Led by criminal justice student Mariajose “MJ” Ortiz, a Maryville student group is channeling a new wave of energy into the women’s movement.

BY GABBIE FALES

After transferring to Maryville as a second-year student, Mariajose “MJ” Ortiz checked out the student group Empower as a way to get involved. Over the next two years, she became more and more passionate about the group’s mission — to make an impact in the world through supporting intersectional feminist efforts and educating others about social injustices women face.

When she was asked to take on the role of president, it seemed like a natural fit. “Sometimes it’s hard to remember your worth,” Ortiz said. “As a woman, a person of color and a first-generation college student, I know firsthand how difficult it can be. That’s why I have the determination to let people know they’re not alone.”

Currently, Empower has 60 members and was recently honored as an outstanding student organization by Maryville’s student newspaper, Pawprint. “Community involvement is at the core of what we do,” Ortiz said. Empower puts on numerous events throughout the year to support its mission. Many events, like the annual donation drive, aim to support like-minded community organizations. Last year, Empower collected more than 700 personal hygiene items to donate to St. Louis area women’s organizations and shelters.

In 2018, the group began a partnership with the Zonta Club of St. Louis, a local chapter of the global organization that seeks to empower women through service and advocacy. The two groups collaborated to present the St. Louis premiere of “Little Stones,” an award-winning documentary following four women who use art to create a global change in human trafficking.

“The Zonta partnership was a great opportunity for students in Empower to not only connect with a like-minded community organization but also to gain some realworld experience,” said Stacy Donovan, PhD, associate professor of biology and faculty adviser for Empower. The movie premiere, which also served as a fundraiser, raised more than $10,000 for local women’s initiatives.

In her role as president, Ortiz said her largest goal is for Empower to encourage people to be actively engaged. “Even if a particular injustice doesn’t apply to you personally, it’s important to be an ally for those who it does affect,” she said. “I want Empower members to be agents of change.”

Each year, the group attends the St. Louis Women’s March. They meet beforehand to make signs, then attend the march to advocate for the change they hope to see in women’s issues in St. Louis, throughout the nation and worldwide. “Every time I attend the march, it’s so impactful,” Ortiz said. “We celebrate the change that has already been achieved, but we also shed light on the areas that still need work. Though strides have been made for women in general, change is happening much more slowly for the transgender community and for people of color.”

To help bridge this gap, Empower hosts educational programs for the Maryville community. This past fall, they hosted nearly 100 students at a presentation by guest speaker Schuyler Bailer, the first openly transgender NCAA Division I studentathlete. They also hold monthly “conversation cafes” to encourage conversation around difficult topics. “Events like these are just one stepping stone on the path to change for marginalized groups,” Ortiz said.

Through Empower, Ortiz found a community, a voice and a platform to advocate for others.

Her involvement in Empower has even shaped her plans beyond graduation. “I want to be an attorney so I can help those who feel like they don’t have a voice, or feel like they’re not being represented,” Ortiz said. “I want to help them feel heard.”