Affinity Groups of 2025: Foreseeing a Year of Great Success

Stevenson's female-identifying space, EmpowHER's first meeting!

With the heads of Stevenson’s well-loved E&I Committee currently away from campus, it seemed as if the affinity spaces’ student leaders were left hopeless. But then came Dr. Joshue Orozco, the Interim Director of E&I. On account of his expertise and the student leaders’ passion, the committee’s fortune has turned; this year has already gotten off to an unprecedentedly great start. 

For context, Stevenson’s affinity groups are catered spaces for students to enjoy the company of familiarity, celebration, and interconnectedness. There is a plethora of affinity groups, based on various elements of culture and identity. Some examples include the LSU (Latin Student Union), GSA (Gender-Sexuality Alliance), AAPI (Asian-American and Pacific Islander), NDSU (Neurodivergent Student Union), EmpowHER (female-identifying space), and much more. It is highly encouraged that students join an affinity group that they feel they belong in — it is guaranteed that there will be a space for anyone. And if not, it is even more encouraged that an individual creates a new space.

This year is composed of the strongest student leaders that I have seen to date. To grab a clearer picture of the scene, I interviewed two leaders who perfectly embody the ideal characteristics of an affinity leader. Chanel Estrada, a senior leader of LSU, happily explained why she chose to be a leader in this space (for a third year!): “I want to leave my mark on Stevenson. I can remember my LSU leaders years later [from my freshman year] because they left such a profound impact on me and made a space where I could feel comfortable and flourish. I would like to do the same.” Indeed, the impact an affinity leader makes on their peers is incredible; I, too, was influenced by my previous leaders of EmpowHER to step up into the role for a second time this year. It takes a certain type of courage and collectedness to lead a space as delicate yet powerful as the affinity groups at Stevenson.

Aside from positive influences, other factors also play into shaping an affinity leader. Jannah Sow, a senior leader of the BSU (Black Student Union), shared, “I took on this leadership position because I felt as if my identity was not fully represented in that space. Although it makes sense that a Black Student Union at an American school would primarily focus on Black American culture, I felt like it was up to me to represent my West African identity in the affinity space.” Sow touches on an important feature here: that affinity spaces should not be generalized, but be open to the many different categories and intersectionalities that occur, even within one affinity space.

Orozco echoed this sentiment: “Often, for every affinity space, there are a variety of different identities that are a part of it. Part of what makes the groups so successful is recognizing all the different identities that fall under a certain general category. Make sure that you are paying attention to the common experience of all those identities, but also the variety of them. The more that we, as leaders, can pay attention to the variety that exists within the affinity spaces, the more we can capture our community, welcome our community, and provide a richer experience for everybody.”

It is agreed among the student leaders that Orozco has been such a wonderful faculty guide for us; his leadership has been the perfect balance of structure and creativity. Here, he mentioned his hopes for the year, which I am sure will come true: “My hope is that I can help student leaders build the kinds of communities that they want to develop here that are going to serve our students well. Taking on leadership roles is something that we’re all continually growing in. It’s like a journey of how you show up as a leader for other people. I also hope that we can enjoy our time here. Building a community where no matter who you are, you feel like this is a place you can call home, which involves a whole lot of caring for and enjoying one another.”

Clearly, there is so much warmth and love in the spirit of our affinity spaces. They are adorned with the most compassionate leaders, as Sow expressed, “My favorite aspect of being a leader of BSU is knowing that I have the opportunity to make a strong positive impact on the community I love so dearly. BSU has given me the confidence to embrace my leadership skills in ways that my ninth-grade self would never have imagined. I love knowing that I have the privilege to support other Black students at Stevenson the same way my BSU leaders have supported me.” 

Sow continued with what she has observed to be the most successful within BSU: “I have noticed the most success when everyone chimes in and understands the value of their presence. I truly believe that unity is the key to success in an environment where we are underrepresented.” She couldn’t be more correct. That everyone understands the value of their presence and what they can contribute to the community is essential to creating a welcoming environment. 

Orozco topped his interview off with warm words of encouragement for the student leaders: “I have just been so impressed by you all! You all have shown up ready to be an important voice for our community, hold important spaces, and care for the people in our community.” Hopefully, we can all keep this energy going to create a great year. Fortunately, though, I have no doubt that the E&I Committee will bring both an intense passion and purpose to every occasion.