Celebrating Women's History Month
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the many women at Saint Louis University who have acted as leaders in one of the most unprecedented years in recent history. Hear their stories and reflections on the last year in their own voices.
Crystal Bell
Graduate student in civil engineering, Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and
Technology
As part of 2021’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology National
Engineering Week celebrations, graduate student Crystal Bell went online to encourage
high school students that a career in engineering is within their reach. As the keynote
speaker for the 2021 Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Bell got creative, connecting
with students as she virtually told the story of her own journey into the field of
engineering. Learn what inspires her as a future engineer.
Ashley Donaldson
Graduate student in higher education administration, School of Education
For many graduate students, the pandemic brought unexpected obstacles like job loss
and additional childcare. Ashley Donaldson, the president of the University’s Graduate
Students Association (GSA), stepped up to help. From supporting other students through
virtual events to helping to develop a grant to assist those struggling, Donaldson
created community when it was needed most.
Ella Dotson
Senior majoring in elementary education, School of Education
From welcoming new Billikens to SLU to leading a classroom of third graders, Ella
Dotson shifted her education and involvement online when the pandemic hit. As a SLU
101 summer orientation leader and elementary school student-teacher, her leadership
roles took on a new dimension through the screen of a computer. See how she supported
her students in unprecedented times.
Ashley Gomel
Graduate student in public health, College for Public Health and Social Justice
An infectious disease expert in the making, graduate student Ashley Gomel rose to
the challenges presented by the pandemic as she spearheaded efforts to raise awareness
on health and safety across SLU’s campus. Gomel, inspired by strong mentors and colleagues
in the College for Public Health and Social Justice, assisted with contact tracing
on campus, public health campaigns, and more. Learn more about her role.
Megan Ng
Senior majoring in physical therapy, Doisy College of Health Sciences
For senior Megan Ng, a canceled sports season hit hard as the pandemic began in March
2020. The captain of SLU’s cross country and track team, Ng pivoted as a leader, finding
ways to encourage her teammates beyond workout routines or practices, including virtual
check-ins and mental health support.
Nirali Thakkar
Senior majoring in psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Nirali Thakkar emphasizes the importance of the word “community” in SLU’s Hindu Students
Community. When events shifted virtually last year due to the pandemic, reframing
what that word meant became more important than ever. Thakkar, as president of the
HSC, focused on the little things. Hear her story.