By Miranda Koewler
Candace Cooper, a senior studying social work, has a clear vision of her purpose and how she will use it to help others find their voice. Her passion is as empowering as her plans for the future.
Miranda: What are you studying and why?
Candace: I’m majoring in social work because I aspire to make an impact on the community and give back to young women of color. I want to be able to create a space for these young women to be their authentic selves, to be vulnerable. Finding a way to promote professional and personal development is important – these spaces are often not available to girls of color.
What are you involved with on campus and in the Columbus community?
I am a member of the African American Voices Gospel Choir. I am an ambassador for the Young Scholars Program as well as an ambassador for the College of Social Work. I work in the Student Life Multicultural Center and do research for the College of Social Work. Lastly, I am a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
What are three words to describe you?
I would say ambitious, confident and charismatic. I achieve anything I set my mind to, because I am determined and empowered by my goal of helping others. I am very much a people person, and most of the work I do involves interacting with and learning about the unique experiences of other students on campus. Lastly, I strive to be the best version of myself. I bring a positive attitude and sense of hopefulness to make every day more enjoyable and challenge myself to do more for those around me.
Where did your passion for advocacy originate?
I first discovered it in middle school. I was involved in many summer programs and I was always looking for ways to do more. If I saw a way that I could help out, I stepped up. This is where I started to grow a passion for helping. I have always known that I did not want to feel stuck in a my job, so finding something I was passionate about that allowed me to help others led me to social work.
Who would you say is a role model or inspiration when it comes to this passion?
My supervisor, Dr. Gisell Jeter-Bennett. Working under her guidance is where I found my passion for working with women, which has now become my purpose. I do research in the College of Social Work that focuses on African-American women and their unique experiences in the realm of higher education. The work focuses on looking at diversity and gender identification in connection with ideas of success. This information helps create programming for the Women Student Initiatives within the Multicultural Center.
Tell me about the non-profit you plan to start.
I plan to one day create a place for young women of color to access programming that promotes positive self image, professional development, healthy relationships and ways to be their best selves. Women of color do not always have the best guidance, so creating a mentorship program that connects them to successful women in college could be very impactful. I also want to start a scholarship fund that can support at least one woman’s college experience.
How has your love of education made an impact on your life?
I have always appreciated learning and I see the mind as an incredibly powerful thing that shouldn’t be wasted. Inside or outside the classroom, we always have the opportunity to learn, grow and change. Learning is something that constantly surrounds us. We just have to be open to taking in information and seeing how it can change us. Many people think the learning process ends when school ends, but graduation is a beginning – not an end.
What advice do you want to pass along to your fellow Buckeyes?
Always strive to be the best version of yourself. Change is not a destination but a journey, so stay confident and intentional with the impact you want to leave on the world.