Ambitious Women’s Society
The Ambitious Women’s Society (AWS) at ULM operates on three pillars: self-love and respect, courage and ambition, and belief in others. AWS members often work as a family unit to uplift women on campus and in the community. The organization provides personal and professional growth opportunities and a supportive social network for its members, along with a safe environment for women to flourish in a space meant for them.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with tons of amazing women on many projects,” freshman pre-nursing major Kylee-Ann Dixon said. “I’m so glad to have a group of ladies to support me, and I love supporting them.”
Tau Beta Sigma
The Tau Beta Sigma chapter at ULM provides band students with exceptional services and promotes diversity and equality, such as empowering women in the musical field. According to senior nursing student Kallan Mulhearn, being in band is tough. Mulhearn claims that members rely on each other, however, for help without question or judgment. One of the main qualities of Tau Beta Sigma that affected her the most was their openness and welcoming attitude during band camp.
“If it weren’t for TBS members being the first people to greet and welcome me into band, I would not have the friends and family that I have gained today,” Mulhearn said.
Women’s Symposium Empower Board
The Empower Board, a relatively small club full of determined students and faculty, works hard to bring the Women’s Symposium to fruition each year. Melissa Kiper Baldwin, an instructor of marketing as well as the symposium’s vice-chair for 2025, hopes to grow the symposium for women everywhere to feel included and empowered.
“I think the addition of the student Empower Board and student-led panels have made the Women’s Symposium more enticing and accessible to students,” Baldwin said. “The Empower Board helps us know what issues our students want to hear about as well as how to promote the event to them.”
American Choral Directors Association
The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), a non-profit music education RSO, is designed to help VAPA students focus on education, performance, composition and advocacy. The ACDA hosts a website with information for VAPA students, from national webinars to career centers.
“ACDA is an organization that allows music education students, specifically vocal music education students to gain opportunities to make connections with composers of choral music and allows students to get early experience managing a choral library,” vocal music education major Helen Milam said.