of Black Accountants

Though ‘accountants’ is in their name, the NABA welcomes and students from accounting, management information systems, finance and  related business professions. This organization provides resources and support to minorities and advocates of minorities with the end goal of bringing inequality in business. They attend conferences and hold guest speakers from major corporations in order to teach members about career options. They welcome students from diverse majors and races and set them on the track to finding a job by graduation.

Women in Business

This RSO connects women in business majors with other like-minded, ambitious students. It creates a network of hard workers and hosts networking opportunities with strong women in the professional world. They hold multiple events and meetings per semester with the goals of promoting interpersonal skills, preparing members for careers and understanding the life of women in business.

Future Professionals of the Sport Management Industry 

Sports lovers unite! This RSO helps guide students into a successful career in the sports industry. They host networking trips and attend professional sporting events to give students a taste of the sports industry. Their main goal is to forge professional relationships that will push club members into their dream careers. You may know them as the Sports Management Club. Meetings are held monthly in addition to events.

Hospitality Club

This club has been mixing hospitality and fun for nearly a decade. Through business tours, event planning and volunteer programs, the Hospitality Club helps students build strong resumes. Each year, they work towards tangible foals liking help plan the Department of Hospitality Business Management’s Annual Parent’s Day Brunch. If you’re looking for hands-on experience and connections in hospitality, this is the club for you.

Lazarus Rising

Looking to make an impact on your local community? Lazarus Rising may be the student group for you. They offer two to three weekly trips to homeless shelters in the area, where members provide guidance to people experiencing unemployment. Student volunteers help with resume writing, job searches and the application process. This is a great opportunity for both community service and mentorship experience.

Operations Management Association

Whether you are majoring in operations management, business or any other discipline, the Operations Management Association has a place for you. As a relatively new RSO, they are motivated to connect students who are interested in the operations management field. Members take trips to networking with supply chain professionals and learn exactly what the career has to offer. The group also invites representatives from major corporations to give talks on post-grad opportunities.

Professional Convention Management Association

 

This world-wide organization has representation in 37 countries across the globe. That means a membership opens you up to tons of networking opportunities, and maybe even internships and jobs in the events industry. It also allows you to get event planning experience that can benefit your career in business later on. Plus, this club is constantly growing, meaning that there is room for growth for students in any major.

 

Student Groups that Promote Sustainability Year Round

Student Groups that Promote Sustainability Year Round

Epsilon Eta

In the early spring of 2018, a group of environmentally-aware students came together to found Epsilon Eta, UD’s first co-ed environmental fraternity. As a nationally recognized fraternity, Epsilon Eta aims to provide a sense of community and purpose for nature lovers across the country. At UD, the frat’s mission is to increase environmental and sustainability awareness in the Newark community, while also giving its members networking opportunities and professional support.

Its members focus on spreading their passion for environmental activism through events and service projects, like trash cleanups and community gardening. They also create lasting bonds between members through bonfires, backpacking and trips to Milburn Orchards.

“I’ve made some of my best friends on campus through this organization, and I think the best part is spending time and making a difference with them,” said club president Leanna Stackhouse.

As part of their devotion to both physical and social environmental justice, Epsilon Eta participated in a virtual Mapathon on Earth Day. They focused their efforts on Malawi, where participants improved mapping infrastructure to help locals in the event of a natural disaster. 

“We try to promote sustainability as actively as possible,” said Stackhouse. “We don’t like just talking about getting things done — we do our best to meet those goals. We also try to hit all aspects of environmentalism, from societal impacts to science-oriented events.”

Outing Club

For students craving outdoor adventures, the Outing Club never fails to deliver. Running trips nearly every weekend, the Outing Club offers fun and excitement, as well as promotes education and appreciation for the outdoors.

“The purpose of The Outing Club is to provide an opportunity for student participants to explore and further their interest in the outdoors while temporarily escaping the restrictions of college life,” said Clare Bondi, president of the club. “Outing Club allows for students to gain experiences they may otherwise not have been able to afford or participate in.”

