As our brand new partner for the spring semester and an organzation we are most proud to support, we wanted to introduce our readers to the woman behind Sisters on the Runway PSU and find out how she has brought domestic violence awareness to the Penn State community.
HC: So, Sisters on the Runway is recognized as a national organization. How was the Penn State chapter founded?
SOTR: After watching the 2011 and 2012 UMass Amherst SOTR shows, I was immediately inspired to make a difference within my own community. Shortly after, I founded a chapter of SOTR at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School in Cambridge, MA. When I began college at Penn State, I knew I had to start a chapter here. I partnered up with Lauren Shearer, co-founder, and began a chapter here while working with the Centre County Women’s Resource Center (CCWRC).
HC: What inspired you to support a cause such as domestic violence prevention?
SOTR: Domestic violence is an extremely prevalent issue internationally and specifically within the United States. More than 31 percent of women in the United States have been physically abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I think it is crucial to spread awareness about an issue that is often overlooked.
HC: Some Penn State students tend to adopt a false sense of security from living in such a rural environment. What would you say to those who believe domestic violence is not a problem in State College?
SOTR: Domestic violence is present in every community. Many people are under the impression that domestic violence is only physical abuse between a man and a woman but, in reality, there is a large spectrum of cases that fall under the category of domestic violence. Some include: emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, and even coercion, threats, and isolation. Unfortunately, there are sexual assaults reported at Penn State quite often, and this is something that should be taken extremely seriously.
HC: What were your major goals for the first year as a recognized Penn State organization?
SOTR: As a new student organization at Penn State, our first major goal was to recruit dedicated and passionate members and spread awareness about the organization and of course, the cause itself. Our next goal was to develop a committed leadership team who can successfully and effectively plan benefit events and communicate the importance of domestic violence prevention to the community.
HC: Can you tell us about the fashion show this spring?
SOTR: Every spring, Sisters on the Runway hosts a benefit fashion show packed with food, drinks, fashion and fun. The show consists of several opening acts, such as A Capella groups, dance company performances, faculty speeches and more. Sisters on the Runway models will present clothing from local stores, department stores, and Penn State student designers. There will also be a raffle and a silent auction with several items donated from corporate and local sponsors. Representatives from the Centre County Women’s Resource Center will also speak to present more information about the shelter and domestic violence prevention.
HC: What has been the biggest challenge?
SOTR: So far, our biggest challenge has been spreading awareness not only to Penn State students, but to faculty and the State College locals. As a first-year organization, we are faced with different obstacles, but are lucky enough to have such overwhelming support from our members and other PSU student organizations.
HC: What would you say to those looking to get involved?
SOTR: It is never too late to join SOTR! Within the organization, there are opportunities for students interested in fashion and modeling, community service and philanthropy, business, public relations, finance, design and much more. The Centre County Women’s Resource Center is always looking for volunteers, and SOTR is a great way to begin working with the shelter.
HC: Anything else you’d like us to know?
SOTR: Please feel free to stop by any of our meetings on Thursdays at 7:15 PM in 207 Sackett, sign up on our listserv by emailing sistersontherunwaypsu@gmail.com, or join/like our Facebook group at Sisters on the Runway PSU.