By: Margot Dragos
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the Brooklyn College (BC) Women’s Center showcased its inclusive space and various resources to students at its open house.
The main room of the Women’s Center was filled with chairs for students to sit and watch the opening presentation. Many people stood as the room filled with students.
The presentation began with an introduction about the Women’s Center’s staff and their mission.
“The Women’s Center at Brooklyn College is dedicated to minimizing the obstacles women face while pursuing their education by offering comprehensive support and resources,” read a slide from the presentation about the Women’s Center’s mission. “Grounded in intersectional feminism, we provide a safe, inclusive environment that fosters autonomy, equity, and personal agency.”
It also discussed the various resources they provide to students, such as menstrual products, condoms, and even Plan-B, as well as how students can use their space. They offer a computer lounge, coffee & tea, as well as tables and couches for students to hang out.
“It’s always a pleasure to come here,” said Muqadas Boota, a senior at BC. “I could run to charge my phone here, use my computers, and [for] snacks.”
After the presentation concluded, attendees were invited to get a plate of food from a free buffet. They offered options such as chicken-fried rice, sesame chicken, and dumplings.
“The fact that they provided us with free, full lunch […] is really special,” Carter Marks, a BC freshman and theater major, told The Vanguard. “[The Women’s Center] seems like a really cool place to hang out, and it feels safe.”
Students were also given free goodie bags filled with products such as pimple patches, hand lotion, lip balm, and Women’s Center merchandise, including a cup and pen.
“Because we’re having a lot of new students […] we wanted to open up our space so they could know about what our center is and what we have to offer,” said Amber Prophete, the program coordinator of the Women’s Center.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t take advantage of the resources they have,” said Em Katz, a BC sophomore majoring in computer science and psychology. “[The Women’s Center has] snacks, computers […] it’s just a space to chill.”
Through the Women’s Center’s open house, attendees were able to discover a new spot on campus and resources they may not have otherwise found out about.
“The Women’s Center is a free resource center that they can go to at any time throughout their days,” Prophete continued. “Because we understand that it’s a commuter school and you just want a place for environment and community, and we have that space for you.”
For those interested in the Women’s Center, visit 227 Ingersoll Hall Extension.