Trinity Students Participate in Student Leadership Conference
Four Trinity student leaders participated in the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in early June: sophomore Chyna Jones ’12, sophomore Alyse Martin ’12, senior Tina Pryce ’10, and sophomore Jaime Temple ’10. The students valued the opportunity to participate in the conference; according to Temple, “It was an extraordinary experience. My student colleagues and I truly prospered from this conference and were blessed by it.” The three day conference was co-sponsored by AAUW (American Association of University Women) and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education). The Trinity Alumnae Association funded the students’ participation in the conference, reflecting the Association’s commitment to developing the leadership skills of Trinity students. The annual conference brings together hundreds of college women student leaders from across the country for workshops on leadership and networking opportunities.
Trinity student leaders, left to right: sophomore Chyna Jones ’12, sophomore Alyse Martin ’12, senior Tina Pryce ’10, and sophomore Jaime Temple ’10.
After the conference, Chyna Jones said, “I had an amazing experience and I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to attend. I was more then thrilled to see so many women, of all ages, that were intelligent, positive and who wanted to help change their community. Being surrounded by such women has given me a new sense of empowerment and has made me want to be a better person. I am even more eager to help my community and I aspire to be someone who makes a difference as the women leaders who were featured at the conference. ” Jones is an education major and at Trinity is active in La Casa. Outside of Trinity she is involved with Jack and Jill of America, Children International Summer Villages, Spiritually Well Rounded Young Adults and S.O.M.E (So Others May Eat).
Reflecting on her participation, Alyse Martin wrote, “My experience at the leadership conference was a great eye-opening experience. Seeing successful and empowering women inspired me to be the same. I was able to connect with my fellow college women leaders and talk about issues that I may not have been able to talk about with others. I learned how to network, meet new people and develop my leadership skills so that I can make a difference in the world and be a leader. Because of the conference, I am more focused on being successful and have the tools to do it! I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to experience such a great conference.” Martin is majoring in international affairs and is a Trinity athlete who plays basketball and lacrosse. She is also involved with the Student Athlete Activities Council. In addition, she completed an internship with Congressman Edolphus Towns of New York and has been active with the Girl Scouts for more than 10 years.
Tina Pryce also expressed enthusiasm for the conference. She wrote, “I would like to thank the Trinity Alumnae Association for affording me this great opportunity. Meeting women from different states, countries and backgrounds was so exciting and I am pleased to report that I have many new friends that I can talk to about leadership issues. We engaged in discussions about academic, social, political, and economic reform. It was an opportunity for women to come together and contribute ideas while speaking on serious issues. This was a life-altering experience and I learned that no matter what anyone tells you or what they believe you are as a woman, you are the one with the right to decide who you are and the change that you want to bring forth.” Pryce is an English major and works in Trinity’s Enrollment Services Office. She has done poetry readings and performances with the Trinity International Club. She is an honors student in the Trinity Honors program, and is a Trinity Global Leader Scholar. In addition, she was a volunteer with Americorps as a tutor for inner city children.
“Throughout the conference,” said Jaime Temple, “we were given opportunities to network with other women from across the nation, and the globe. We attended many sessions that were directed at helping us in our leadership roles in our Universities, communities, and families. I learned the strength of a leader is shown when one is not afraid to admit defeat, admit falsehood, or even to ask for help. Many techniques, tips, and stories from these female mentors inspired me to continue to go after my dreams wholeheartedly and to share with my colleagues the things that I learned and grew from.” Temple is majoring in biochemistry and plans to be a Christian missionary doctor. She is the treasurer of the Muslim Student Association, which she joined to learn about other faiths, and is also active in the International Club. Through off-campus work study, she is employed by HeadsUp D.C., a literacy program in which she tutors second-graders in Southeast D.C.
“The positive comments from the students illustrate the importance of this conference in their development and education,” said Margy Reagan ’78, director of alumnae affairs. “Their participation in this conference has proven to be an invaluable component of their Trinity experience. The Alumnae Association’s support of the students is so important.” Student Leadership Conference