Just like the links of a sturdy chain, When Queens Link Up helps women of different backgrounds come together and support one another while working to reach their full potential.
“We like to think of this organization as more than an organization — it’s more like a movement to us,” communication senior and co-founder of When Queens Link Up Arriel Franklin said.
Franklin and co-founder, advertising senior Morgan Caver, created the organization last year and it was approved July 15.
After Caver overheard Franklin explaining her vision for this group to a mutual friend, the pair met, collaborated and created When Queens Link Up.
“We are not just an organization, but the organization is one entity of me and Ari’s (Franklin) entire movement,” Caver said. “It’s not about me, but it’s about all of us.”
This organization encourages women from all backgrounds to join and attend their networking events while getting to know other ambitious women.
“We’re a support group for all women, for all races, to come together, link up and support each other,” Franklin said.
In order to make all members feel included, they must join one of the five teams. These teams include: health and fitness, beauty and style, event planning, fundraising and media and branding.
“When you know that you have a part and you feel more welcome to a space, you’re more excited to put forth the effort to make something happen in the organization,” Franklin said. “You feel included.”
Though the organization is relatively new, the team has a lot planned.
On Sept. 29, the group is hosting a Social Network Launch Party Kickoff. MSU students and faculty are encouraged to attend and will be connected with employers and recruiters.
They are also hosting a live talk show to get the student body engaged, as well as starting an online clothing store.
However, their biggest goal is to expand the organization to other schools.
Not only have they started planning events where their women will be able to network with women at other schools, but they also hope to expand their organization to other campuses.
Franklin and Caver are both seniors, but refuse to leave the organization in the hands of someone they don’t consider qualified.
Though Franklin only has a few more classes to take, she said she plans on staying in East Lansing for the next year or so to ensure that the organization continues to grow.
To learn more about the group or to become a member, visit http://whenqueenslinkup.wixsite.com/queen.
