With over 130 clubs at South, students have countless opportunities to get involved. Regardless of the wide range of clubs, some students take the initiative to start new clubs that fill gaps in representation and create cultural communities. Middle Eastern, North African Club (MENA), and Project Alianza do just that, MENA President Jana Al-Twal said.

     MENA was founded by Al-Twal after she decided to create a space where students from the region could connect. Although the club focuses on cultural connection, getting approval was challenging due to misconceptions that it would be political, Al-Twal explained. However, she remained committed to creating a cultural space and, with encouragement from friends and staff, pushed forward to make it a reality.

    “We celebrated [because] it felt like we got accepted, not just as a club but as [a group of] people,” Al-Twal said.

     MENA offers an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures of the region beyond political stereotypes, Al-Twal explained. The club will participate in a potluck, host an end-of-year banquet, and organize 1001 Nights, a cultural event similar to the Indian dance night Garba, Al-Twal said.

   “[MENA is] exploring culture and sharing love,” Al-Twal said. “It’s a rewarding experience to [connect] with other people.”

   Similarly, Project Alianza is a club focused on supporting education for underprivileged communities in Central America, freshman Victoria Leon, President of Project Alianza said. Project Alianza aims to raise awareness and funds to support education, while also providing aid and employment opportunities for women in those communities, Leon explained.

   “I’m really hoping that we can raise awareness for women and girls don’t have education,” Leon said.

     While the club is still in its early stages, the members are working to plan fundraisers such as a bake sale and a 5 K walk, Leon said. The goal of these fundraisers is to help fund education for children who live in households without internet access or children with uneducated parents, Leon added.

     “I’m hoping that we can raise awareness for people in [Central America], especially [for] women and girls [who] don’t have education,” Leon said.