Name: Madeline Speirs

Year: Fourth Year

Major: Media Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Hometown: Leesburg, VA

1.    What brought you to the Women's Center?

For the past few years, I've tried to find spaces and activities that could combine my two majors, Media Studies and WGS. So many of my classes overlapped, but I wanted a practical way in which to demonstrate what I had learned. The social media team at the Women's Center seemed the perfect place for that. I love that I can hone my marketing skills all while spreading a message that I support. The Women's Center has shown me that social justice can take many forms. For me, I can help spread the values of the Center through our social media platforms and reach our community in new ways.

2.    What other organizations are you involved with at UVA?

I am a Campaign Assistant for the Stall Seat Journal, which means I contribute content and design critiques on each issue. I am also responsible for installing the posters in various bathrooms around Grounds, primarily in first-year dorms. It's very glamorous, I know! I actually love that I get to go back to dorms as a fourth-year; it makes me very nostalgic.
I am a part of Movable Type, which is the Media Studies department undergraduate literary journal. Students can submit papers relating to media and we select a few to publish in our fall and spring editions. I help peer review the submissions for each issue and I coordinate our launch event at the end of each semester.

3.    If you could describe your intern team in 3 words, what would they be?

Proactive, Informed, Inspired

4.   What is your favorite memory of UVA thus far?

Although it's difficult to choose, I am extremely happy that so many memories come to mind when I read this question. I'll go with tailgating before football games in the autumn. I get to spend time with my friends after a busy week and it seems as though nothing else matters during the game. Homework and responsibilities can wait, that's what Sundays are for!

5.    What does leadership mean to you?

While some people may seem like natural born leaders and others do not, I believe that everyone has the ability to be the leader of their story. Leadership allows you to connect with people over a common interest, strengthening your message. Ironically, being a leader can also be a deeply personal thing, even though you guide others along with you. As a leader, you can empower those around you to spread what you believe in.

6.    What is your guilty pleasure?

Makeup tutorials and reviews. Throw on a chatty GRWM and I am a happy gal.