CoJMC alumna launches new student organization

Monday, November 13, 2017 - 11:30am

by Alli Inglebright

Molly Chapple, a College of Journalism and Mass Communications alumna and graduate student, has started an organization aimed at empowering women in Lincoln.

The organization, called Unleash Strong Women, will raise funds and collect feminine hygiene products for poor and homeless women in Lincoln. The products will be donated to the People’s City Mission.

“I saw a video about homeless women and how they struggle to feel clean and dignified during their time of the month,” Chapple said. “Some will skip meals so they can purchase feminine hygiene products.”

Chapple is hoping her organization will allow women to get the basic products they need. She will partner with the People’s City Mission to distribute them, which has said there is always a need for these products.

“These women already have enough to worry about,” Chapple said. “Hopefully this will be one less thing for them to worry about and they can focus on other things.”

The organization will hold its first fundraising event in the spring. Students who want to get involved can attend the group’s second meeting, which will be Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. in Andersen Hall, 120. Students can also join the Facebook group facebook.com/groups/unleashstrongwomen.

While the group’s main purpose is to collect and distribute feminine hygiene products, Chapple hopes the organization will become something bigger.

“My mom, grandmothers and aunts have all set a good example of what it means to be a strong woman,” Chapple said. “Strong women have their own worries and fears, yet often times put the needs of others before their own. They also know when to say no and take care of themselves first. Most importantly, strong women support other women, which is why I’m starting this organization. My hope is that others are inspired to offer the same support for women in need.”

Chapple graduated from the CoJMC in May 2016 with a degree in journalism. She is pursuing her graduate degree and plans to graduate from the CoJMC’s Integrated Media Communications program May 2019. CoJMC professor Michelle Hassler is the adviser for the organization.

“I asked professor Hassler to be the adviser for Unleash Strong Women because I knew she would bring positive energy and great ideas to the group,” Chapple said. “She is always enthusiastic about students’ goals and ideas and is always on board to help in any way she can. She is always encouraging and inspiring and just an all around great teacher.”

Hassler enjoys seeing students getting involved in the Lincoln community.

“I think it is so encouraging and gratifying to see our students – both undergrads and graduate – become actively involved in social justice issues in our community,” Hassler said. “The group’s mission helps fill an important and unmet need in the community and demonstrates that even small efforts can make big differences in the lives of the women affected.”

molly's headshot
Chapple graduated from the CoJMC in May 2016 with a degree in journalism. She is pursuing her graduate degree and plans to graduate from the CoJMC’s Integrated Media Communications program May 2019.