Their adventures include campus bonding events, local excursions and long-distance trips. Members can participate in as many or as few outings as they’d like, and each trip is a first-come-first-serve, low-cost experience.

According to Bondi, Outing Club encourages sustainability by holding Earth Day clean-ups and teaching members about Leave No Trace policies and the impact of food waste.

 

 

Students for the Environment

Students for the Environment (S4E) is one of UD’s oldest environmental student groups. Since their founding during the environmental movement of the 1970s, they have been working towards change in the Newark community. Along with holding educational events, advocating for a greener campus and providing networking opportunities, S4E fosters a love for the outdoors through their local excursions.

Each year, S4E members plan environmental protection projects based on the interest of its current members. In 2018, their Green the Green movement put pressure on UD to switch to natural forms of landscaping. This past fall, S4E members collected gently used clothing in an effort to create a university thrift shop that would reduce waste. Their most recent project is the formation of a native garden on North Campus, which they’ve started planting thanks to the help of a Green Grant from the University.

“My favorite memories include removing invasive species in White Clay Creek State Park, making our own toothpaste and lotion at a meeting, and attending the 2019 Delaware Environmental Summit to speak about our sustainability initiatives on campus,” said Melanie Ezrin, club president. 

Earth, Ocean, and Environment Club

Since its founding in 2016, the Earth, Ocean, and Environment Club (EOEC) has been connecting students with opportunities and education about all topics in the realm of sustainability.  

Every semester, the EOEC provides students with chances to demonstrate environmental volunteerism and educate community members about important areas of conservation. From beach clean-ups and horseshoe crab surveys in surrounding beach towns to documentary screenings and museum visits, EOEC members get their hands dirty in all forms of environmentalism.

The club encourages students of all majors to learn how they can make a difference in their community, even if the difference is small. Along with their outings, they hold monthly meetings where students can socialize and connect with like-minded peers.

“Some of my favorite memories of the club include our bigger trips to the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Smithsonian museums in DC,” said Co-President Rachel Roday. “These day trips are a great break from campus life and a good opportunity to hang out with people I normally don’t see during the week. Local volunteer work, such as the Christiana River Watershed Cleanup, also stands out to me because I feel like I am making a difference in the UD community.” 

Entomology Club

Have a passion for all critters of the Earth? The Entomology Club might be just the student group you’re looking for. As the only student group focusing specifically on advocating for the protecting of insects, the Entomology Club provides unique opportunities for environmental volunteerism

Each meeting, the club discusses different areas of conservation in order to expose their members to diverse topics withing entomology. Their past meeting topics have including insect handling, beekeeping and how to find insects. 

The club also offers hands-on activities, such as building houses for mason bees. For students seeking for meaningful experiences that help promote education about the importance of small creatures, the Entomology Club takes home the gold.

 

The Latest

Shannon Oteri

Shannon Oteri

Hailing from Ocean City, New Jersey, senior Shannon Oteri is a force to be reckoned with. As a fashion merchandising major, Shannon has experience in both business and the arts. Her leadership in both UDress and Gamma Phi Beta have prepared her to kick start her own...

13 RSOs to Join if you Love Business

13 RSOs to Join if you Love Business

If you’ve ever wanted some real-life business experience, look no further. UD offers a handful of business-related RSOs, meaning that your education doesn’t have to stop in the classroom. Whether you’re interested inhospitality or economics, there’s a student group...

Want to Get Published? Check out These On-Campus Opportunities

Want to Get Published? Check out These On-Campus Opportunities

Whether or not you dream of a career in writing or art, publishing your work is a great way to demonstrate your motivation and establish your name. And — perhaps more importantly — it’s a lot of fun.

Countless RSO and on-campus organizations offer excellent opportunities for you to share your work with others. If you create visual art, music, poetry or prose, there’s sure to be a publishing platform on campus that fits your needs. Most on-campus opportunities require no previous publication or experience, so if you’re looking to share your first piece, you’re in luck. Plus, once you start publishing, you open the door to off-campus opportunities and internships.

