By Clara Moffitt
Would you like to expand your knowledge of literature to include more female authors and innovators? The Herstory Club, held every other Friday during high school lunch, is working towards doing just that: educating members on historical women and inspiring positive change in today’s community.
Dr. Salcido, the club’s advisor, has been an active participant in Herstory’s happenings since the club’s start: “[Herstory] truly appealed to me. I was truly excited to be a part of a student initiated and led group that was seeking to provide a space to increase leadership, organization, and mutual support.
“The founding idea of Herstory Club was to provide an opportunity to discuss women in history that often go unnoticed, hence her story, rather than, his story. Since then, the club has expanded to discussing contemporary women who are making a difference as well as providing service to women in need.” Dr. Salcido says, “[we] empower individuals to explore and share their ideas about how we can improve our school, our community, and our world.
Herstory Club has recently embarked on a project to provide relief to women in third world countries. By participating in the Days for Girls organization, the club has assisted in making feminine products for women without access to them so these women can still attend school, receive an education, and have successful futures.
Additionally, the club invites guest speakers who come and speak about their journeys, experiences, and how they have reached success despite unlikely odds. Recently, the club heard from a Cuban refugee who became a chemical engineer even though such a career has been usually dominated by men.
Club member Jovanna Gonzalez says the goal of Herstory is “to get inspired. . .I’ve listened to the guest speakers and I’ve been motivated by them.”
As Herstory Club has stayed active throughout the years, Dr. Salcido is led to believe that “those that attend Herstory remain because they truly care to make a difference and are passionate about what they can accomplish … It becomes … a student-led space that captures the character, achievements, and experiences of the past in order to inspire the lives of those in the present and of those who will soon shape the future.”
As Herstory grows and continues to inspire, Dr. Salcido “hope[s] to see Herstory continue with its passion for engagement in the matters relevant to the school, but also those that transcend out into other communities.” Herstory provides not only inspiration, but also an excellent opportunity to learn about amazing women and continue to help out.
Dr. Salcido extends an invitation: “Anyone interested in gender equality, expanding their knowledge, or making a contribution to shaping their environment is welcome to attend.”