A political science major with a minor in dance performance and choreography, Jillian Collier is embracing her title with a plan for change. Her experience at the historic women’s HBCU has been defined by a feeling of sisterhood, which she plans to further foster through a new initiative that could spread beyond the gates of Spelman.
“I also hope this message reaches the broader Atlanta community and even the world, because in our quest to change the world, we must first take care of home. I truly believe that at Spelman, sisterhood is our superpower,” the Kansas City, Kansas, native told Capital B.
Here, in an interview edited for clarity and length, Collier shares her thoughts on the role of campus queen.
What does it mean to you to represent your HBCU in this role?
Representing Spelman College in this role is both an honor and a responsibility. Spelman has such a rich legacy of producing Black women who lead with excellence, purpose, and service, so to serve as Miss Spelman means carrying that legacy forward in a way that reflects the strength, brilliance, and beauty of our community. It means using this platform to uplift others, lead with intention, and represent the values that make Spelman so special.
What has your HBCU experience taught you?
My HBCU experience has taught me the power of sisterhood, self-definition, and servant leadership. Spelman has challenged me to grow not only academically, but personally and spiritually as well. It has shown me what it means to be surrounded by Black women who are deeply committed to changing the world, and it has reminded me that community is one of our greatest strengths.
What initiative have you taken on as queen that is personal or meaningful to you?
One initiative that is especially personal to me is A Call to Kindness. Through this initiative, I want to stand against bullying while encouraging a stronger culture of kindness, compassion, and sisterhood within the gates of Spelman and beyond. A major part of this work is the pledge to kindness, which invites our community to be intentional about how we treat one another and to help create a more sisterly space on campus. I also hope this message reaches the broader Atlanta community and even the world, because in our quest to change the world, we must first take care of home. I truly believe that at Spelman, sisterhood is our superpower.
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