To make the first steps towards publishing a bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of great on-campus opportunities for both first-time and experienced creators. 

The Review

In the early spring of 2018, a group of environmentally-aware students came together to found Epsilon Eta, UD’s first co-ed environmental fraternity. As a nationally recognized fraternity, Epsilon Eta aims to provide a sense of community and purpose for nature lovers across the country. At UD, the frat’s mission is to increase environmental and sustainability awareness in the Newark community, while also giving its members networking opportunities and professional support.

Its members focus on spreading their passion for environmental activism through events and service projects, like trash cleanups and community gardening. They also create lasting bonds between members through bonfires, backpacking and trips to Milburn Orchards.

“I’ve made some of my best friends on campus through this organization, and I think the best part is spending time and making a difference with them,” said club president Leanna Stackhouse.

As part of their devotion to both physical and social environmental justice, Epsilon Eta participated in a virtual Mapathon on Earth Day. They focused their efforts on Malawi, where participants improved mapping infrastructure to help locals in the event of a natural disaster. 

“We try to promote sustainability as actively as possible,” said Stackhouse. “We don’t like just talking about getting things done — we do our best to meet those goals. We also try to hit all aspects of environmentalism, from societal impacts to science-oriented events.”

Main Street Journal

Do you have a portfolio of creative works that you’re looking to share? The Main Street journal is an art and literary magazine run by students at UD, and each semester they publish a collection of impressive student work. They showcase work created by artists in the Newark area, including non-UD students, which allows this magazine to give voice to our entire community. If your creative portfolio has been piling up, be sure to submit to poetry, prose, photography or artwork to The Main Street Journal next semester!

This magazine is run by a collection of art and written-word editors who are committed to sharing diverse voices and tackling difficult subjects. They welcome both new and experienced artists to share work that makes a statement or simply celebrates creativity. You can visit their website to read archived editions and learn about their publication team. The Main Street Journal holds open mic nights, nature walks and other creative events throughout the semester, so joining their team ensures that you’ll meet a group of like-minded creatives.

Caesura Literary Magazine

Named after the natural, rhythmic pauses in poetic verse or prose, Caesura is an annual literary magazine featuring the work of current UD students. Each spring, Caesura publishes a collection of short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama and artwork created by UD undergraduate students of all majors. The selected work is then curated into a physical magazine, which is released at a presentation celebration featuring readings and refreshments. Any undergraduate student is eligible to submit work to Caesura, and if your work is selected, you could win cash prizes and the chance to read or present your work at the magazine’s release ceremony. 

Caesura provides excellent opportunities for students who are looking to get behind-the-scenes publishing experience. They’re always looking for new editors and artists to join their team and contribute to the selection and editing process. As part of the Caesura staff, you’ll have the opportunity to read through submissions, discuss the student work with other editors and assist the team in advertising for submissions.  To join, contact Professor Claire McCabe and keep an eye out for submission opportunities in the fall!

The New

If you’re passionate about highlighting and encouraging diversity on campus, then The New is sure to pique your interest. Founded in 2018, The New is a student-run magazine dedicated to sharing voices from minority populations on campus. Their goal is to bring attention to diverse perspectives and encourage solidarity between students, all while sharing stories that aim to make students more culturally aware. 

Each semester, the editorial team curates a selection of poetry, art, music and articles that work towards the inclusive mission of the magazine. They publish articles covering everything from fashion and music to current events and opinions. The New also publishes original photography to go along with its articles and themes. To get involved in The New visit their Student Central, where you can reach out to the executive board and get notifications about upcoming meetings.

UDress Magazine

Do you have a pile of fashion magazines stacked somewhere in your room? If so, try getting involved with UDress Magazine! This biannual fashion magazine is run by a team of editors, writers, designers and business-savvy students who love to celebrate culture and fashion. Each semester, they publish a collection of articles and photos covering everything from clothing trends to cultural phenomena. The magazine is then released at a fashion show organized by students, complete with musical performances, gift bags and refreshments.

