Distinguished service to the wrc award

Distinguished Service to the WRC

delaney Harper

Delaney Harper, a woman with an artistic soul, a brilliant mind, a passionate spirit, and a wicked sense of humor, is a magnificent force at the Women’s Resource Center. Although she was a little shy when she first came to work with us her freshman year, her phenomenal writing for the magazine conveyed to Director Patricia Boyett and Associate Director of the Writing Team Grace Riddick that a whirlwind of talent and genius lay within Ms. Harper. Ms. Riddick and Emmaline Bouchillon (Creative Director at the WRC) volunteered enthusiastically to mentor Ms. Harper. She flourished under their leadership. Soon, her shyness dissipated, and she had us all laughing one minute with her quick wit and crying the next when she presented some powerful piece she had authored.

And Ms. Harper works and works and works. Dr. Boyett constantly has to remind her not to work when she is off the clock. But Ms. Harper constantly seeks to contribute more to the center, and she contributes in so many powerful and significant ways. Consequently, the WRC staff considered Ms. Harper the ideal 2020 recipient of the Distinguished Service to the WRC Award. “Delaney has the best work ethic out of anyone I've ever met, and it's matched with remarkable wit,” said Emmaline Bouchillon. “ Not only will she get her job done, but she'll make you laugh so hard you almost cry while doing it. The Women's Resource Center became my home at Loyola and I can think of no one better to represent the magic of that place than Delaney, a glorious and magical person. “

In addition to her phenomenal writing skills, Ms. Harper is also an exceptional leader who is diplomatic but determined style motivates others. Dr. Boyett decided to create a new team--Special Projects--for Ms. Harper to lead that accommodated Ms. Harper’s many talents. The Special Projects team provides Ms. Harper with the opportunity to take on various projects that come into the center or that the center pursues. This year, she led the Nola4Women Leading Ladies of NOLA project as well as a project to review films for our annual Women’s Filmmaker Competition and screening. When we moved to remote work in March, Ms. Harper took on a variety of duties, including writing a column for the magazine, editing pieces, and developing advocacy campaigns.

Yes, we forgot to mention another one of Ms. Harper’s many talents: she is a phenomenal advocate. “A true feminist leader and inspiration for all, Delaney Harper has left myself and others in awe of her unequivocal dedication to the feminist cause,” said Ms. Riddick. “Delaney is always there for people, and her leadership has helped guide everyone at the Women’s Resource Center. I personally have never met someone with such a unique intellect and perspective, but Delaney’s distinct understanding of the world has elevated my view of feminism and the plight of women around the world,” baseball, and travelling. She hopes to visit Ireland to trace her family history and Australia to study its social conflicts. Beyond Loyola’s campus, she has contributed to independent films and music videos as a script supervisor and assistant director. Ms. Harper has also volunteered at community colleges and medical care facilities in Mississippi. After she graduates, she hopes to continue to contribute to social justice initiatives across New Orleans and continue her studies on oppression and prejudice.

Dr. Boyett is certain that Ms. Harper will become one of America’s great historians and storytellers. She has already won, in her first attempt, the Barbara C. Ewell Creative Writing Award hosted by the Women’s Studies program. Her powerful short story, “What It Means to be a Woman,” is included in the writing contest section of this magazine. WRC staff alum, Rula Thabata, recalled: “Delaney's writing skills and lens for perspective is impeccable. Paired with her vibrant personality, she is one of a kind.” Dr. Boyett sees vast potential in Ms. Harper: “Delaney has the wit and the passion of a southern novelist and the critical eye and meticulous investigative skills of a historian. The depth of her writing digs into one’s soul and makes the reader consider the world in new ways. Her voice is truly unique and exceptionally powerful.” In addition, Dr. Boyett asserts that “Delaney is a fierce advocate for social justice who uses all of her incredible skills, brilliance, and compassion to create a more just world.”