*Editor’s note: This is the second in a ten part series on the most influential women in Coles County. The series will run on dennews.com through April 7.

Keila Lacy, Eastern’s student vice president for student affairs, knows what it’s like to be a student who has something awful happen to them.

Lacy became involved in Eastern’s student government because she had been a victim of a racial incident that occurred on campus while she was an undergraduate.

“I was not satisfied with the way the situation was handled by the school,” Lacy said. “I have been at Eastern for six years. So, I know what it is like to be a student and have something horrific happen to you, and you don’t know who to turn to for assistance.”

Lacy had belonged to 11 registered student organizations before becoming a member of student government but viewed joining student government as her biggest challenge.

“Becoming a member of this organization has allowed me to be a voice on this campus, and most importantly, I have direct contact with administrators and faculty,” Lacy said.

Lacy realizes the importance of her role as a leader on Eastern’s campus.

“It is so important for women to have a voice in politics,” Lacy said. “For centuries we were the invisible leaders. As women, our ideas and visions were there, but due to traditional and conservative beliefs, women did not have the opportunity to have real political power.”

Lacy notes that times have changed enough to allow women to break down barriers and allow more women to be in political positions in a male dominated world. Despite the changes, Lacy has faced adversity.

“I have faced a few hardships, but not just because of my gender,” said Lacy. “As an African-American woman, I am faced with what I call the double jeopardy odds, being a woman and a minority.”

While Lacy admits that changes have been made, she also realizes that women still face challenges when it comes to being accepted in leadership roles.

“I think women still face challenges with being taken seriously and finding support in leadership positions,” Lacy said.

Women need encouragement and positive reinforcement to reassure them that their roles in society go beyond the household, she said.

“We need to address the issue that it’s okay for women to move beyond those stereotypical roles that subject us to being unequal to men in power,” Lacy said.

Lacy hopes to be remembered for every project she has done to encourage diversity and cultural awareness on Eastern’s campus including Pantherpalooza and Unity Week.

However, it is making sure that the Diversity Requirement bylaw for student government is passed and put into action that she most wants to be remembered for.

Austen Williams, Co- chair of Unity week and Student Senator, said that working closely with Lacy on Unity week was a pleasure.

“Unity was a phenomenal success, which was largely attributed to Keila,” said Williams. “During the four months we worked together, I saw that she was hardworking, knowledgeable and dedicated to her job of serving the students.”

“She represents all women, no matter what nationality, race, color or creed,” said Williams. “She carries herself in a positive, productive way, and by doing that she really means a lot to the campus.”

Lacy will receive her master’s degree in gerontology from Eastern in June.