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A Kentucky State University student organization recently explored the power of representation during a virtual event featuring two women administrators on campus. Sisters Improving Statistics (S.I.S.) hosted the event entitled, “My VP Looks Like Me.”

Dr. Pernella Deams, interim vice president for Student Engagement and Campus Life, and Clara Ross Stamps, senior vice president for Brand Identity and University Relations, were the featured speakers for the event. Bayleigh Oliver, a sophomore from Detroit, Michigan and event coordinator of S.I.S., served as the moderator. 

“We felt as though in this point of time, having a woman of color become the vice president of this country is an enormous accomplishment,” Oliver said. “Seeing a woman that looks like us hold that high of a position in the presidential office motivates us and lets us know we can succeed even when society doesn't want to see us succeed.”

Deams and Stamps explored topics such as who do you look up to for inspiration, how do you keep a team motivated despite obstacles, what do you think are the most important attributes successful leaders have, how has having a Black woman in the White House impacted younger Black women, and how have you used your position to influence others. 

One message about supporting other women, whether they know it or not, stood out to Oliver. 

“SVP Stamps spoke one quote that really stuck with me,” Oliver said. “This quote was ‘Black girl magic over Black girl mess.’ This is still in my mind almost a week later.”

Both panelists discussed risks they have taken in their careers. Deams said living away from her family to pursue career goals was considered a risk and something she received criticism for, despite full support from her family. 

“My family was fine, but it was scary for other people,” Deams said. “The noise going on, I dealt with a lot of that. My end result has me where I am now.”

Stamps said she encouraged someone seeking a leadership position to get a mentor and a personal board of directors, people who can say, “You’re wrong, you need to rethink that.”

“If you can’t admit you’re wrong and listen to others, leadership is not a space you should occupy,” Stamps said. 

Oliver said the event meant a lot to her. 

“Representation is everything,” Oliver said. “Being able to see someone who looks like you achieve this high of a position is very empowering.”

Oliver said Sisters Improving Statistics is an organization that was founded on providing young women guidance, advice, networking opportunities and a lifelong sisterhood with other women.