Finding Community, Creating Impact: Black Women Enlightened at Stephens College
On any given week, you’ll likely find members of Black Women Enlightened (BWE) gathered around a table at Stars Café — laughing, studying, planning their next event, or simply showing up for one another.
More than just a student organization, BWE provides something essential on campus: representation, belonging, and empowerment for Black women.
Founded in 2016–2017 and uniquely rooted at Stephens, BWE was created to foster identity, cultural awareness, and community. Today, its active members continue that mission by building a space where students can connect over shared experiences while also encouraging each other to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
“It gives you empowerment in a sense that you know there are people on campus — a place you can go where others may have the same struggles and the same opportunities,” said Arin-Christina Hawk, BWE president.
At its core, BWE is about connection.
Members support one another through academics, attend campus events together, and create opportunities to celebrate culture and creativity. Whether collaborating with the Poets of Infinity to present this week’s “History of Hip-Hop” event, showing up for campus programs, or organizing fundraisers and volunteer efforts, BWE’s presence is felt across campus life.
Their impact goes beyond participation — it’s about visibility.
“I think it just gives us representation,” KaLynn Irey, BWE vice president said. “We try to collaborate with other groups so we can be present in different ways.”
Through those collaborations, students combine interests, share perspectives, and strengthen the broader campus community.
Leadership in Action
BWE isn’t just a social space — it’s a leadership pipeline.
Members often take on prominent roles across campus, including Stephens Life Magazine, The Collections Fashion Show, Student Government, and other organizations. Through weekly meetings and shared experiences, they build confidence, expand networks, and encourage each other to pursue opportunities.
The group also helps students think beyond college.
From discussing career paths to making connections, BWE creates an environment where members can imagine what comes next — and help each other get there.
Looking Ahead
As BWE continues to grow, members are focused on expanding their reach both on and off campus.
This spring, they are planning:
- A group event on April 17
- Participation in Earth Day activities on April 22
They also hope to deepen their community impact through more off-campus volunteer opportunities in the future.
“Our main goal,” Hawk said, “is to set things up so that when we graduate, the next group can continue — volunteering, helping out, and providing services in the community.”
BWE meets weekly at Stars Café and welcomes any student looking for connection and community.
Because sometimes, the most powerful impact begins with something simple: A seat at the table.
