Leadership role in an academic organization-- 3 PTS

photo: Launching community service initiative at Market Friday 

    Serving on the 2025-2026 Spelman Student Government Association has afforded me multiple opportunities to give back to the Spelman community in a substantial way. In the photo above, I collaborated with Analise Poe (C'2028 and Secretary of Student Affairs) to launch a new community service initiative that I've been interested in implementing. For Spelman's community closet (My Sister's Closet), we worked alongside Morehouse School of Medicine to 'swap' casual and professional clothing items with items students have in their closets that they may not have used. This event was rooted in sustainability and a desire to empower students with the tools for professional development. It was also a huge source of personal connection for me because when I arrived at Spelman during my freshman year, I didn't have any professional attire, and the closet supported me. 

The strengths of this event are found in the outcome! As a result of this event, SSGA and My Sister's Closet were able to collect over 100+ new pieces for all shapes and sizes of our sisterhood! One weakness that I believe I could improve upon during this event is further promotion of the 'swap' aspect of the event. Although Market Friday has typically held only a purchase-based experience, I want this year to be more equitable for all aspects of the student body by including experiences. 

This activity connects to my other experiences in public service on Spelman's campus that I have gained. I deeply connect to the importance of environmental sustainability, especially for Black communities, and utilize this platform and leadership role to educate others about the importance of sustainability by simply recycling clothes.

This activity has been influenced by goals and aspirations because I want to attend Columbia Law School as a Public Interest scholar. Spelman has taught me about the importance of prioritizing service in my life, but in action, I hope to transform this experience into a career by being service-oriented through the practice of the law. 

by Gabrielle Dandridge