Name: Miya Brown
Major: Sociology
Year: 2013 (Junior)
1. Can you explain BOSS to someone who has never heard of it before? What does your job as head of the club entail?
The acronym BOSS stands for Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters. It is a student run campus group catering to women of color on both Barnard and Columbia campuses. I am this year’s President after holding the Publications Chair position my sophomore year and First Year Representative my freshman year.
2. What is your favorite aspect of BOSS? What makes it unique?
BOSS is unique in creating a sincere sisterhood amongst its members. I met my very best friends here while working with them on the executive board and I have been hooked ever since. My favorite aspect of BOSS is the dynamics of our close-knit family. Students are able to be more involved on campus through an organization that caters to their needs, but it isn’t just business with us. We study together, party together, and find a sense of security beyond the walls of our lounge.
3. Do you think there is enough diversity on Barnard’s campus? Why or why not?
Every year I notice an increase in diversity on Barnard’s campus, but it isn’t at all properly represented in student government, faculty, student life, or any positions of leadership that aren’t the traditional avenues from where they would be found. And how is diversity measured? If you are referring to students of African American or Latino descent, then no there is not enough.
4. If you could have a more plentiful budget for your club, what would you do with it?
Every year, BOSS is often hindered by the slim allocation given to us by SGA. With the past few years, we have gotten a few dollars more but we still find ourselves scrambling to find co-sponsorships when planning our big events. Recently, we are trying to implement a new tradition of an end of the year party fundraiser. BOSS plans and executes several large annual events: The BOSS Family Dinner, The Soul Sister Cocktail, and Celebration of Black Womanhood Week. We also have the Mama Bear-Baby Cub program for upper and lower classmen. This year BOSS was able to sponsor myself and 4 other members to attend the Annual Black Solidarity Conference at Yale. It was a great weekend filled with fun, thought provoking paneled discussions, and networking opportunities with other minority students from the other schools in attendance. We would love to do more things like that. Moreover, with more funds we could launch a website, a semester publication, invite more prominent women to campus, decorate the lounge, buy a TV to make our space feel more like home, create a scholarship for our members, and design group T-shirts with the BOSS logo. There is just so much more that we wish we could do.
5. Where is your favorite place to hang out on or around campus?
Currently I live on Columbia’s campus with my Sorority Sisters in the Delta Sigma Theta Suite located in East Campus. Since the distance is significantly farther away from Barnard’s Campus, I don’t spend as much time there as I used to. However, when I am there I am either in the Zora Neale Hurston Suite or in and around the Diana Center. I literally go nowhere else unless I have class!
6. What is currently catching your eye in the media these days?
Unfortunately, the untimely passing of the great Whitney Houston has been on my mind. I, myself as an aspiring singer and performer, was crushed by her departure. It still has not hit me yet, but Whitney was a woman full of passion, elegance, and pure talent! I just wish I knew her. She was such an inspiration and to see how many hearts she touched with her gift only pushes me to do the same. She will forever be missed… truly a rare gem.
7. What inspired you to get so involved with BOSS? How can people get involved with your organization?
The first BOSS general body meeting that I attended was during the first few weeks of classes. I don’t remember what we talked about, but I remember seeing so many beautiful brown faces in this cozy room and was instantly excited. The facilitators of the meeting were charismatic and welcoming and I knew I would come back for the next one. When they announced first-years had a position on  the executive board to create bonding events just for us, I signed up immediately. I haven’t left since. Anyone can become involved with BOSS. We welcome all ethnicities to come and participate in our discussions, help plan or support our events, or even come sing karaoke with us during study breaks. Just stop by our Tuesday bi-weekly meetings in the Zora Neale Hurston Lounge at 9:00 in the Barnard Quad. We always have snacks, we love snacks :)