This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Chatham chapter.
Kelly Nestman is an active student one campus involved with residence life, and, more importantly, FACE! We’re so excited to be partnering with FACE soon for Feminist Fridays so we decided to give you a preview of the incredible ladies we’re working with!
What are you studying right now at Chatham?
I am studying Women’s Studies and Business.
What organizations are you involved with at Chatham?
I am the President of FACE, which stands for Feminist Activists Creating Equality, the RA for the Living Learning Community in Fickes, as well as the student assistant for the Women’s Institute, and a phonathon caller in the Alumni House. I also intern with Planned Parenthood, and through that plan events on campus sponsored by PP.
How did the rebirth of FACE come about?
Myself and other students on campus decided that we needed to have a feminist coalition on campus again, especially after the coed decision. FACE existed before my time here at Chatham, but it fizzled out. We needed and wanted a feminist group on campus again, so we worked our butts off to make it happen again.
What is the goal of FACE?
To offer feminist opportunities to students on campus through volunteering, interning and leadership opportunities with other feminist organizations in the Pittsburgh area and nationally. We also want to make sure that we do what we can to create equality on Chatham’s campus.
What sort of activities and events does FACE participate in or host?
Every other Friday, we have Feminist Friday in Anderson, where have a weekly question and ask students to answer it and then take their picture for our Facebook page. In addition, we are planning different events to ease the coed transition, such as a movie series and a weekend retreat. We work with Planned Parenthood to do call banks where we call our representatives and tell them how we use and need Planned Parenthood. We also co-sponsor events with the Women’s Institute and the Living Learning Community in Fickes, creating a web of women’s empowerment opportunities.
What’s an accomplishment with FACE that you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of the fact that we already have a strong following for it only being our second active semester. We have all worked really hard to make it happen, and to make it available and accessible to all students.
What are your goals for FACE this year?
My goal with FACE is to make a difference on this campus. There is a lot of change right now, and I want to be able to offer support to any student who wants to talk about the gender issues on this campus, ones that affect both men and women. I want to also bust the myths of feminism for everyone at Chatham, to show that we need it and that it is for everyone.
What are some goals you have for post-grad?
Right now, I am moving to San Antonio, Texas after graduation, and will be working with Planned Parenthood there. I am looking at graduate school as well to begin in a couple of years. I want to go to Texas Woman’s University for Women’s Studies for my Masters and Feminist Theory for my Doctorate. I could be Dr. Nestman five years from now!
How has Chatham changed your life?
It made me a World Ready Woman!! I became who I am today because of Chatham. I was always encouraged to succeed here, and given the support I needed to be the person I wanted to become. I know now that I will be able to succeed at anything I do because I am stronger and more driven that I was before.
What do you love most about Chatham?
I have always loved the sense of community. I stepped on campus and felt the immense bond of sisterhood. These students are my sisters, not just my classmates. Even now, I feel a sense of community. There are men on this campus that I see as my brothers and I’m so excited that they are actively seeking to be part of the community in a positive way. I very much believe that you get out of Chatham what you put into it. If you try to become part of the community, it can happen.
SPEED ROUND:
What’s your favorite drink at Café Rachel?
Iced Green Tea with a shot of Mango!
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a Chatham professor or faculty member?
“Check your Privilege” – Dr. Bruckner
If you had to read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Toni Morrison’s Sula. SO GREAT. I LOVE HER.
If you could meet one woman in history—dead or alive—who would it be?
Malala Yousafzai. She is amazing and I am so inspired by her. As someone who has always loved school, I can’t imagine being denied that right because I’m a woman. She has pushed through so many obstacles, and I am truly inspired by her.
All photos courtesy of Kelly Nestman.