For many generations, society has pushed the belief that women come second to men, so much that women often don’t recognize their greatness. A national organization across college and high school campuses dedicated to empowering women, called I Am That Girl, was created by Alexis Jones as a way to combat this issue.

In 2016, Texas State founded a chapter of this organization to help Bobcats like Eunice Arcos see all the amazing things they can accomplish when they believe in themselves.

“This is basically a free place to express yourself and be just who you are. Our organization also helps build strong, lifelong friendships.”

“I Am That Girl is an organization of women who help empower other women in leadership, social and personal development,” said Arcos, who is the group’s vice president of philanthropy. “We believe that by empowering women, we will help them find their voice.”

To ensure that the IATG goal is achieved, members across America are asked to live by the following motto:

“I have a brilliant heart and a beautiful mind. I am me, a perfectly flawed, beautyFULL work in progress. I promise to lift other girls up, have their backs, and make it safe for them to be exactly who they are. I’m on a mission to raise the standards for how we treat each other, how we treat ourselves, and how we treat the world. Every time I look in the mirror I’ll remind myself that I’m not alone, that I’m beautiful, that my voice matters, and that I am enough.”

The Texas State chapter holds events and discussions to help their members become the best versions of themselves.

“Our organization does a variety of things on campus. We enjoy giving back to the San Marcos and Texas State community, so we do volunteer and community service at local events like Sights & Sounds and Bobcat Build when we are able to,” said Arcos. “We also have bi-weekly meetings where we discuss difficult topics like depression and anxiety, which others might be afraid to talk about. This is basically a free place to express yourself and be just who you are. Our organization also helps build strong, lifelong friendships.”

“Our goal for the future of the IATG Texas State chapter is that women continue to be empowered,” said Arcos. “That women all around this campus learn to love and accept themselves just as they are, and that they are able to use their voice to help empower other women.”

Through their community service and meetings, they have been able to accomplish IATG’s goal of empowering women and their own goal of creating a safe space for Texas State students. Their success on the Texas State campus for the past two years gives this organization hope that they can continue giving female students a voice.

“Our goal for the future of the IATG Texas State chapter is that women continue to be empowered,” said Arcos. “That women all around this campus learn to love and accept themselves just as they are, and that they are able to use their voice to help empower other women.”

Membership is open to any person who wants to grow and help others do the same within the organization founded on changing girl culture.

“Everyone and anyone can join I Am That Girl! We have no requirements, other than to come as you are, and feel free to express who you are,” said Arcos. “I believe this organization is great because it helps uplift and empower you as a woman. It teaches you how to love yourself, how to confidently express who you are, and more importantly teaches you the importance of acceptance.” ⭑