Tech senior launches ‘Women Who Lead’ student organization to empower future female professionals
During her time at Tennessee Tech University, Cheyenne Bare has served as student body president, welcomed prospective students to campus as a Trailblazer tour guide and held leadership roles at both the university and state level.
Now, the senior accounting and political science major from Rogersville is channeling her passion for leadership into another accomplishment: founding a new student organization designed to help female students develop the confidence, connections and professional skills needed for success after graduation.
The organization, called Women Who Lead, launched this year as a campuswide resource for female students across all majors. Bare said the group's mission is to complement existing discipline-specific organizations by creating opportunities that any female student can access, regardless of her field of study.
"We realized there are a lot of program-specific opportunities for female students, which is great, but we lacked something that could reach all female students across campus," said Bare. "Our main goal is to build more well-rounded female leaders from Tennessee Tech."
The idea emerged as Bare began considering how she wanted to continue serving the university after her term as student body president ended. Conversations with Vice President for Student Affairs Katie Aikens helped shape the concept into a student organization focused on leadership development and professional growth.
Since receiving official approval, Women Who Lead has already held several meetings and continues to attract new members. The group meets every other week and has begun hosting speakers and workshops designed to prepare students for life after college.
Recent guest speakers have included Tech alumna Amy New, president and CEO of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and recipient of the university's 2026 Outstanding Young Alumna Award. Upcoming programs include a resume workshop led by Tech's Center for Career Development, a session with Volpe Library Dean Kelly McCallister, who also serves as the club’s faculty advisor, and tentative plans for a visit with the university’s Gretta Stanger Center.
"A big thing for me is providing resources that help students grow professionally, no matter their field," said Bare. "We want to offer help with resumes, LinkedIn, networking and connecting students with resources across campus. We want students to feel prepared to leave Tech and be successful."
The organization's focus reflects Bare's own experience as a Tech student.
She credits the university's supportive culture and close-knit campus community with helping her discover opportunities she never imagined when she first arrived in Cookeville.
"I never thought I'd have all the opportunities I have today," Bare said. "There is so much opportunity here. It doesn't matter who you are. There is such an individualized experience at Tech. If you want it, it's here for you."
She also hopes Women Who Lead will help current and prospective students recognize the breadth of opportunities available at the university.
"People may know Tennessee Tech for its STEM programs, but there are so many women across campus from all majors doing incredible things and helping move the university forward," she said.
Although Bare plans to attend law school after graduation and hopes to pursue a legal career focused on community service or public policy, she believes Women Who Lead is positioned to thrive long after she leaves campus.
"We're laying the foundation now, and I have full faith that Women Who Lead will continue to grow," she said. "We have motivated students who care deeply about the mission, and I know they'll take it even further."
Tennessee Tech University offers more than 280 student organizations to help Golden Eagles explore their interests and connect with others. Tech students interested in learning more about Women Who Lead can contact Bare at cbare42@tntech.edu or visit the club’s Instagram page at www.instagram.com/tntech_wwl.