At Athens Drive High School, the Women’s Empowerment Club is more than just a club; it’s a community where young women can connect, support each other, and explore what it means to be a woman in today’s world. With science teacher Heaven Tyndall as the club’s sponsor, members have a space to share their experiences, build confidence, and develop essential leadership skills.

 “I was motivated to join because I saw some of my friends in it, and I also wanted to know what makes us women, us,” said Lindsay Lopez, sophomore. 

When asked what motivated her to join, the desire to connect and learn is a common theme among club members, who appreciate the inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s voice matters. Every meeting fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging members to express themselves openly and freely. 

“Women’s Empowerment is a space for us to grow, learn, and empower one another. In our club, we like to mix fun activities and cover more serious topics like mental health.” said Tyndall. By tackling various issues and creating opportunities for personal growth, the club aims to empower young women to pursue their goals and become confident leaders.

“We meet about twice a month after school, and our club presidents plan the activities,” said Tyndall. The club organizes various activities that encourage interaction and personal development. So far, they have created friendship bracelets and engaged in rock painting, allowing members to participate in hands-on projects while getting to know each other better. These types of activities not only foster creativity but also promote teamwork and collaboration among members.

In addition to fun activities, the club also focuses on essential life skills. 

“We plan to have educational activities as well- such as how to change a tire, and how to complete simple household repairs,” Tyndall adds. This practical approach helps members feel more prepared for adulthood while building their confidence. 

Lopez highlights the importance of these activities, noting, “Everyone is involved every time we meet up, and you always have a voice.” This culture of participation empowers members to step up and share their ideas, fostering a sense of ownership within the club.

“I want to have meetings for self-defense as well as changing tires, just to do stuff that women are not normally taught, as well as talking about feelings and going into more personal things to help people through hard times because a lot of the people in the club are freshman and sophomores. I needed that guidance when I was that age and I feel like doing that, would be a great goal,” says Kali Casper a senior and club president. Casper’s words show a commitment to promoting inclusivity and teaching valuable life skills that are often gender-stereotyped. 

Community engagement is another vital aspect of the Women’s Empowerment Club. Last year, they invited a local professional to speak about mental health and overall well-being, helping members understand the importance of mental health in their lives. Looking ahead, Tyndall hopes to expand the club’s outreach. 

“This year we are planning to host a fundraiser for the women’s shelter. I would like to try and involve the school and local community more this year,” Tyndall said. This commitment to community service encourages members to think beyond themselves and understand the challenges faced by women in their communities.

Since its founding, the Women’s Empowerment Club has made a significant impact on its members. Tyndall reflects, “I’ve seen some of my more shy students become more social and participate in this group and I genuinely love watching these girls interact with one another in such a positive light.” This growth not only helps build individual confidence but also strengthens the bonds between members.

“I’d love to see a positive influence on our school and local communities. I think this is possible with our girls’ extending kindness to one another,” said Tyndall. Looking to the future, the club aims to promote kindness and empowerment within the school and community. With a focus on personal growth and community involvement, the Women’s Empowerment Club at Athens Drive High School is helping young women embrace their true selves and support one another every step of the way.