TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama Alliance for Women of Color, a newly formed group on campus, will hold an introductory reception on March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Alston Parlor, on the fourth floor of Mary Hewell Alston Hall, for all faculty and staff interested in learning about the mission of the group and meeting other women on campus.

The UA Alliance for Women of Color seeks to play a vital role in the advancement of the University through the provision of mentoring for women of color within the campus community. The Alliance for Women of Color recognizes that women of color across lines of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, class, sexual orientation, disability, and age face unique issues in their professional and academic lives.

Many groups currently exist to provide a niche for women within a broader context. Through a group mentoring program, the Alliance for Women of Color seeks to focus on support, networking, and opportunities for discussion. The function of the group is to highlight specific needs and issues for women of color at the University.

Elle Shaaban-Magaña of the UA Women’s Resource Center notes, “This is an exciting opportunity to allow female faculty and staff across a broad spectrum to come together. I want to encourage all women of color on campus to get involved with the Alliance.”

Steering Committee member Elva Bradley, director of the UA Center for Teaching and Learning, quotes the American writer Terry McMillan, “Can’t nothin’ make your life work if you ain’t the architect” to illustrate that the Alliance for Women of Color “will provide a mechanism for the voices of women across our campus to come together and be heard.”

For more information, please contact Elle Shaaban-Magaña at the UA Women’s Resource Center, 205/348-5040, lshaaban@sa.ua.edu.