Jasmin Taylor, a fourth year at San Francisco State University, is now the assistant director of the women’s center this year after working there last fall through spring as an intern.
Taylor, a woman with superb leadership skills, is truly passionate about making women aware of their rights, empowering them, creating equality, and creating community.
A lot of people do not know about the women’s center, which is located on the Terrace level in room T-116.
“They [the rooms] are kind of hidden, but the Women’s Center is a part of ASI, our student government on campus and part of our student tuition goes there,” Taylor said.
Taylor, from Sacramento, was originally a psychology major but switched to journalism when she realized she enjoyed talking to people and writing down what they said.
Working at the Women’s Center has given her the opportunity to expand her career as she is getting experience with social and digital media.
She was told that great reporters need to have skills in digital media.Â
“I want to become a great reporter, travel the world like Andrew Zimmern,” she said.
Taylor loves helping to empower women and would love to go overseas and do the same for other women and teach English.
Taylor is influenced by her bi-racial background as her mom is Sri Lankan, born and raised in Malaysia, and her dad is African American.
She is inspired by her mom who moved to America when she was just 23-years-old. These different cultures and traditions resulted in her fascinaion in difference cultures, making her perfect for the position as assistant manager because the Women’s Center is open to all women no matter sexuality, color, or race.
The goal in bringing everyone together is “to build a community at a commuter school,” according to Taylor, which she is currently striving for.  She also wants to “provide that community for everyone and a place that women can come and enjoy together.”
Many people are unaware of the hard work that goes into student-run organizations. The organization, run by women, is dedicating to providing a safe haven on campus and puting on exciting events planned for women.
The most recent event that Taylor planned was the Flight or Fight workshop. Taylor describes it as a self-defense workshop where girls will be working with two women, a sergeant and a crime specialist. The main goal is to keep women safe and to equip them with the right set of knowledge in the case of a threatening situation.
Not only will women receive tips and advice, but they will receive self-defense instruction from Hapkido USA Martial Arts. Collegiettes will also learn how to use a taser and pepper spray.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 3rd on the main campus lawn from 12:30- 2:30 pm.
“Girls on campus need to be aware of crimes that are happening or just know what to do if they are found in a bad situation,” Taylor said.
When asked what a typical day looks like, Taylor said that it starts when she opens up the Women’s Center and enters with an open mind.
“I want to accommodate everyone and not focus so much on being ethnic specific, but to be open to all and be able to work with all allies,” she said.
She manages all the volunteers and is continually trying to think of new events. Taylor explained that during events she hopes “that other woman will meet, bond, and attend events together.”
“I have met a lot of friends through this center,” she said.
Angela Davis has had a really big effect on the Women’s Center. Davis was a women’s activist and Taylor admires “her activism and ambition.” Davis is not the only woman who carries those skills, it is obvious Taylor has them as well.
“She is someone we all admire, she is just awesome,” said. Taylor.
Some events that are coming up soon include “Our Bodies, Our Rights” and a movie night with feminist related films.
“It is important for woman to know about reproductive rights, health care and what is provided for women, things like that,” Taylor said.
A lot of girls are unaware of what our own political leaders have to say about women’s rights and events like these are great to get more information. If any collegiettes are interested go to room T-116 or check out the Facebook page.