Pitt Women Spotlight: Riya Patel

Question 1:

Let’s start off by discussing the main theme of Girl’s Up. What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Riya: I’d first like to acknowledge how incredible Girl’s up is. The foundation of this organization is women who understand the importance and benefit of encouraging and celebrating other women. To me, that’s what empowerment is all about. We face so many obstacles as it is, and it’s so important for women to stick together and push each other to great heights.

Question 2:

With social media and multiple news outlets, it’s much easier for us to stay connected to the news - both fake and real - nowadays. What is one issue (locally, nationally or globally) that really “speaks” to you?

Riya: An issue very close to my heart revolves around how social media can really affect mental health. It is incredibly easy to compare yourself to others, and social media does not help that issue at all. We see the women of our lives be affected by photoshopped pictures and sometimes people can really lose themselves in all that competition and comparison. I think it’s really important to find out what you love about yourself and try live your happiest life!

Question 3:

What is one ideal or value that is important to you?

Riya: Compassion! Every other person around us has also had some kind of hardships in their life, and you never know who needs a little extra kindness at any given moment. Compassion and kindness both go such a long way

Question 4:

Speaking from what I have witnessed, you all have grown up to become strong, wise people. However, I am sure there is still something that you know now that you wish you had known when you were younger?

Riya: I spent so many years as a teenager extremely focused on what other people thought about me. Looking back at it today, it was completely limiting and debilitating, and I was so shy for no reason! There were a lot of opportunities that I missed out on because I was so self-conscious, and I really wish I could tell myself to not care and just to do the things that made me happy! Life is too short to care about what others think!

Question 5:

You are all pretty involved on campus in different ways, can you generally describe some of your involvements and then write about one particular moment that you are particularly proud/happy about within these involvements.

Riya: I am the President of Kappa Delta Sorority, so I dedicate most of my time to making sure that my sisters have the best experience possible, as well as making sure each one of them feels like they have a home away from home. I am particularly proud of this accomplishment because I was always really quiet growing up, and I never really thought of myself as a leader. This just proves that when you surround yourself with supportive and caring people, your potential is truly limitless! I am also a member of the Thirst Project, which is a club on campus that raises money to build a well for clean water in Swaziland. It is an amazing cause with some amazing people supporting it, and I encourage anyone reading to join to help make a difference!

Question 6:

Thank you for being one of my role models. Who is one of your role models who has inspired you?

Riya: I aspire to be like Amal Clooney because she is so poised and elegant, but she is also an incredibly accomplished human rights lawyer. I think there is a lot of value in becoming a person who cares deeply about the lives of others, and it’s also so amazing to see how one person like her can change the world!