I am Cayla Withers and I’m a proud Southern Black American woman with West African roots. Celebrating my heritage as a Black woman at Stanford is very important to me. As an aeronautical/astronautical engineering major, I’m often in spaces where I’m the only woman in the room, the only Black person in the room, or sometimes both. It’s difficult being the only one at times, but I make sure that I still show up to all rooms proudly and unapologetically.

As a Black Stanford student (Chocolate Cardinal), I think it’s important to join Black clubs and Black student organizations to be around people that have had similar experiences as you. Throughout my time in undergrad, I have been a part of organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers, Black Church and the Black Student Union. In these spaces, I was finally around people whom I shared a culture with, people who’ve had similar experiences as me and people that made me feel like I wasn’t alone during my journey at Stanford. 

I represent my culture around campus through changing my “crown.” I wear braids, afros, cornrows, afro-puffs and more. I love changing my hairstyle because it allows me to express myself creatively, showing who I am and where I come from. I also created a column at The Stanford Daily, where I boldly write about my experiences as a Black woman in STEM and the legacy of Southern Black American women aerospace engineers at NASA. 

It’s not easy being Black at Stanford, but it brings me joy to know that I get to be a role model for some young Black girl out there who dreams of coming to Stanford and/or launching rockets to the moon. Above all, I would say that my heritage gives me strength and helps me persevere through any challenge I face. My ancestors fought so hard for me to be in the places that I’ve dreamed of, and I carry their same fight within me. They also spoke prayers over me before I was born and imagined me just as I am. I’m very honored to say that I come from a legacy of brilliant Black women and that I’ve become a brilliant, resilient Black woman as well. I will continue to represent my heritage and culture around campus, and I will always be proud of my roots. 

Happy Black History Month!