Kathleen Rzucidlo 

Why continuing an education is so important to her:

"Continuing my education is so important to me because it allows me to invest into my community by providing research, interventions and solutions to very common problems within higher education. As a first generation student, I could have never prepared for all of the amazing opportunities that have been provided to me from not just my undergraduate experience but my graduate experiences as well."

Kathleen proudly supports:

National Council of Negro Women

Food Rescue US

Kathleen, what does the term “Golden Women” mean to you?

“In my instagram bio, the quote, "make gold every day" has been there since I graduated from undergrad. To make gold every day, or to be a golden woman is to be s shining light to others in any way you can. Whether it just being kind and holding the door open for a stranger or sharing information about more affordable housing with other students, being a golden person or golden woman means being your best, not gatekeeping, sharing the wealth (knowledge, resources or kindness) and leaving a person, situation, place better than you found it.”

Kathleen, describe something that is plaguing young women today and explain what can be done to turn it around? What can you do to help?  

“I believe poor representation of body image and the pressure of social media is something that has skyrocketed even more than when I was in middle school. As an adult, I still sometimes struggle with being conformable in my body or in what I decide to wear because, although I think it may be cool or comfy, I don't feel like I "fit" the mold of what women are "supposed" to look like. That comes from women's value being placed in our physical looks and I believe that as we see more body positivity and body inclusivity pushed into society, hopefully we will be able to relieve that pressure for younger girls now who may feel they have to dress a certain way or work out or get work done in order to present a certain way. I can help by being confident in how I look, and tell the younger women in my life to be proud of their bodies, their accomplishments and their own style; that they don't have to fit into a mold to be liked or to be successful, that's just a start."