The new director of the Carolina Women's Center wants to continue to promote gender equity during a time of change.
Gloria Thomas took the helm this summer and has been trying to connect and support campus groups of women from a range of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and gender backgrounds.
"I'm striving to make broader connections. I'd love to see more underrepresented women become a part of our efforts," said Thomas. "By underrepresented, I mean based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity."
March is Women's History Month and the women's center often serves as a clearing house for various committees, groups and projects on campus. It hosts meetings, trainings and other services. Thomas says she wants to support women from diverse backgrounds.
Thomas says the Center is still committed to preventing domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as empowering survivors.
"With the current political administration it's very unlikely that those grants will be renewed." - Gloria Thomas
But it's a challenging time. One gender violence coordinator position at the Women's Center is funded by a federal grant under the Violence Against Women Act.
President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have promised to cut such funding programs.
"With the current political administration it's very unlikely that those grants will be renewed. It's hard to know, but I think many of us are bracing ourselves for that possibility."