By Taylor J. Hale
Gazette Reporter

STEVENS POINT — The ladies of UWSP Women in Natural Resources organization are hosting a fundraiser at Polito’s Pizza Nov. 28, at 4 p.m., on Main Street in Stevens Point.

These women will be serving pizza to customers to save funds for future WiNR events. Lauren Soergel, President of WiNR, is excited about the pizza-filled gathering and hopes the community will come out to support a great cause.

“Each activity held by our organization aims to improve women’s confidence as a minority in the natural resources field while learning and working alongside men,” Soergel said. “I think groups like WiNR are important for young women because it is easy to feel lost in the crowd while attending college, with the fast pace lifestyle and hundreds of students rushing around. On top of that, often being outnumbered by the men in the room can make a young woman feel unheard and overwhelmed.”

Soergel’s eloquent wording shines a clear light on issues that many women face. The devotedness that WiNR shows for helping women is inspiring. They strive to give young ladies the tools they need to thrive in the natural resources industry. The Polito’s Pizza Fundraiser is just one of many events ran by WiNR throughout the year. And the location of the fundraising event was no random occurrence.

“Last year, a different student organization called Environmental Educators and Naturalists Association held a fundraiser at Polito’s and had a great turn out. We thought we would pick up this idea as it encourages interaction between our organization and the community,” Soergel said.

She hopes that the event will help tighten the relationship between the organization and the denizens of Stevens Point.

“I think there is a strong disconnect between college students and Stevens Point citizens and fundraisers such as this allows for a fun opportunity for those two groups to mingle and support each other at a local restaurant loved by all,” Soergel said. Soergel feels that groups like WiNR give college girls a chance to connect with others and grow their skills.

She believes that they are a vital part in a student’s academic curriculum. She joined the group during her first year at UWSP and is thankful for all WiNR has given her.

“Organizations like ours build friendships among women with similar interests and in a similar position so that each woman can feel confident among her peers and in herself to share what she knows and what she’s learned,” Soergel said. “I joined this organization as a freshman and definitely felt the pressure of proving myself to my professors and peers, in order to provide a strong example of how a woman in natural resources provides diversity and new ways of
thinking.

After getting to know a few other girls in the club, I saw familiar faces around campus
that reminded me to be strong and brave.”

Soergel is a passionate young woman who works hard to support the causes she believes in. WiNR is electing its new president next semester, and Soergel already knows they will do well. She doesn’t know what events will take place, but she knows people will appreciate them.

“What happens next semester is up to the new president, but I am confident there will be lots of activities for the girls to enjoy,” Soergel concluded.

Come and join the WiNR girls at Polito’s Pizza for a night of community, fun, and tantalizing pizza from a local hot-spot. The event will run from 4 p.m. to close at Polito’s Pizza, located at 960 Main St., Stevens Point. For more info on the Polito’s Pizza Fundraiser visit the event’s

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/506412303175172/.