 The magazine provides plentiful opportunities for writers, photographers and designers to experience what working in an editorial department entails. Whether you’re looking to publish the written word or contribute to the magazine’s visuals, there’s sure to be a place for you at UDress. To get involved, visit their Student Central and reach out about upcoming opportunities.

The Setlist

Music lovers of any genre are sure to find their place at The Setlist, a digital music journalism club. Founded in 2018, The Setlist shares photos, album reviews, concert reviews and playlists curated by student journalists. On their website, you’ll find music coverage ranging from underground indie to mainstream pop. According to their website, “The Setlist strives to give a voice to the music listener, the concert-goer, and the local scene – and welcomes all readers and contributors who are just as passionate about music as we are.”

If you’re looking for a gateway into the music or entertainment industry, The Setlist is a great platform to demonstrate your interest in the arts and meet like-minded peers. To join, reach out to the editorial team on Student Central or via email. Plus, keep an eye out for The Setlist’s open mic nights around campus!

The Asian Awareness Perspective and Connections Magazine

The Asian Awareness Perspective and Connections Magazine is an online blog that helps bring awareness to Asian American voices on campus. Through opinion pieces, culture stories and current event coverage, the magazine dives into the diverse experiences of Asian Americans at UD. This new RSO is currently gathering pieces by writers, and they plan on publishing their collection by next year. 

To get involved with the Asian Awareness Perspective and Connections Magazine, reach out to Grace Zhang, the magazine’s president, by email. She and the executive board are currently seeking students interested in writing, graphics, web design illustration, event coordination and more!

 

By the Green

Let’s get meta for a moment. By the Green — the very blog you’re reading right now — is a great place to get your work published on campus. Our blog is focused on sharing stories about student life and anything that matters to Blue Hens. We work with staff and freelance writers to write articles that spotlight events, student stories, RSOs, student artwork and culture.

Not looking for journalism experience? By the Green is also proud to host the Artist Space, a digital platform that shares student artwork of any kind, including music, visual art, poetry, fiction and more. The Artist Space is always looking for creative submissions, so fill out this form and share your work with us! You also have the chance of being featured in a physical exhibit in one of our student centers.

Why Female Empowerment RSOs are Necessary

Why Female Empowerment RSOs are Necessary

Every March, Women’s History Month is celebrated across the nation. While UD’s observances were cut short due to the coronavirus, several RSOS on our campus work year-round to empower young women at our university. We spoke to the Society of Women Engineers and Women in Business about why promoting inclusivity is important on college campuses. 

 

It’s hard to get through four years at the University of Delaware without learning about the year 1743. Our founding year is everywhere you look — it can be seen on our official university seal and on buildings around campus, and it’s even the namesake of our freshman orientation, the 1743 Welcome Days. 

While 1743 is integral to our history as an esteemed university, reflecting on what has changed since that year provides an interesting perspective on the history of inclusivity at our school. When UD was founded more than 270 years ago, many of its current students wouldn’t have even been eligible for enrollment. In fact, it wasn’t until 1913 that women were allowed to apply to UD, and even later in 1950 that black men and women became eligible for admission Put into perspective, this means that of UD’s 277 graduating classes since 1732, 170 classes included no women and no people of color.

Ever since our university took its first large step towards diversity in 1913, inclusivity has continued to grow everywhere on campus, from in the classrooms to in student groups. In order to make sure that this inclusivity continues to advance, RSOs like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Women in Business have made it their mission to empower young university women in male-dominated career fields. 

According to Mary Lemma, president of SWE, clubs like SWE provide a valuable place for women to share their experiences in both the classroom and in the workplace.

“I knew a chemical engineering major from SWE who had an internship, and the people in charge of her program didn’t even know where the women’s bathrooms were,” said Lemma “It turned out they were in a whole separate building. When we run into situations like that, SWE gives us a group to talk to that can support us as we break down boundaries.” 

