Kennedy Robinson knows what it’s like to be a Black woman at a predominately white institution. It’s why she is dedicated to cultivating community and belonging to the women of color she supports.
“Helping other women succeed has always been a passion for me. I see real-world situations where women of color are not only second-guessed but second-guess themselves. I know what this is like. Oftentimes, we are overlooked—and I work to make sure these women are seen, heard, and uplifted,” said Robinson, assistant director with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
It is these ideas that the office’s new program, called “Enough,” is founded upon. Spearheaded by Robinson and conducted with the help of Stephanie Nunez, also an assistant director with the office, the initiative is open to all student women of color and hopes to lead students by example.
“I think it is important to have role models inside and outside the classroom,” added Nunez.
Enough centers itself around village-based mentorship and organic connections. With three different types of sessions, the program aims to empower, elevate, and evolve the voices of participants. By bridging the gap between faculty and students, discussing relevant topics, and improving access to campus resources and beyond, Enough lays a foundation for a community of a minority demographic on campus.
“Enough for me was the glimmer of hope and community I needed at the time. The struggle of being a woman of color in a PWI is all too real, and I always make sure to share this unifying resource that allows us to speak about our grievances and alleviate some pressure,” said Sierra Straker, a first-year student studying psychology who emphasized the importance of spreading the word to fellow women of color about the program.
While showcasing women of color in leadership positions as a means of mentorship, Enough’s weekly sessions are driven by students’ ideas and interests. By brainstorming, planning, and executing all sessions, students gain valuable leadership experience and work through the challenges of presenting a session to their peers. But with an emphasis on transparency and vulnerability, Enough builds an atmosphere of comfortability and trust within the group.
“While I may coordinate a session, I let the students dream up the programming. They choose the topic, which part they’d like to lead, and which speakers would fit for the session. It helps ensure that the topics discussed are relevant and relatable to students,” said Robinson.
In addition to academic success, the community also emphasizes self-care habits and mental well-being. Among its numerous collaborations, a recent session included a guided meditation from the University’s Counseling Center.
“Women of color can often bear the weight of the world around us. We don’t usually have the time to check in on ourselves. Academic and career success are not indicators that someone is okay,” said Robinson.
The program hopes to instill confidence in women while also proving the importance of community. For Robinson, she hopes students “become who’ve they’ve always imagined they could be.”
For some students, Robinson’s hopes may already be true. Enough offers a unique safe space to women of color who’ve never experienced something like it.
“I have never been a part of an all-women of color group. Just by being surrounded by individuals like myself, and hearing their experiences, I have grown to be more comfortable within myself and my identity,” said Gabbie Tolbert, a first-year studying general business.
With two themed sessions each month, women of color are welcome to join their peers at any meeting. To learn more about the Enough program and to join its impactful conversations, contact Kennedy Robinson at krobinson@miami.edu and follow Enough on Instagram.
