What is WOCHA? WOCHA stands for Women of Character, Honor and Ambition. WOCHA is an organization most present at UVA, but has chapters that extend into the local high schools.
WOCHA promotes leadership, unity, and wants to empower and uplift all students, especially women of color. KTR got the opportunity to interview an extremely involved member of the Wocha community, senior Berline Bisshossolo! Berline gave us lots of insight on what WOCHA is, their goal as a group, achievements, and other educational, important information.
When speaking about WOCHA’s guiding principles, Berline shared that one of its core pillars is a strong commitment to fitness and overall wellness. Because this is one of WOCHA’s core pillars, the program incorporates fitness tests, group classes, and a variety of other wellness and exercise focused activities throughout the year.
WOCHA expands well beyond UVA, existing in multiple other universities, and has over 500 members across different chapters. Focusing more locally, last year the CHS chapter concentrated on volunteering and strengthening their connections with local communities through education and outreach.
The WOCHA girls spent several days visiting local elementary schools where they supported the teachers, helped educate the students by reading to them, assisted with the elementary field days, and helped the overall classroom environment by supporting the teachers however they could.
Other notable achievements include members’ finding success in etiquette training, the Fitness Test, community service hours, and the Dale Carnegie leadership training. WOCHA also holds weekly Wednesday lunch table events which attracts interested students. During these events, they quiz students on different factors that are core of WOCHA, and they also promote empowerment and their endless opportunities.
WOCHA is built on a foundation of community and trust. Instead of appointing a single leader or someone to look to for all the answers, they work together as a group, collaborating, and ensuring that every member’s voice is heard, and valued. Speaking with Berline, she explained that every member contributes equally through active participation, community service, and leadership across a variety of activities.
Not only is WOCHA creating an impact across many different communities through empowerment and strength, but it is also a fun and engaging space to be a part of. Berline let us in on a few of her favorite memories with the program. One includes touring the UVA football stadium where they got to meet the football players, explore the suites, walk on the field, and even participate in football- style workouts. Another one was the etiquette training, where they got to learn proper dining etiquette, including how to eat using different cultural dining styles. This, and many other moments allow the members to learn interesting, and important skills, while still having a good time!
How can you join WOCHA? You can contact Ms. Tazlim Minor by email, or stop by her office. She is normally present during lunch periods or walking around the school, and she is always open to speaking with interested students. You also can email Dr. Joshua Epps, who is the director of the entire program at UVA, and the high schools involved.
Joining WOCHA isn’t just about being part of a program, it’s about finding a community where women can support each other, grow together, and have fun along the way. If it sounds like something you’d enjoy, don’t hesitate to reach out.
