MTSU center hosts ‘sisterhood’ mentoring event at Oakland Middle School

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — MTSU’s Center for Fairness, Justice, and Equity in the College of Education recently hosted the inaugural Sister Circle Sisterhood Panel, a cornerstone event for the Sister Circle mentoring program.

Designed for seventh and eighth grade girls at Oakland Middle School, Sister Circle aims to empower young women through meaningful discussions on sisterhood, self-confidence, respect and friendship.

Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Fairness, Justice, and Equity in the College of Education recently hosted this inaugural Sister Circle Sisterhood Panel, a cornerstone event for the Sister Circle mentoring program designed for seventh and eighth grade girls at Oakland Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The Sisterhood Panel included young women from various organizations across MTSU’s campus, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., S.W.E.E.T Melanin, and the College of Education. (Submitted photo)

The Sisterhood Panel brought together an inspiring group of women from various organizations across MTSU’s campus, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., S.W.E.E.T Melanin, and the College of Education. Each panelist shared her unique perspective on the power of sisterhood and the importance of building positive relationships.

“The discussion explored personal definitions of sisterhood, strategies for navigating conflict within friendships, and advice for fostering long-lasting connections,” said Mia Zellars, partnership coordinator for the center. “The candid and heartfelt stories shared by the panelists resonated deeply with the students, offering them valuable insights into the significance of mutual respect and emotional support in friendships.”

Participants in an inaugural Sister Circle Sisterhood Panel pose for a photo at Oakland Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hosted by Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Fairness, Justice, and Equity in the College of Education, the panel is a cornerstone event for the Sister Circle mentoring program designed for seventh and eighth grade girls at Oakland. The Sisterhood Panel included young women from various organizations across MTSU’s campus, including members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., S.W.E.E.T Melanin, and the College of Education. (Submitted photo)

The event concluded with a Q&A session and brunch, where students eagerly engaged with the panelists, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own experiences. The feedback from participants underscored the event’s impact, with many expressing gratitude for the empowering conversations and practical advice they received.

As the Sister Circle program continues to grow, events like the Sisterhood Panel will remain vital to its mission of uplifting young women and fostering a sense of community, Zellars noted. The Center for Fairness, Justice, and Equity is proud to support programs that empower the next generation to embrace their strengths and build connections rooted in sisterhood and friendship.