GWEM magazine signals new voice for ‘women’s empowerment’

Its founding editor and creator calls it a “wild ride.” A recent graduate who leveraged her involvement into a fellowship for beginning journalists at one of the world’s premier digital newsrooms says she was “lost” before she found her calling working there.

Its faculty mentor describes it as a perfect example of the rarefied experiential learning accolade “generative impact.” The project keeps building, bringing in more students, taking off in organic ways.

UB community and beyond, meet GWEM magazine, an online publication and self-proclaimed “movement” highlighting women’s empowerment or — more precisely — sustainability on a global stage, collaboration projects and women’s health.

“A platform for change-makers and trailblazers,” Global Women’s Empowerment Magazine is part celebration of female innovation and achievement, and part landing strip for the 2022 version of a magazine. Created by Amanda Hart “in the middle of the night after two pots of coffee, and me looming over a whiteboard,” GWEM began two years ago as a UB experiential learning project and took off from there.

“I had created a digital magazine for an organization in Nigeria and was honored how it added value, even from afar,” says Hart, who graduated from UB in May 2021 with a degree in psychology. She remains GWEM’s editor. “When I signed up for another virtual study abroad class, I wanted to continue being able to work on global communications and sustainable development goals.”

GWEM was what Hart called the “final outcome of that class,” a prototype of what experiential learning can achieve. It was “a kind of original, organic blend of global communications, activism and digital art that brings its own energy of possibilities,” she says.

Its content is an exuberant, youthful medley of profiles (Tanzanian documentary filmmaker Rhobi Samwelly is one), advocacy (a staff writer exhorts her organization’s campaign to end the menstruation stigma), full-page slogans (“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish. Michelle Obama,” reads one), book recommendations (“I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban”) and bold art layouts.

Let GWEM speak for itself:

“GWEM aims to be diverse platform that allows for your dream of the world being a better place to be showcased and shared in a variety of media,” states a message to readers on its site. “Our core mission of Empowerment encompasses the quest of creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive space to share intercultural stories and goals.”

Open to more GWEM moments? Its “Dreamer Edition” includes an extensive interview with 2021 Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton, an article on “Exploring Our Best Failures” and four “Take-aways,” including an item on how major corporations are looking to hire more women.

Like other magazines started generations ago, GWEM aims high. Its purpose is to change the world.

“The idea of GWEM has the potential to enact real lasting change and add value to the equality/humanitarian movement in a culturally competent way while also creating media that is trusted and diverse, while focusing on love and acceptance,” says Hart. “The platform we are building is meant to be handed down to the next generation and be an open source.”

And that’s just what’s happened. Hart’s vision of GWEM has been contagious. Several GWEM staff members found something s0 meaningful that they refused to leave, even after graduation.

Keana Fabian found GWEM through a communication class and quickly found a psychic home.

“Before I began my work with GWEM, I was feeling lost,” Fabian says. “I’ve always had an interest in journalism, but truly didn’t see it as something possible for me. GWEM exposed me to new opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone and ultimately helped me gain new skills and grow as a person.”

After graduating in May, Fabian is working as a producer at Insider as part of a six-month fellowship program at one of the world’s leading digital newsrooms.

“I was able to get this position because GWEM helped me figure out the path I wanted to pursue postgrad and also gave me the confidence to follow my dreams and apply to jobs I thought were out of reach.”

“Even though I currently work full time now, I still volunteer for GWEM,” Fabian says. “GWEM’s mission of empowerment has always aligned with me and my goals. I try to empower women every day.”

As with Hart, GWEM taught Fabian effective virtual communication. This helped her better adjust to her now completely remote job. She gives credit to Hart and Mara Huber, associate dean for undergraduate research and experiential learning.

“They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” Fabian says. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Like any magazine catching the imagination of its staff and readers, its future is a subject of debate. Hart has talked about how her generation is “starving for meaningful connection right now.” She says today’s students face the biggest threat of adversity since the Great Depression.  

“We need each other now more than ever — and what used to separate us before through social circles, distance, illness, disability no longer applies.”

GWEM needs to play a small role in “working toward peace,” she says.

“Facilitating conversation in a safe and inclusive space is essential for tough topics and discussion. By building bridges instead of trenches, we are able to create solutions to systematic problems.

“I have had the honor to talk with people from all around the world who are often unsung heroes for their terrific efforts in their communities and planet. I will continue building on GWEM’s idea. I hope it contributes something inspiring for humanity.”