Fall 2022: Breeana Maus

I am so grateful to have found this program. Prior to receiving the email, I was mentally struggling trying to meet new female friends especially being from a different state. Having been in this school for a year now, I still had trouble meeting anyone because they were already familiar with their own niche or a lot or simply competitive. I received this email during class while having all these thoughts in my head, and immediately headed over with excitement. There were a bunch of like-minded females so I was very hyped to be a part of this.

The most important thing I took away from this program was knowing I was not alone. I was not alone struggling with making new female friends. Everyone I’ve encountered had a goal of uplifting one another which was the most important quality I have been searching for in friendships for a really long time. In every meeting, they offer such amazing guests and activities that bring all together. One guest that gave so much insight and stuck with me was Jordan Moore. She leads in efforts within the community with mental health, is very inclusive, and told us her life story that I found extremely inspiring. She says the way she would explain her past is that she turned her pain into purpose.

Voice, determination, boldness, and sisterhood were the themes of each meeting. Along with inspiring guests, each meeting we are given activities where we are able to voice our thoughts and feelings and share it aloud if we want to. This program was very special because of all the self-reflection and being deeply honest with ourselves which sometimes is hard to do.

Spring 2023: Christine Guardian

The Warrior Queen Project was an amazing opportunity for me. As someone who didn't grow up with sisters, I learned to appreciate sisterhood in a whole new way. I loved the feeling of community and support that came from being surrounded by so many amazing and hardworking women.

One of the things I loved most about the program was the professional development skills we learned. Workshops covered topics like networking, community service and crafting an effective elevator pitch. As someone who is generally shy and introverted, the WQP workshops helped me come out of my shell because the cohort and lead peer mentor, Lauren Cross, were very welcoming. I never felt out of place at a workshop because everyone was on a similar journey. Overall, these skills from the workshops have helped me both personally and professionally and have given me the confidence to put myself out there and make new connections.

Besides the WQP teaching me valuable skills, this program made me feel truly empowered and awakened my inner Warrior Queen. Swati Bhise, the inspiring creator of the program, gave uplifting speeches about the importance of sisterhood, advocating for oneself, and achieving your goals. Her words encouraged me to be more confident and assertive, something I had struggled with before.

Being a part of the Warrior Queen Project also made me feel like my inner warrior queen was awakened. In the future, I hope to continue supporting other women in my community. Especially since in today's world, it's more important than ever to empower everyone who identifies as a woman and provide them with equal opportunities.

Participating in the Warrior Queen Project encouraged me to be the best version of myself. I'm grateful for the experience and will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life. I feel more confident, assertive, and empowered to pursue my dreams. I am also not as afraid to seek support anymore because this program reassured me that there is always a community of supportive and inspiring women behind me every step of the way.