Undergrad Stories: Women’s History Month Edition: Meet Navya Manoj

Meet Navya Manoj (she/her), a 3rd year Health Studies major! 👩‍⚕️👋 

Navya currently works part-time for WUSA as a Digital Media Coordinator but has also been a Communications Coordinator Co-op and Graphic Designer with WUSA too! On this first day of Women’s History Month we asked Navya what this means to her, read more below! 🔽 

🌟 For me, Women’s History Month is a time of reflection to look back at how identifying as a woman has progressed over the years. It’s also certainly a time where I can learn more about strong and admirable female figures! 

🌟 At the University, I have been fortunate in that I haven’t experienced any barriers based on my gender. However, I think we as a community still have a long way to go when it comes to gender equality and female empowerment.   

🌟 A female hero of mine would have to be Princess Diana as she went out of her way to help others. She genuinely cared for people; clearly seen in her efforts to de-stigmatize AIDS during the 80s/90s. Her many other efforts across different issues are also notable, and her positive attitude has always been an inspiration for me! 

🌟 Some advice I would give my younger self? Having confidence helps to overcome all challenges. If you aren’t confident, fake it ‘til you make it! I embody this today, but still reflect, wishing I had done this sooner! 

Thank you, Navya, for sharing your thoughts and experiences both as a woman and an undergrad student!