Although Erin Flaherty has only one semester left of college, she is certainly not slacking off. Between being a TA, writing her thesis and balancing a full course load, she has also found time to be co-president, or “co-head goddess” as she likes to call it, of one of Stonehill’s newest clubs, WHEN, Women’s Health Empowerment Now.
Major: Â English and Religious Studies
YOG: 2012
How  was WHEN founded?
Last year, myself and co-president Ashley Trebisacci came back from being abroad in the spring, and we found out about the Moore Center for Gender Equality. We decided that this campus needed a group for feminists to talk about issues. We were going to start a feminism club, but nobody was interested solely because of the word feminist. So, we rebranded it to WHEN.
What are the goals/main message WHEN hopes to spread?
We want people to realize that you can be empowered socially, academically and professionally, but there is something missing if you are not mentally and physically healthy. Part of being empowered is about finding your voice and having people listen to it. Our meetings are conversation based and we talk about women’s issues. It is sort of like a free therapy session. Our goals are to recruit underclassmen students, outreach in the community and build community. We want people to realize going to a mixer is not the only way to be social and feel supported by your peers.
What events are you doing in the future?
V season starts February 1st. It is all about women and empowerment, and we will be hosting workshops and performances. On Valentine’s Day, we will be having a surprise, so be on the lookout for that! On the 15th, we will be hosting a workshop about breast health and the importance about knowing your body. Also, be on the lookout for a bunch of events in March, which is women’s history month!
What if I want to get involved but don’t have a lot of time?
SEND US AN EMAIL! So you can be on our mailing list! All of the speakers we will be sponsoring are open to anyone and everyone. All are welcome to come to an event, or just send us an article so we can put it on our blog. We do encourage people to come to meetings because they are very laid back, and are a nice homework break.
How do you think WHEN is impacting the Stonehill community?
I think in a very positive way. We were so excited about the response from so many students. Both female and male students come up to us and ask about the club. Faculty members are very responsive as well, giving us a lot of positive feedback. That is why the theme of this semester is community outreach and community building because there was such a great initial reaction. I haven’t gotten a negative email about the club yet, only positive ones.
Is there a “dream event” you would love to put on?
YES!! I would love to have Stonehill be able to host a week long mentoring/leadership/networking event for college students from the greater Boston area. It could take place the week after we get out for summer vacation and we could get faculty, staff and basically successful people to come and talk with us. It would be an event where you could sign up for lecture series or mentoring breakout sessions. For example, there could be sessions about community organizing and activism.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
If you need to find me, I’m the person wearing high-waist pants.
 Shout out to the WHEN Executive Board:
 Ashley Trebisacci: Co-President (aka Co-Head Goddess)
 Caitriona O’Grady: Secretary (aka Lightning Bolt Catcher)
 Leah Weiss: Treasurer (aka Ravenclaw Prefect)
 Meredith Kalinski: Digital Outreach (aka Social Media Siren)
Photo Source:Â http://archive.ccm.edu/rosie/index.htm