Feminist activist group Be Her Hero, established in 2023 by University of Mississippi students, is finding creative ways to support the community through spreading awareness about women’s issues and domestic violence.
Co-Presidents Grace Hazelhoff, a senior law studies major, and Maddie Whitt, a senior public policy leadership major, founded Be Her Hero in February 2023. They now operate with the assistance of Vice President Alyssa Parenteau, a senior integrated marketing communications major.
One of Be Her Hero’s primary focuses is to support Safe Incorporated, a domestic violence shelter based in Tupelo, Miss., by donating all fundraising proceeds to their organization. Through their wide outreach on campus and in the community, Be Her Hero has raised more than $2,600 for Safe Inc. so far.
The organization is fueled by the hard work and passion of its members.
“We speak on women’s issues and raise money for Safe Inc. because it means the world to us,” Hazelhoff said.
Although Be Her Hero began its work a little under a year ago, its various social projects and events have established their commitment to aiding the UM and Oxford community.
In fall 2023, Be Her Hero hosted tabling events outside of the union to raise awareness about Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Safe Inc. resources and dating safety plans. On Sept. 21, 2023, the group also collaborated with Hemline Oxford, who donated 20% of a day’s profits to Safe Inc.
Be Her Hero fulfills their mission by collaborating with various organizations and groups on campus and building their integrity as an organization.
“We do not compete against one another, we support one another,” Hazelhoff said.
During October 2023, Be Her Hero collaborated with Library Sports Bar to raffle a Lifetime Library card loaded with $500. Be Her Hero upped the competition by involving sororities, urging their members to compete with Venmo donations in exchange for a $200 donation to the champion sorority’s CASA competition.
Hazelhoff highlighted the Library Card Raffle as her favorite event due to the excitement and feeling of accomplishment it brought.
“My favorite day ever was going to the shelter with my co-president and vice president to donate the money we had raised. I will never forget that day,” Hazelhoff said. “If the money we raised even just made one resident’s day easier, I am thrilled.”
Be Her Hero collaborated with Rallying Against Sexual Assault and Period UM last November to host Director of Safe Inc. Zowee Jamison-Shanks to speak about female empowerment and self-care at the Overby Center.
Hazelhoff spoke highly of the bright future and intended impact of Be Her Hero.
“We are turning the council over this month, and I am very excited to get the new council started. I anticipate more collaborations with Rallying Against Sexual Assault. I hope Be Her Hero will host a women’s empowerment speaker every semester on campus, and have at least one major fundraiser,” Hazelhoff said. “I expect we will continue bi-weekly general member meetings, with education on a new women’s issue at each meeting.”
Be Her Hero currently has 102 members registered on the ForUM and is accepting new members with welcome arms.
Hazelhoff left a note to potential members about the benefits of joining Be Her Hero.
“Be Her Hero will be exactly what you make it. You can just be in the GroupMe and post our graphics, or you can come to every meeting and event and even join the council,” Hazelhoff said. “It feels good to be a part of something good.”
