SRU students empowered by Gisele Barreto Fetterman
SLIPPERY ROCK — Gisele Barreto Fetterman identifies herself an advocate. For this reason she said she does not introduce herself as the wife of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman — but introduces him as her husband.
Barreto Fetterman spoke at Slippery Rock University Wednesday, April 5, evening about her work in founding two nonprofits addressing food insecurity, becoming a volunteer firefighter at age 40 and emigrating to the United States from Brazil at a young age.
When students in the audience asked how she can maintain her scheduled as an advocate, a mom and more, Barreto Fetterman attributed some of her energy to her attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. But she also is driven to use her voice to make life better for others.
“I think we all have gifts and we all have something to offer,” Barreto Fetterman said. “I want to be in everything, anything I care about. I function best when I am overwhelmed.”
Barreto Fetterman began her talk by sharing stories of her early childhood, when she and her family trying to make a life in the United States and had to “dumpster dive” for food and clothing.
Mercedes Nearhood, president of UNICEF at SRU, said she invited Barreto Fetterman to campus through the university’s Women’s Center to share her experience of founding the nonprofits — Free Store 15104 and 412 Food Rescue. At the time she sought her out to speak, Nearhood didn’t realize Barreto Fetterman was also a U.S. senator’s wife.
“Just having her come to speak to impressionable young women I think is really great to have,” Nearhood said. “I think everyone feels great after hearing her, I think I gained a little more faith in humanity.”
Ivory Dunlap, SRU director of inclusive excellence, emceed the conversation where Barreto Fetterman told of her experiences of being an undocumented immigrant, advocating for the LGBT community and dealing with messaging around her husband’s political career.
"Her experiences speak for many underrepresented voices in our society," Dunlap said. "We're grateful she's using her platforms to advocate for others and that she chose to come to SRU to share her message."
Barreto Fetterman said she was excited to speak at SRU because universities provide a venue for people of many backgrounds and experiences to meet one another.
“I think a lot of students who come from certain areas, this is possibly the first time they are meeting people who are different,” Barreto Fetterman said. “Universities are incredible for that; you take away a fear they may have because of lack of exposure.”
Barreto Fetterman also said as an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, she wants to see the U.S. succeed, and it is OK to criticize aspects of the nation in hopes for improvement.
“To love something, truly love it is to want it to be its very best,” Barreto Fetterman said. “To read a school shooting after school shooting is not our best.
“I love it here but we have to say when things are broken... You can love something wholly and want it to be its very best.”
Alexandra Chilson, a Bonner leader at SRU working in the Women’s Center, also said Barreto Fetterman’s story resonated with her.
“It’s a fresh new perspective and it’s good to hear that from someone with a story like hers,” Chilson said.
Barreto Fetterman said she hoped students would be inspired to make a difference themselves after hearing her speak, because she wants her work to inspire others.
“You have to find that thing that keeps you up at night and you have to work on that,” Barreto Fetterman said. “I think it’s seeing a problem and not complaining about it... I want to leave everything more beautiful and better.”
