On April 10th, of 2023 I got the amazing opportunity of being invited to be on the writers panel for the Womxn of Color Writers Series, hosted by the Richard Oakes Multicultural Center here at San Francisco State University. I, alongside two other amazing writers were asked a series of questions relating to media and what it means to us to take a holistic approach towards writing. Interviewed by lead organizer Starr, I was able to share my opinions and experiences on my writing and how different factors have affected my personal life and how these factors are ingrained in my writing and influence the stories I write about.
The Womxn of Color Writers Series was an Associated Students event that celebrated womxn, trans, nonbinary, and intersex writers of color. Opening speakers, Dr. Tiffany Ceaser, and Dr. Francine “Olivia” Shakir, highlighted and discussed important topics such as intersectionality, reparations, and generational writing. Following these important keynote speakers, myself and two other amazing talented ladies, a part of the Her Campus writers’ team, Molly Gutierrez, and Alyssa Escalera, had the opportunity to sit onstage and discuss our writing as women of color. We discussed important topics and issues that affect us as women writers today. I was able to sit in front of an audience and be vulnerable which is something that helps me be a better writer and communicator. By doing so I was able to spread awareness on the media aspect of writing and the personal details of my life that have brought me to where I am in my writing journey.
This was super important to me because as a woman of color I was able to share stories of my family and how they have not only supported my urge and passion to write, but they also have been such important influences on the types of stories I read, research, and write about. This event was important to me because it incorporated women of all backgrounds and allowed for important topics and discussions to be discussed and analyzed. Everybody had such beautiful stories and insight into their life’s and their writing journeys. The other amazing panellist touched base on sensitive topics that included their families past experiences and how as a woman of color it can be difficult to enter an industry where they are able to voice their opinions and be heard. I truly felt the sentimental impact of everyone opening and being able to share their stories and past experiences as not only a woman of color, but as an overall writer as well.
It is important for campuses to host communities and events like this because not only does it get members of the community more involved, but it also opens safe spaces to have these difficult and heartfelt conversations. It allows for everyone no matter race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation to have a safe space at a university campus where they can be themselves and feel free and not judged.