The Women Who Believed in Me

Dear Campus Community,   

Coming of age in the late 1960s, I witnessed the power of communities championing change. Individuals standing side by side, fighting for justice, equality and freedom. I stood with women who marched, protested, fought for — and achieved — change in ways big and small. The world saw what could be accomplished by the collective power of women when we stand united.  

Fortunately, all my life I’ve been surrounded by strong, intelligent, capable women who believed in me and encouraged me to achieve my potential. From my mother and grandmother to my elementary school teachers and my undergraduate college professors who insisted I go to graduate school. I also felt blessed to have colleagues and professional mentors who both challenged and guided me, including Dr. Jewel Plummer Cobb. 

As a ground-breaking cancer researcher, distinguished professor and top university administrator, Dr. Cobb blazed new trails for women in science and education. She first entered my life when she became president of California State University, Fullerton — the first Black female president west of the Mississippi.  

As a university faculty member and department chair, I was active in various campus-wide initiatives, including serving on several of the President’s Advisory Committees, and working on special campus-wide projects. One day Dr. Cobb said, “With your tenacity, commitment, and the ability to make hard decisions for the right reasons, someday you will be a university president.” I was taken aback and dismissed the idea, but every time I’d see her, she’d make a point to reiterate it. Her ongoing confidence, guidance, and honesty which challenged me, while also providing me with unwavering support, proved critical throughout my personal and professional life. 

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Cobb, the women who believed in me when I was young, and the women who have fought for women’s rights and continue to fight for equality for us all. And the women who continue to have a positive impact in so many ways!

Womxn’s Herstory Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of incredible women and be active participants in the work that still needs to be done.

Women still have fewer economic and educational opportunities, face more gender-based violence, and continue to be paid less than their male counterparts.

Change necessitates an active commitment to learning and proactively addressing the barriers that constrain each of us from reaching our full potential and making incredible contributions toward the achievements and wellbeing of all. This month, I encourage you to find ways to acknowledge the contributions and impact of women in your life, including those in our Cal Poly Pomona community. 

I invite you to participate in the events taking place on campus this month and engage with our organizations, such as the Womxn’s Resource Center.  

Let this Womxn’s Herstory Month embolden us all to become even stronger allies, mentors, and advocates.  

Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President