News Article

Students Tsega Gaim, Tukwila, Wash., and Ilaria Ghattas, Lakewood, Wash., along with May graduate Stacie McAferty, Olympia, Wash., represented Gonzaga University at the 2008 National Conference of College Women Student Leaders held June 5-7 in Washington, D.C.

This coming fall, Gaim will be a senior and Ghattas a sophomore. The three, all of whom were active in Gonzaga’s Unity House Multicultural Education Center, were chosen to represent Gonzaga at the conference held at Georgetown University because of their dynamic leadership.

The NCCWSL is co-sponsored by the American Association of University Women and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and has been in existence for 16 years.

In May, Gaim and Ghattas also were selected for the prestigious American Association of University Women’s 2007-2008 Student Advisory Council, a national coalition of student leaders that advises the AAUW on strategies for the future of young women and girls in the United States.

Ghattas plans to major in both business communications and computer science. A program planner for the Unity House, she has been active initiating an international movie night during her first week at GU. She is communications and public relations chair for the Black Student Union and communications chair for
Gonzaga’s Street Team, which brings musical artists to campus. Also, she is a member of Gonzaga’s Residence Hall Government’s Block Council and has created a catalyst group that focuses on Bible study, conversation, prayer and reflection. Due to her experiences with the AAUW Council, and her trip to Washington, D.C.,
Ghattas is taking steps to start a student chapter of AAUW at Gonzaga. She is looking for other dynamic women leaders at Gonzaga who would like to join her.

Gaim, who is studying political science with a minor in religious studies, served as an intern for the Spokane County Prosecutor’s office. She took part in the Running Start program, which allowed her to take college courses while in high school; she was admitted to Gonzaga as a junior. Gaim also serves as program coordinator for the Black Student Union, planning events such as the annual Black History Month Dinner and numerous dances and fundraisers. Also, she is involved with local youth, contributing to programs such as the First in My Family Scholarship Program and Gonzaga’s prospective student weekend. Also, she has enjoyed volunteering at the Libby Teen Center, an after-school program for middle- and high-school students.

The Student Advisory Council works with other AAUW leaders and staff to increase student participation, develop workshops and introduce speakers for the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. For more information, contact GU intercultural relations specialist DaVina Hoyt at (509) 313-4108 or via e-mail.