Sisters Like Me: Black Girl Magic at LSUA
Registration Now Open!
Date: October 17, 2024. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Event begins at 5:30 pm.
Location: LSUA Brumfield Caffey Ballroom
Why is Sisters Like Me: BGM Important?
All too often, Black women experience isolation in higher education, particularly at predominantly white institutions, students, faculty, staff, and administrators alike. This annual program is designed to unite Black women-identifying members of the campus community to reduce isolation, create a safe and affirming space, and prioritize self-care as a transformative and liberating practice. It also offers a platform for Black women to share their unique cultural experiences while educating others about how to support and advocate for them.
Now in its fourth year, the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Access is thrilled to continue this exciting program at LSUA. By opening it up to the broader community, we endeavor to spark understanding, raise awareness, and encourage support for Black women, thereby centering, uplifting, and celebrating their contributions and experiences.
Sisters Like Me: Black Girl Magic at LSUA was inspired by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Women’s Resource Center.
2024 Theme: “Sis, Why Aren’t You Smiling?”
This year’s theme, created by LSUA Student and program chair Qua-Morah Hawkins, focuses on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and resilience. It aims to address challenges faced by Black women, providing a safe space for sharing struggles, finding support, and accessing resources.
Ms. Hawkins is a senior majoring in English and minoring in secondary education, literature, and psychology.
About the Event
Sisters Like Me: Black Girl Magic at LSUA is a vibe! And nothing short of inspiring and transformative. Hosted on our vibrant campus, the event brings together an incredible community of Black women-identifying students, faculty, staff, administrators, and local community leaders for an evening of powerful conversations, heartfelt connections, and genuine empowerment. Attendees participate in dynamic speed mentoring sessions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and enjoy moments of joyful fellowship, all while celebrating the perseverance and brilliance of Black women. The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter, shared stories, and a profound sense of solidarity. It is an unforgettable evening that leaves everyone feeling uplifted and empowered, setting a high standard for the following year.
REGISTER NOW
Event Registration Opens August 15, 2024 and closes October 4, 2024.
Event Scholarship and Awards
The event features a Black Girl Magic Scholarship, which celebrates the persistence, academic achievements, campus involvement, community service, and potential of Black women-identifying students at LSUA while providing financial assistance to help them
achieve their educational goals. Additionally, awards will be presented to honor individuals and organizations demonstrating excellence and significant community impact. These awards recognize exemplary service in the community and highlight those
who have made meaningful contributions and inspired positive change.
Black Girl Magic Scholarship Application
Open to LSUA Students
Crown Award Nomination Form
Mental Health Care Professional Award Nomination Form
Mental Health Organization Award
Event Details
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Doors Open at 5:00 pm | Event Begins at 5:30 pm
LSUA Brumfield Caffey Ballroom
8100 Highway 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302
Monica F. Anderson, DDS, DBA (aka Dr. mOe), is an author, podcast host, and dynamic mOe-tivational speaker. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Parade Magazine, Fox News, and ABC’s Good Morning Texas. She has an extensive
business background which includes: General Nutrition Centers franchise owner, producer/host of a cable television program, private practice owner, real estate investor, partnership in a Mediterranean restaurant, CEO of TyMAC Books, and certified
Dental Consultant.
Dr.mOe is also a successful writer who has published several books in the fiction and nonfiction categories. Her 2021 novel, Never Close Your Heart, peaked at #1 on an Amazon bestseller’s lists. Her most recent book is Launch Your Self-Publishing Journey: The Busy Author’s Guide to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Book Fast!
Dr. mOe has gained years of professional experience through her long career in healthcare and various business ventures, but on a personal level, she has also gone through the journey of surviving rare cancer diagnosis. As a motivational speaker and writer, she uses her diverse experiences to share game-changing, powerful life lessons with both humor and passion. She currently resides in Grand Prairie, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and leading a nonprofit, Drop The Drugs, Inc., which works to deter prescription drug misuse and abuse.
- Who can attend?
- This event was designed to address the feeling of isolation experienced by Black women-identifying students, faculty, staff, and administrators. While priority is given to creating a safe space for women of color, the event is open to all women, fostering an all embracing environment for learning, support, and solidarity.
- What is the attire?
- How early should I arrive?
- Arrival by 5:00 PM is strongly suggested. The event will start promptly at 5:30 PM.
- Who should I contact with any additional questions?
The program committee is comprised of students who are members of the LSUA Black Women’s Empowerment Initiative Cohort. By coordinating and executing this program, these students acquire valuable transferable skills that prepare them for their future
careers. This experience equips them to meet the demands of the professional world, enhancing their competitiveness as job candidates and their effectiveness as employees.
- Qua-Morah Hawkins, Program Chair
- Jade Alexander, Program Co-Chair
- Jasmine Anderson
- Kimberly Bibbins
- Jalyn Cross, Operations Director
- Amani Gray, Registration Director
- Maberu Imoleoluwa
- Loleater Jefferson
- Jewel Jones, Registration Director
- Folashade Kinyomi, Operations Director
- Aniyah Roundtree, Awards Director
- Palisha Wilson
- Connie Cooper, Chief Civil Rights Compliance and Access Officer/Director
- Desalynn Lewis, Financial Advisor
- Haylee Malone, Director of Student Life
- LaMona Wallace, Administrative Assistant V
Erin Ranel
Mrs. Ranel served over 21 years in the Army National Guard, specializing in logistics, human resources, and operations, with two tours in Iraq and a humanitarian mission to Belize. She retired with the rank of Sergeant. Mrs. Ranel is also the owner of Fleur De Luxe Travel and manages her travel blog, Pretty Girl Adventures.