Building Leaders

Future Women in Service is a student-founded, student-led organization that builds leadership skills and fosters community among women in ROTC at Baylor. 

“Often when people envision someone in the military, they typically see a male soldier,” Andrea Patriarca, a senior studying physical therapy, explained. “It was important for me to find ways for women to realize that that’s not the case, and that we are strong and capable of being soldiers and being leaders in the military, and that we are capable of more than we are perceived.”

The organization is in its first year and has already built community between military-connected women throughout Baylor, including Army ROTC, Air Force ROTC and the veterans program. Members meet weekly, with a focus on building leadership and learning from each other. The Surgeon General of the Army visited the organization as a guest speaker, and other women veterans are interested in sharing their experiences as well. 

Patriarca didn’t envision joining the military when she started at Baylor but has found her experience in the Army ROTC program enriching. 

“It was really tough at first, but I know now that I’m able to do things that I never thought I would be able to in terms of being strong, confident and leading others.”

Patriarca is excited to encourage other women by sharing her experiences with them.

“The thing I love most about this group is being there for all the new people who are coming into the ROTC. I met a lot of women who, like me, didn’t have previous military connections. I tell them that they can do it and share what I’ve learned. We learn and grow from each other’s experiences. I think that’s the best part — getting to help other people.”