NeW at the University of Florida welcomed Isabel Brown, Turning Point USA contributor and author of Frontlines: Finding my Voice on an American College Campus, to speak on campus on November 18, 2021.
Twenty women from the chapter gathered to hear from Brown about what it means to be a bold conservative woman in today’s society. Brown discussed the true meaning of feminism and how the attack on women has only gotten stronger over the past couple of years. Brown also debunked the claim that women need the government to succeed.
Members also listened as Brown used her background in science to prove that women are uniquely and wonderfully made in the image of God for a specific purpose in life. After her 30-minute presentation, Brown then opened the room to a Q&A session. Members asked about her personal experiences in college being a conservative pursuing a major in STEM. Students also asked for advice on how to respond to various arguments and debates that they have had on campus or in the classroom.
The event was only the second in-person speaker the chapter was able to host since its founding in 2020. Last year, the chapter held all its meetings over Zoom, except for a few in-person social events.
Planning for this event started in June 2021. With the help of the Leadership Institute and the Network of enlightened Women, the chapter was able to collect the necessary funds to host Brown in Gainesville, Florida.
The event was supposed to be held on October 7, 2021; however, it needed to be rescheduled due to personal circumstances. Despite this change in the schedule, chapter members like freshman Emily Sturge were excited to hear from Brown.
“Caught in the wake of leftist ideals promoted by professors and students on campus, us young conservative women can become uninspired and afraid to promote our values in a world of violent political division. I was feeling this way until I got to hear Isabel Brown speak on campus, and she rekindled the fire within me to continue speaking the truth and sharing my values despite the backlash many of us conservatives receive on campus,” Sturge said.
Sturge also expressed her gratitude for Brown speaking on the topic of Second Amendment rights and female empowerment in traditional family settings.
“A powerful nation is a collection of millions of well-built families, and the role of a strong mother in the home is essential for the wellbeing of our nation. This is what true female empowerment looks like, not just being a CEO or working nine to five,” Sturge said.
The night ended with a meet-and-greet session with Brown, during which students were able to take pictures with her and get to know her on a more personal level. The chapter is planning on bringing more speakers to campus in the spring, including a panel of conservative women who have graduated from the university and are now working in politics.
This post was written by Ophelie Jacobson, President of NeW at the University of Florida.
