Willa Spalter ’25

Why are you engaged with the Goldfarb Center?

Even in my few short months at Colby, I have already seen how in tune this student body is with current events and how passionate and energized we are about creating positive change in all of our respective communities. I am engaged with the Goldfarb Center because it is a place where I can help channel this collective energy into programming events where students are given an outlet to learn about public policy and how to take action to create a better future for us all.

What does leadership mean to you as someone on the Goldfarb Student Executive Board?

As a member of the board, I think one of the most important parts of leadership is listening to those who you are meant to represent. When we listen we can better understand the needs of our community and ensure that the Goldfarb Center’s programming is creating an engaging and inclusive space that puts on events that align with the interests of Colby’s students.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for this year?

I am very excited to explore and engage with the theme for this year: Freedom of Speech. Thinking about what rights we have to express ourselves and our opinions lays an important foundation for any discussion surrounding public affairs, especially in our current political climate where so much discourse happens on such public platforms. This theme also allows for a vast array of speakers, giving the Colby community a chance to broaden our perspectives and understand the nuances of policy issues relating to our right to free speech.

What are you most looking forward to as a newly-elected member of the executive board?

I am most looking forward to getting to know my new community here at Colby by connecting with students across campus who have similar interests and passions as me and creating spaces where we can have engaging conversations and debate.