It is only (but, also already) the third day of our trip and I am filled with so much inspiration. On Sunday evening, Flock, “A community of NYC women from University of Oregon” held an event for the women attending the trip. On Monday night, we also had an opportunity to attend a panel held by Flock. I went in with excitement and curiosity, and left feeling so much comfort and inspiration. Back at UO I am a member of Women and Film, an organization to empower and support women and non-binary students in film. Being part of this organization and feeling the support these women have makes me yearn for something for women in advertising— something that is much needed at the moment. While Flock focuses on a very specific area, women in advertising located in New York City, I felt like I had finally found something that I had been searching for. Supporting, mentoring and working with other women is so vital to our success, and the work Flock has already done supports these ideas.The women who founded Flock and spoke to us made me feel inspired and optimistic about the future of advertising and the efforts made to increase diversity in the field. I am also excited to see Flock grow to other cities as alum spread across the country and globe, and think this community is a vital organization that will uplift and support women graduating from the SOJC’s advertising program. The events also made me reflect on what efforts still need to be made to change the advertising industry for the better, and I hope spaces for empowering LGBTQ women and  women of color in the field begin to exist soon. I feel extremely grateful for the women of Flock and what they have created— I can’t wait to see where it grows from here.

Jamie Rolston - 05/08/2018