In this episode, we are joined by JohnRae' Stowers, the associate director of EOP Student Support Services, to share her inspiring story. JohnRae' reflects on her upbringing as the youngest of three, raised by her single mother in East St. Louis.

She highlights the pivotal role her mother played in emphasizing the importance of education and paving the way for her success. JohnRae' discusses her deep-rooted connection to her identity as a black woman and the influence of strong female figures in her life.

She also delves into the impact of the Our Roots Say That We're Sisters mural project and her hopes for the future, both for herself and for the community. Join us as we uncover JohnRae's powerful journey and the meaningful impact she continues to create in the lives of others.

Episode Highlights:

03:00 - Pathways in Education: "My first job, I was in 7th grade working as a tutor at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. And so that kinda created the foundation of, like, my love for people, education, how do I, you know, get young people to work together and connect and have fun while learning?"

06:36 - Empowerment Through Sisterhood: "When I say that you're my sister, that means I have a responsibility to you to make sure you are okay, that your needs are met."

10:18 - The Importance of Support Networks: "Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children. I have a wonderful circle of friends that are adamant about showing me that I'm I got you.

Interview

What's the story you want to share with us today?  

01:21 - When asked that question, I'm thinking, like, what story do I share? I have so many. You know, it brought me back to, like, my mom, who has been a significant influence in my life.

So how how has, your identity as a a black woman really informed the choices that you've been making?

05:18 - Raised by a black woman. So, I, like I said, watched my mom go through things, hard things, easy things, fun things, sad things. My faith has been a cornerstone, guiding my actions and interactions with others.

How has the mural project resonated for you?  

06:30 - The mural project just made me think about my mom, who passed away in 2014, and the impact she had on my life. It triggered the creation of the Divas Branch, a support network focused on empowering women, which has brought healing and resilience.

What would you say has been Marquette's impact on women of color?  

08:26 - I think I think Marquette tries really, really hard. I think that women of color on Marquette's campus must be intentional about connecting with each other. I don't think that it's going to naturally just happen. Right? We may work in the same office and we connect that way, but across campus, I think that we have to be intentional about bringing each other together.

Other than your mother, who are some of the other women who have been inspirational for you?  

09:47 - Hands down, Bridgette Johnson, my college recruiter, had a significant impact, guiding me through college and helping me navigate various challenges. Her influence and the support of other strong women have been instrumental in shaping my journey.

This the forum for this year, the theme has has been revolving around ideas of self care and wellness, balance, healing. What are some of the things that you do? ?  

11:36 - I am a crybaby. I think that's how I release. Like, when I feel like, what do we call it? An empath? Like, when I feel, I feel. And so I'm gonna cry. I'm gonna, you know? But for self care, I love silence. I love, like, getting away.

What are some other things that women of color have done in support of you during your healing?  

12:48 - Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color? Those who are coming behind you, those who've maybe gone before you but are looking back?

13:40 - I truly hope I inspire them to do it. I truly hope I inspire them, 1st and foremost, But let's just do it. Because if you think about it too much, you will think yourself right out of doing it. And so I hope that women see me out here being, you know, just a good person, a good spirit, a good energy that they wanna be around, that they see, like, if it's something that they won't, go get it, and that they can lean in and depend on women.

What are your hopes for the future? Not only, for yourself and for the babies that you're taking care of, both those that are yours and those that are others, and, the future of Marquette.

14:38 - I give out scholarships. And, my my dream is to give out more and to be, like, an emergency funding spot when students are are in a jam or they..... need fees .... I do have a legacy foundation in honor of my mom. And so my hope is to build that so that I can do more in the community.

Contact Information:

JohnRae' Stowers

LinkedIn

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)