Westside High School is adding another club to its long list of student-led initiatives. Founded and led by senior Hannah Liakos, the Glow Collective at Westside is a chapter of a larger organization focused on promoting women’s activism, global awareness, and advocacy.
Liakos was inspired by strong female role models in her own life, and believes this chapter will help students understand challenges faced by women both locally and globally.
“I come from a family of predominantly girls who have always told me to stand up for what I believe is right,” Liakos said. “Some of them, like my sister who helped me start this club through the nonprofit Global Girls, and my aunt who has volunteered as an OBGYN in Haiti for many years, really inspired me to bring some of that fight to Westside.”
The club hopes to spark meaningful conversations about issues women from all walks of life face. Specifically, Liakos hopes that students will be able to broaden their horizons and examine issues presented outside of Omaha.
“I hope this club helps our community and school change our viewpoints of these women in other countries and realize that while we might not be affected by similar problems, such as child marriages, it’s a real problem happening to these women and a fight in Omaha, Nebraska is still a fight for what’s right,” Liakos explained.
Despite rising interest, launching the chapter did not come without challenges. As enthusiasm grew, so did pushback, especially from students who did not understand the club’s purpose.
“I was shocked when I did face some challenges when starting this club,” Liakos said. “Specifically guys and even girls questioned the need of this club. I just realized that not everyone understands the reason we are fighting and that while our club can’t change their mindset, we can help educate them on why this club is important in present and future day society.”
For many students, the idea of activism may feel distant and unnecessary. But the club’s founder believes that teenagers have an important role to play.
“I think it’s important for teens to be involved in these issues, because while we are too young to participate in voting or much of government, it will be our problem to help solve in the coming years. Teenagers shouldn’t wait to start focusing on politics when we turn 18 just because they ‘don’t affect us’. Everything happening regarding things such as women’s rights will come to affect us in the coming years if it hasn’t already,” Liakos explained.
Despite these challenges, Liakos persevered, and began planning future club activities and events.
“I want this club to focus on problems such as the stigma surrounding menstrual cycles, reproductive rights and generally learning how we can advocate for ourselves and others in times where it may seem hard,” Liakos said.
Looking forward, Liakos hopes to build a foundation of awareness and understanding among students.
“I just want our club to be able to educate people on these issues so that in the future, when it’s our generations turn to participate in the government and such, we can know what these issues are and help solve them to the best of our ability. Also to be able understand issues in other countries that aren’t always prevalent in Americas society so that we can reach out and help these girls,” Liakos said.
The Glow Collective at Westside is much more than a club–it’s a student advocacy group rooted in empathy, education, community, and action. Ultimately, its founder believes that change begins with a sense of awareness.
“I want people to understand that advocating for women’s rights isn’t about being ‘better than men. It’s about making so that we have equality no matter our gender and that every young girl and women can feel safe in their environment,” Liakos said.
