The Indianapolis Recorder connected with university student ambassadors from Future Black Leaders, Inc. to share their thoughts on influential women and women’s issues.
Future Black Leaders, Inc. is an association of high school and college students from Indiana. Their mission is to achieve racial equity and empower young people in leadership.
This email Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
In your opinion, which woman or women have made the biggest impact today?
Trinity Kendrick, Fisk University: All the mothers in the world have made the biggest impact today.
Melody McKnight, Indiana University-Bloomington: I believe the woman who made the biggest impact today has been Kamala Harris.
Diamond Coleman, Ball State University: Kamala Harris has made a huge impact as a trailblazer in American politics. In 2024, she made history as the first African American and South Asian American woman to run for president, inspiring many women, especially women of color, to pursue leadership roles in politics and beyond. Before that, she served as vice president of the U.S., where she worked on issues like voting rights, reproductive freedom and economic health care reforms for marginalized communities.
Her career has been dedicated to breaking barriers and advocating for underrepresented voices. Her influence continues to share the future of politics, proving that representation matters and that women of color belong at the highest levels of leadership.
Ayomikun Ajayi, Indiana University-Bloomington: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Nigerian educator and political activist) and Angela Davis (American political activist, author and academic).
Cassie Mitchell, Marian University: In my opinion a woman who has made the biggest impact on me was my mom. My mom is the epitome of what a leader is. Seeing how her faith, drive and compassion for others drives her in everything she does is truly an inspiration for me. I wouldn’t be the woman I am becoming without a strong example like my mother, Doreen Mitchell.
Blessing Malunga, Marian University: Michelle Obama (has made the biggest impact) because she was the first African American First Lady who advocates for education, health and military families. She uses her platform to inspire and empower women and young people around the world.
What women’s issues need the most support now?
Kendrick: Women’s health and the lack of research on women’s health issues.
McKnight: Workplace equality and treatment.
Coleman: Women’s rights and health are two areas that definitely need more support right now. Women’s rights including things like reproductive rights, gender equality and protection from violence, are still big issues that need attention to make sure women have equal opportunities and protections. Women’s health also needs more focus, especially when it comes to access to quality health care, mental health resources, and support for maternal health. We need more affordable health care options that cater to women’s specific needs at every stage of life. It’s also important to push for better sexual health education and fight against the health disparities that disproportionately affect women of color and other marginalized communities.
There’s still a lot of gender discrimination and pay gaps, so it’s important to keep pushing for policies that promote equality in the workplace and everywhere else.
Ajayi: Autonomy over their bodies (reproductive rights), equal pay, economic empowerment, health disparities and gender-based violence.
Mitchell: I believe that women need to continue to foster community wherever we go. We live in a time where we are so divided in our opinions, lifestyles and beliefs. There is a lack of third spaces for women and people in general to coexist and engage with each other outside of work and school.
I believe that sometimes we can put ourselves in a box and think of barriers for ourselves because we are women, but that’s what makes us powerful. Women are capable of doing so much, and we shouldn’t limit ourselves. Our voices, our abilities (and) our connections are powerful. Given the political climate that we’re in, the more that we can unite with one another and uplift each other, the closer we can achieve greatness.
Malunga: Health care equity, gender-based violence, mental health support and political representation; these areas are very important to ensure women’s safety, well-being and equal participation in society.
For more information on Future Black Leaders, Inc., visit www.futureblackleadersinc.org.
Camike Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of the Indianapolis Recorder. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Jones has a lifelong commitment to advocacy and telling stories that represent the community.
