Today, Campus Pride is highlighting our 2011 Voice & Action National Leadership Award winners. Congrats to both JeShawna and Samuel! (Click here to meet Samuel.)

JeShawna Wholley

Spelman College
Class of 2011
Program of Study: Comparative Women’s Studies
Intended Profession: Non-Profit Management
Age: 22
Home: Marietta, GA

“When I awoke to an email with the subject line: “CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected as a Voice & Action Award Recipient,” my immediate reaction was shock! I couldn’t believe it. My induction into the world of social activism came about because I could never stand by and watch a group of people be marginalized and isolated; I was never concerned with recognition. So, to receive a national award honoring the work that I do out of simple love and dedication to my community is AMAZING! I am so grateful and honored.” ~ JeShawna Wholley

JeShawna Wholley is currently a senior at Spelman College studying Comparative Women’s Studies expecting her Bachelor’s of Arts in May 2011.

At Spelman College, JeShawna is the former president of Afrekete, the LGBTQ group, and with her fellow members they engage their campus community in conversations “against injustices and inequalities, ensuring an inclusive climate.” However her involvement does not stop there, JeShawna served as the Project Coordinator for the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance and volunteered her time with Choice USA, coordinating a call-in day for safe sex education; as well as the Feminist Majority Foundation, coordinating the national women of color conference at Spelman College. In addition, JeShawna is employeed as an Arcus funded student researcher in the Women’s Research and Resource Center at Spelman College. Her work has not just been noticed by peers and mentors on campus; she has garnered the attention of President Obama which led JeShawna to be invited to the White House to attend the reception in commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the Stonewall Riot. Most in our communities have been impressed with President Obama’s recognition of our Movement’s efforts; JeShawna has had the great privilege of experiencing this first hand.

The Voice & Action Committee began to learn about JeShawna through her cover letter. She shared with us why she was called into the selfless work of achieving equality for all people. To begin to learn why she is a recipient, here is an excerpt from her cover letter:

“It wasn’t until my Introduction into Women’s Studies course when I finally experienced true intellectual stimulation at Spelman College. Here, I felt empowered and equipped against the forces of patriarchy and social injustices. As I learned about crusaders such as Toni Cade and Barbara Smith I knew that I wanted to politicize my lesbianism. I wanted this identity to be more than just my orientation or preference, but a statement against patriarchy and social norms. I wanted to be a lesbian activist.

"I had no idea that my quest to improve the social climate on my college campus would result in me finding my calling as an activist programmer and organizer. Conceptualizing, planning and executing programs that raised awareness, provided safe and embracing spaces and cultivated a since of community on campus has been an enriching experience that has shaped my path for my future endeavors.”

The committee is sure that her future endeavors will lead to nothing but brining about amazing positive change in any community JeShawna is a part of, we know this by reading her essay on what she views as the greatest challenges facing LGBT persons and our Allies. More importantly it is how these challenges will be met and the role everyone plays in meeting these challenges.

Learn more about JeShawna: www.campuspride.org/voiceandactionjeshawnawholley.asp