Emerson has always been a chapter that likes to take risks, so emailing the chapter network to spotlight different Her Campus Chapters at other schools was no different. One of the schools that we decided to introduce to you is the chapter at Simmons. Being so close to the Simmons chapter here in Boston, we have gotten the chance to get to know their team closely and hold events with them on their campus, so highlighting them was a no-brainer. Located at Simmons University in the Fenway neighborhood, the chapter is currently around 40 people. They were founded in the Fall of 2017 and pride themselves on creating a warm and inclusive community that supports its members creativity and voices. The CCs explained that “While [Simmons] still [has] the designation of a ‘women’s college,’ we prefer the term women’s-centered because not everyone at Simmons identifies as a woman! We strive to be a safe and inclusive space in the hub of Boston.”
The chapter is currently run by Co-CCs Julia Hansen, a senior PR/Marketing Communications and English literature major, and class of 2022 social work major Ellie Faeth (who are truly both adorable lovely humans––seriously, some of the best we have worked with). Ariana Infanti is the chapter’s secretary, graduating with a degree in nutrition and dietetics in 2021. On the editorial side of their chapter, Sara Getman, an english major in the class of 2020, is the chapter’s senior editor. They also have Esha Shafiq, a Neurobiology major in the class of 2021 as their Diversity Chair. Moving over to the marketing side, Emma Gottschalk, a senior media arts and graphic design major, is the chapter’s marketing director. They also have Christine Jang an Arts Administrative major as their events director and Marissa Johnson, a PR/Marketing Communications major in the class of 2022 as their social media director. Finally, the chapter’s video direct is Hanna van Belle (Writer’s note: Hanna and I went to high school together, so I know she is a really great person––another reason to love and support HC Simmons), a history major with an arts admin minor, graduating in 2020.
In terms of content, Her Campus Simmons wanted to feature their article “Boston School as Parks and Rec Characters” by previous CC (and also wonderful human) Alyssa Williamson. The Current CCs also wanted to highlight their article series from last May, that introduced their executive board. The series was called “What’s in My Backpack” and helped people get to know the members of the Her Campus team! If you want to check out more content from HC Simmons, be sure to visit their Her Campus page!
The chapter is also busy running lots of events. Recently they held their fifth semi-annual Parks and Rec-fast, which is a dorm delivery fundraiser where the chapter delivers breakfast for dinner! It is their overall favorite event to run, and one of their favorite team memories was the first one that they ran a few years ago. Even though it was stressful, they had so much fun, that now they have brought it back for a fifth time. This event is the main way that HC Simmons gets funding, so it is great that this event is such a success! Speaking of successes, the chapter is looking forward to their third semi-annual Swap N Shop, where they partner with the Sustainability Club on campus to execute a clothing swap for the campus.
One of the main goals for the chapter this semester is to expand the topics of their articles and to become officially recognized by Simmons University as a student organization. They think that this will pave the way to more opportunities and allow them to expand their presence on the Simmons campus. If there is one thing that you should know about HC Simmons, it is that they are all about community and inclusivity. Not only is Her Campus Simmons a great place to build a portfolio of work, but you get to meet a lot of great people along the way! Speaking from experience with this chapter, everyone, and I mean everyone, is a wonderful person. Even as someone who attends a different school, the HC Simmons members welcomed us to their campus, and made us all feel included in the games we were playing at our partnered event last year. The experience was amazing, and it was so nice to be welcomed into their chapter with open arms when the HC Emerson members arrived on their campus. We asked the team what the three words to describe their chapter were, and they explained that HC Simmons was “Supportive – Whether you’re looking to write about a serious topic or just for a friendly community, HC at Simmons is all about being an inclusive, encouraging, supportive space; Ambitious – We love to host events and post lots of engaging content. We didn’t get to be where we are without a little ambition, and we like to pass that onto our members, too; and Fun – Because we like to think that we are!” I don’t think that a sentiment could be any more true, so if you are looking to join this wonderful team, make sure to reach out to them!
If you are looking for more information about the club, Instagram is where it’s at! The chapter participated in Her Campus’ March Madness competition in social media and kicked some serious butt. What does that mean? It means that they have a large social following and it is all thanks to their wonderful social media directors! You can also find them on their other social pages here: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube.
Bonus Questions:
TS: What Hogwarts house does your chapter most identify with?
CCs: Gryffindor! We’re welcoming and courageous. :)
TS: If your chapter could be described with one animal, what would that animal be and why?
CCs: Bunnies! We are all cute but as a group we really shine.
TS: Is your chapter team Edward or Team Jacob? Or for daring, Team Kristen Stewart as a person?
CCs: Team Kristen Stewart. All the way.
TS: Is your chapter more cat people or dog people?
CCs: Why not both?
TS: Does your chapter identify more with beaches or lakes?
CCs: Lakes
TS: What time of year (semester, trimester, quarter) has the best classes to add to your schedules?
CCs: The fall! Even if you don’t get all the classes you want, there’s always next semester!
*All photos provided by HC Simmons*