Student creates a space for women in male-dominated industries

Kelly Marie Davis, television radio and film (TRF) junior, has many different interests, including athletics, business and science. One thing these all have in common is that, for the most part, they are male-dominated environments.

Over time, Davis came to realize that what these spaces lacked was not just women, but also a space for female support. This year, Davis created Wo-manly in an effort to provide that support.

Davis sought to create a space that spans multiple interests and areas.

“I’m not just an entrepreneur, I’m also a designer, a marketing specialist, an active community member and so much more,” Davis says. “Wo-manly brings together multiple online communities for women in one platform to celebrate the intricacy of female identities.”

Davis began working on Wo-manly in January and has since participated in a few business competitions, worked on branding and speaking to mentors about the project. She is still working on getting the platform ready for use, and is looking for people who’d like to test it.

Davis hopes the communications industry becomes less gender-influenced and that women will feel empowered to speak up and make waves, she says. To women in communications and business that feel overshadowed by men, Davis says it’s important to know your worth.

“Don’t be afraid to explore your passions, even if you’re the only woman in the room,” she says. “It’s hard, but trust that you can do it just as well as your male counterparts.”

While Davis is currently focusing the site to serve women in traditionally male-dominated spaces like STEM, athletics, business and public service, she hopes to expand as the platform develops.

“[Women] are worth the same as the men in the room,” she says. “[Our] ideas and thoughts are just as valuable.”

Although Wo-manly is still in a trial phase, Davis hopes to launch the website this fall. Until then, anyone who’s interested can sign up for updates.