As the spring semester is underway, WIND is working on its missions and goals to foster more engagement among students and the campus and is looking to expand its membership base. 

WIND, which stands for Women in a New Direction, is an organization dedicated to bringing women on campus together. The club was first introduced in 2001 to empower women, promote gender equality and develop leadership skills.

The club also addresses issues and topics geared toward women, hosts guest speakers and community projects, collaborates with other organizations and fundraisers for charity and future events. 

“We strive to provide a loving, bonding community to our members; raising women/intersectional feminists up, emotionally supporting/empowering them, and supporting their drive for excellence in all their pursuits at Utica,” PR director Zeniyah Gholson said.

Last semester they hosted a karaoke night and their annual “Pajama Jam” on campus to provide fun for women. On Feb, 9, WIND collaborated with Fuerza, BOND (Brothers On a New Direction) and the Black Student Union to host a Super Bowl watch party. 

Although WiND has been active for 24 years, many club members have noticed a serious decline in participation, so the main goal is to get more students involved this semester. 

“Our plans for this semester are to get more active on campus and attract new members, since the club has died out since last spring,” Gholson said. 

Unifying the Utica University community is another goal WIND is striving to achieve this semester. 

“We also look to bring a positive light to the Utica University community and Greater-Utica area through service, art/expression and community-building events,” Gholson said. 

If you are interested in joining WiND or have questions about the club, they hold a meeting every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Wilcox Center, or contact club president Demia Tomilson or  PR director Zeniyah Gholson. For more information visit WIND’s Instagram page @wind.utica.