Bringing it On: AWS Week 2023

Association for Women Students’ week took place from October 29th to November 2nd, 2023. AWS, led by President Gabrielle Stevens and her cabinet, is an organization dedicated to empowering and serving female students on the campus of Southern University and A&M College. Their focus is to collaborate with the female population on campus to address the needs of women students. The theme for AWS’ week was inspired by the well-known ‘Bring It On’ movie series, titled “Bring It On: AWS Edition”. Throughout the week, the organization hosted various events, including a beauty expo featuring Southern’s own talents and the Mr. Association for Women Students pageant.
AWS week commenced on Sunday, October 29th, with a powderpuff flag football game held at the Intramural Sports Complex. The event featured two all-female teams breaking stereotypical barriers while a guest speaker addressed young ladies on the topic of domestic violence. It was an opportunity for students to showcase their athletic talents and empower each other.
On the following day, the ladies of AWS hosted the “Worldwide Hair Show & Beauty Expo” in the Smith-Memorial Royal Cotillion Ballroom. This event transformed the ballroom into a sanctuary of feminine power, where women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds came together to celebrate each other. The purpose of this exhibition was to provide recognition to local lash technicians, make-up artists, hairstylists, nail techs, and more, many of whom were students at the institution. AWS also organized a career readiness expo where both male and female students could access professional headshots and resume review services.
Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, marked the highly anticipated annual Mister Association for Women Students pageant. The pageant featured five rounds: swimsuit, formal wear, school spirit, best fit, and talent. The contestants included Michael Williams, a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering from New Orleans, Louisiana; Bryson Lee, a sophomore Marketing major from Zachary, Louisiana; Devin Jackson, a senior majoring in Criminal Justice from Dallas, Texas; James Robinson, a sophomore majoring in Fashion Merchandising from New Orleans, Louisiana; and Nicholas McGinnis, a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major from Mobile, Alabama, who was crowned the 2023-2024 Mister Association for Women Students and named Mr. Congeniality.
AWS week concluded with a self-defense class at the Intramural Sport Complex, equipping students, both male and female, with skills, strategies, and techniques to protect themselves from physical harm in dangerous situations.
Male and female students alike enjoyed AWS week. Emillie Williams, a freshman Pre-Vet Medicine major, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I loved it, actually, it was real fun. They had a lot of events that inspired women and uplifted them, like the beauty expo.” Stacey White, a freshman Marketing major, expressed, “I liked it. I thought it was creative. The graphics and marketing for the week were some of the best I’ve seen thus far.”
Diamond Harris, a Sophomore majoring in Accounting and AWS Activities Coordinator, stated, “AWS week was very successful! Our goal was to to raise awareness, promote gender equality, and provide support and resources for women on campus and we did just that. There were events, workshops, and activities during the week that empower and celebrate women’s achievements while addressing issues they face, and we thank everyone who played a part in executing AWS week!”
As the curtains closed on AWS week, it left an indelible mark on the campus, showcasing the power of unity, empowerment, and celebration, reminding everyone that every week should be a celebration of the strength and excellence of women students.