While Lemma, a biomedical engineering major, hasn’t felt out of place or excluded in her classes, she recognizes that many other female students have felt underrepresented in their majors. She believes that SWE is a great place for women to build a network of students with similar goals who might face similar challenges as they move into the workforce.

“Whether we like to admit it or not, prejudice does exist if you’re a young woman going to a site where you work with mostly older men. That’s when SWE’s community can be valuable,” she said. 

Navya Jagarlamudi, a chemical engineering major who serves as SWE’s outreach chair, joined SWE during her freshman year because she didn’t know any engineers in her family or friend groups. As a current senior, Jagarlamudi reflects on her time in SWE as both a learning experience and a motivator to make connections in the engineering community. She says that SWE encouraged her to pursue research positions and internships that helped her land a role at her dream company.

Although Jagarlamudi has found success in her field, it hasn’t always been without challenges. According to Jagarlamudi, she and some of her female peers experience difficulty relating to their coworkers in the typically masculine environment that surrounds engineering. According to the Census Bureau, 81.6% of chemical engineers are male and 80.5% of all chemical engineers are white. And while UD has programs aimed at encouraging diversity within engineering, decades of inequality and a lack of representation in the field contribute to the current diversity statistics. “It is hard to find a place for yourself in a field where most people don’t look like you,” said Jagarlamudi.

Jagarlamudi believes that to create a total cultural shift in the STEM field, the conversation about women in science needs to start at an early age. By promoting early exposure to engineering in elementary and middle school, educators show young girls that they too can be successful in engineering. She also believes that large organizations like UD have a responsibility to highlight the achievements of women in all fields, but particularly in those historically dominated by men.

“The more people see that women are intelligent, strong, capable, and powerful leaders, the negative internal biases against women that are products of years of generational and cultural misogyny will begin to shift,” she said.

Along with providing role models for women in engineering, SWE connects students with career networking opportunities all across the country. Each year, SWE attends career fairs with hundreds of recruiters looking to hire a diverse set of graduates. SWE also collaborates with other RSOs to broaden their on-campus network and create areas of potential collaboration. According to Lemma, diverse networking is important not only for the future of women in engineering, but also for the success of engineering companies.

“Having representation from all backgrounds women, men and all races is important,” she said. “Different perspectives are crucial when solving the complex problems that STEM wants to solve.”

Just as SWE builds a network for women in STEM, UD’s Women in Business RSO creates a place for women to network and discuss their experiences in the business.

“It’s important for clubs such as Women in Business to exist because building strong networks of women geared for the same cause is impactful,” said Jessica Casino, president of Women in Business. “Students who care about the advancement and equity of women in the workplace have the opportunity to connect with others who seek the same goals.”

Casino, a marketing and operations management major with a minor in international business, joined Women in Business her freshman year at UD and since then surrounded herself with an indispensable group of likeminded women. 

“My involvement with Women in Business has greatly impacted my overall happiness at UD,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary students, faculty, and professionals. This club has allowed me to organize amazing events on and off campus that truly helped my professional skills and built up my network.”

As president of Women in Business, Casino has devoted her time to increasing networking events and involvement opportunities offered by the RSO. While Women’s History Month would have been the ideal time for her to promote the RSO and encourage other women to get involved, Casino believes that honoring Women’s History Month is critical whether or not we’re all together.

 “I think it is important for large organizations such as UD to recognize Women’s History Month because they have the capabilities to make a change in our communities,” said Casino “UD influences real change, and their support during this month is crucial.”

As we move into a new decade, now is the time to consider the way our university will be reflected on in the coming years. Just as we reflect on 1743 and the ways our university has changed for the better, future generations will reflect on the way decisions we made in 2020 impacted our future. In order to keep UD moving towards the future, RSOs like SWE and Women in Business exist to empower women to break down barriers and continue the push towards equality.