Many of the organizations at the university promote student participation in community service and work to help students become well-rounded young adults. 

One particular organization that exemplifies these qualities is the Emerging Leaders Inspire Through Excellence organization, also known as Elite Women. The goal of this organization is to empower future female leaders. Elite Women is a relatively new organization on campus with this being their second semester since its founding in fall 2016. Seven women came together with a mission to bring empowerment, networking and mentorship. Any full time female student at the university can join the Elite Women’s Organization. They meet every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Room 2216. They currently have over a hundred members. Vice President Monetria Turner hopes that with their larger roster the attendance of meetings will also increase. While trying to enhance the skills, they will use in the workforce. Members of Elite Women are also dedicated to helping the Hammond community with an extensive number of service hours they have put in during the organizations first year. 

Last semester, Elite Women held a Beauty Expo that focused on empowering women and networking with different businesses from the Hammond community to advocate personal hygiene and give beauty tips. This semester they put on a financial class with the Hammond Regions Bank where women from the bank gave students useful tips such as how to build one’s credit and all other financial information that young adults need but probably are not aware of.   

Elite Women also participated in Keeping Hammond Beautiful and volunteering at Landmark Nursing Home on Valentine’s Day to bring residents cards and teddy bears. They also attended the Special Olympics in Baton Rouge and gave seminars at Connie Dottie Group Home talking to young girls about life decisions and empowering them to want better in life. Their biggest service event so far, the No Glass Slipper event held in Baton Rouge included free makeovers, dresses and shoes that were offered to local girls attending prom. Helping the students get ready for their special day Elite Women became personal shoppers for the day to make the experience for the young girls even more special. No Glass Slippers even had speakers come talk to the girls about prom safety. 

Female university students are encouraged to join Elite Women.

“Anyone who joins can expect to gain leadership skills, a sense of unity and how to work with other women and uplift them,” said Turner.  

Turner herself has personally benefited from joining this organization.

“I’ve gained self-awareness and I’ve enhanced my leadership skills,” said Turner. “I know how to better work with people, and I know my strengths and weaknesses.”

Turner encourages any interested students to come join their organizations. Any women at the university that might need a little extra empowerment, mentoring or networking in their life can join this organization and become an Elite Woman.