Sharing a comfy couch and some chairs, one of the women read an excerpt from the nonfiction book "Black Sexual Politics," written by Patricia Hill Collins.

"The book talks about the different identities she has, being a lesbian, black and a target of violence," said Tiffany King, a member of Resistahs, a black women's group. "We're talking about how oppressions interact with one another, including age, race, sexuality and class."

Resistahs is running a six-week miniseries at the center. The series, which is open to women of all backgrounds, uses literature and discussion to "expand the potential of all women's self-knowledge, -esteem and -empowerment."

It's one of several programs being offered at the Women's Center, which provides academic, professional and emotional support to women attending Delaware Tech's Stanton/Wilmington campus.

"It makes so much sense to have one place where women can come together and discuss issues that affect them in a safe place," said Kelley Keane-Dawes, 28, a graduate student at the University of Delaware. "I feel like it's assumed that women can do everything with school, work ... but we're not always given the resources."

The center was formed to create a sense of belonging among women, but it recently celebrated a "renewed sense of purpose" and welcomed a new acting coordinator.

Rachael R. Hamalak, 25, the acting coordinator, said it can be difficult for women to feel part of a college community, particularly because Delaware Tech is a commuter college and many women are busy with other facets of their lives.

Nearly 70 percent of students at the Stanton/Wilmington campus are women, college spokeswoman Louise Ash said. Often, they are experiencing the challenges of being wives, mothers and full-time workers while simultaneously trying to earn a degree or upgrade their work skills.

Hamalak formerly served as a student enrichment coordinator for a federal program at Delaware Tech that recruits students from low-income backgrounds.

"We have a lot of nontraditional students, some of whom are disadvantaged or are going through other transitions such as divorce or re-entry into the work force," she said in a statement.

"Women in community colleges, it's a one-stop shop, they go in and go out," Hamalak said. "It's hard to connect. I want them to stop, meet people and get their needs met."

The center now is offering more programs relevant to women of all ages, on topics such as stress management, breast cancer, domestic violence and women and diversity.

Other partnerships include one with the campus Health Center to co-sponsor a Delaware Tech team for the annual "Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk," which took place Oct. 16 on the Christina Riverfront.

Ivy Bowman, 26, is enrolled at Delaware Tech but is taking a break this semester to save money. She said she attended Wednesday's program for a much-needed breather from the responsibility of being the mother of three children.

"I'm here because I'm interested in any issues affecting the community and putting together any good perspectives for change," she said. "We all have responsibilities and we never have time. This is my chance to be Ivy, as opposed to being Mom."

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