Looking Ahead 2022: Marly Thomas
Expertise, diversity, philanthropy, and fellowship are woven throughout Boston University Women’s Guild, Women of Color Circle, and the greater BU community. Tapping into the University’s professional, academic, and philanthropic network, BUWG proudly welcomes a variety of BU professionals—all of whom share their experiences within their specified vocations.
LOOKING AHEAD 2022
Voice of Marly Thomas, BU Women’s Guild President
This January, I proudly took on the role as President of the BU Women’s Guild. I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead one of the most prestigious groups on campus. BUWG is an organization that empowers, engages, supports, and serves others—a mission I truly believe in. Barbara Rotger, my predecessor, did remarkable work by supporting the merger of the Women’s Council and the move of the Fisk House. I look forward to creating a legacy based on the foundation of her accomplishments and presidents of the past.
The BU Women’s Guild, like so many BU schools, colleges, departments, and community organizations, has experienced growth and unwavering resilience during these unprecedented times and it will take continued creativity, perseverance, and humility to lead the Guild as the incoming President.
BUWG is an organization that empowers, engages, supports, and serves others—a mission I truly believe in.
I became interested in the Women’s Guild because I was looking for a way to network with the BU community. I wanted to be connected to others who work in higher education. I expanded my contribution and co-founded the Women of Color Circle—an affinity group created to provide additional support for women of color through networking and safe spaces to process shared experiences.
As a result, the Women of Color Circle has engaged with more than 100 women, hosted various events to foster professional development and networking, and more recently created a scholarship dedicated to Women of Color. The annual Allyship Lunch & Learn series bridges the BU Women’s Guild and Women of Color Circle together by providing tools on how to continue to break down walls and barriers for women of Color. This event is one of many that aims to support the members of the Guild.
My goal is to continue to provide opportunities for the BUWG to connect with peers through 2022 via our Allyship Event on January 28, our annual Art@Sloane event, and promote the resources and BUWG scholarship opportunities available for those who seek higher education. There is a new generation of women entering the workforce and we need to be ready to support and reach these potential new members.
If you are not currently a member, I encourage you to join, deepen your roots as part of the BU Community, and support our philanthropic efforts. Your contributions will make a difference.
I look forward to 2022, my term, and working together with others as we uplift one another thus making a positive impact on our BU Community.
About the author: Marly Thomas is the President of the BU Women’s Guild and co-founder of the BU Women of Color Circle. She has served on the BU Women’s Guild Executive Board as 2nd Vice President and helped establish the Women of Color Circle Scholarship and Annual Allyship Lunch to foster community and network opportunities.
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