Since arriving at AU in August, freshman Becca Gonzales has made her presence known. Staunchly conservative, Gonzales is a prayer leader in Chi Alpha, secretary of CUFI (Christians United For Israel) and vice president of AU Students for Life. More recently, she helped bring the Network of Enlightened Women (or NeW as it’s known) to campus. With the style of Jackie Kennedy and the brains of Ronald Reagan, Becca hopes to help grow the community of conservative women at AU. Whether or not you agree with her political ideologies, Becca’s courage in standing up for what she believes in is commendable and deserves recognition.
Her Campus AU: So, what exactly is NeW?
Becca Gonzales: Well, it’s a new club on campus for conservative women. We’re basically a discussion based book club, but we also do a lot of philanthropy, bonding activities and events.
HCAU: What are your goals for the year?
BG: Our main goal for this semester is really just to see the club grow. We also want to see commitment from the girls in the club, so we really want to see the same group of girls coming week to week. We also plan on cosponsoring events with other organizations on campus. We’re not officially recognized yet but it’s important that we’re still able to get our name out there so we can actually have these big name events that we want to have.
HCAU: So do you ever feel isolated as a conservative woman on a liberal campus?
BG: Yeah, that’s why we’re starting the club. I’m excited to provide a safe space for conservative women on a liberal campus where we can discuss and empower each other while fostering intellectual diversity
HCAU: When does NeW meet?
BG: We meet on Wednesdays at 6:30. Our first meeting is on February 19th from 6:30 to 7:30.
Photos Courtesy of Becca Gonzales