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Women's History Month: Dr. Nicki Stancil
This Women's History Month, as we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history, our UAFS faculty and staff took time to share the stories of the incredible women who have influenced their lives and careers.
This series aims to not only highlight the impact of these women but also to dive into a diverse range of narratives that reflect the strength, resilience, and creativity of women across various fields and backgrounds. It's a chance to recognize, reflect, and be inspired by the legacies that shape our world today.
In this week’s Women's History Month spotlight, Dr. Nicole "Nicki" Stancil, Associate Professor and Program Director of Media Communication and beloved UAFS eSports Coach shares a recent source of inspiration that reignited her passion for feminism and film critique.
"I think we all experience 'seasons' where we just start to falter in our convictions; the way society burns us out so thoroughly can really wear us down,” said Stancil. “I've been feeling like that a lot lately. Does anything I do even matter? Does my voice carry? And then I had a 'feminist movie day' with my best friend.”
Women Talking (2022), directed by Sarah Polley, made such a mark, she said, emphasizing the impact of storytelling in addressing societal issues.
"Women Talking is exactly what I needed - it's the story of a group of women from a strict religious, patriarchal, separatist Mennonite community trying to reach a decision about whether to stay and fight, stay and forgive, or leave their community all together after years of drugged late-night sexual assaults by the men in the community."
This film, according to Stancil, underscores the power of communication and communal decision-making, offering hope amidst trauma. "I felt my spark reignite while watching Women Talking," she reflected, emphasizing the importance of fighting for women's rights in today's political climate.
Dr. Stancil's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of art and its role in inspiring and empowering women.