Stirring the Fire to Empower Women

Published: March 6, 2013

By Marlene Manzo

Alyssa Navala is a recent graduate of UW Bothell’s Global Studies program in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Navela is a self-proclaimed feminist who is eager to create discourse about gender equality on campus. Her passion for gender equality fits the mission of the global women’s empowerment student organization called Stirring the Fire (STF).

STF founder Phil Borges developed the organization to help eliminate discrimination and oppression toward women. The UW Bothell chapter is part of STF’s Student Advocacy program which enables students to bring the mission of STF to their campus and serve as local advocates for gender equality.

The UW Bothell’s STF chapter originated in spring 2012 as a Community Based Learning project for Professor Leslie Ashbaugh’s Women Across Culture’s course. Navala, along with students Stephanie Bickler, Jennifer Wagdon and Reanna Hicks collaborated on the project and became founding members. This year, Navala’s goal is to pass on her leadership role to another UW Bothell student passionate for gender equality.

STF and Student Life have planned events to celebrate women during the month of March, which is Women’s History Month. On Wednesday, March 13 STF will present a sneak preview of the new documentary film Girl Rising. The film focuses on the power of the right to an education in the life of girls worldwide. The screening will take place at Mobius Hall from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with Navela and faculty members Kari Lerum and Julie Shayne.

UW Bothell will celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8. To connect with Stirring the Fire, visit their Facebook page.