University of St. Thomas Doctorate of Social Work student, ZaDonna Slay, was named one of 80 United State of Women Ambassadors. Ambassadors are trained to lead gender equity movements in their local communities. Slay will serve as an ambassador for her community in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The Obama Administration’s White House Council on Women and Girls created the United State of Women as a national organization fighting for full gender equity. Throughout the year, USOW offers training opportunities for ambassadors and provides hands-on support for projects as well as connecting them with experts.

“I actually learned about the program in 2016 during the Obama Administration. It came up as a big push about gender equality, specifically around the pay gap,” Slay said. “Often times we are at the forefront but we’re the silent partner, or we don’t get the recognition until later down the line.”

After a decade of professional experience focusing on community development and the well-being of youth, Slay felt being a USOW ambassador would be an ideal fit for her.

“Another interest for me is making sure women are prepared for mobilization…just being engaged as voters, to know that their voice matters, their voice counts,” Slay said. “I’ve been following the movement since about 2016 and then an opportunity came up for the ambassador program which I felt would be a good fit for me with my interest in community engagement.”

According to USOW’s website, their goal is to give activists tools, access, and connections to help enact change within their communities and make great strides in gender equity.

“What better way to pay it forward–by continuing to give through social work profession then continue to practice it through teaching,” Slay said.

With interests in voting rights and empowerment, Slay hopes to create change in her community by working with ambassadors from other nearby communities and local organizations to help women “understand the power of their voice” when it comes to voting.

“There have been several elections where women have led the vote,” said Slay. “The angle I’m going at, I’m not so much endorsing female candidates, I’m looking specifically at just the power of your voice.”

Emilie Cleveland can be reached at clev5695@stthomas.edu.