While Gustavus students are known fairly well for their numerous ventures into understanding and supporting social activism, there are certain students who’s passion is unmistakable. Senior Leah Soule is one such student who’s found her niche within the Gustavus community as a prominent social activist.

“She’s an agitator in the best sense, looking to help the community of Gustavus live up to its purported values. She’s unafraid to ask the questions people don’t want asked and to demand better answers than they often want to give,” Associate Professor in Political Science and Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies Alisa Rosenthal said.

Even before choosing Gustavus, Leah knew that she wanted to explore social justice.

“I initially came to Gustavus because of the social justice aspect of the theater program. Even though I didn’t end up majoring in theater, I’m really glad for my choice because the liberal arts model gave me an opportunity to explore the various ways I could be active for social change,” Leah said.

“She’s an agitator in the best sense, looking to help the community of Gustavus live up to its purported values. She’s unafraid to ask the questions people don’t want asked and to demand better answers than they often want to give.”
—Alisa Rosenthal

For those who’ve come to know Leah, it’s obvious that her work on campus runs much deeper than simply generating an impressive resume. She works tirelessly to promote the change she believes in.

“Leah is exceptionally compassionate. She has a genuine heart that is demonstrated through her work in activism. Leah is also extremely hard working and consistently makes the effort to produce high quality work. Perhaps the most impressive part of Leah’s personality, however, is her strength. She is an inspiring example of resiliency and perseverance,” Senior Laura Herbers said.

As a Gender Women and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) and Political Science double major and member of various organizations on campus such as Co-President of the Womyn’s Awareness Center, Academic Assistant for the GWSS department, NARAL Pro-Choice America campus representative, Know Your IX Activist Profile writer, and former co-chair of last year’s Building Bridges Conference, Leah has much to be proud of. However, Building Bridges sticks out in her mind as her proudest moment so far.
“I was so proud of all the hard work that was put into that event and all the courageous conversations that were had that day. I am incredibly grateful for getting the opportunity to engage the campus in a conversation about rape culture even if it was challenging at some moments. We took a small step in shifting the culture on campus toward a culture of consent,” Leah said.

When she’s not spending the majority of her time working for change within the community, Leah enjoys spending time with friends, being outdoors, and listening to Simon and Garfunkel.

“Leah is a confident and intelligent woman, but I’ve come to know her also as passionate, kind, funny, and loud. Leah is loud. Also she really loves Simon and Garfunkel,” Senior Grace Mundt said.

During her last year at Gustavus there is much that Leah wishes to accomplish but mostly her mind is set on her senior thesis and improving the Womyn’s Awareness Center.

“I’m hoping not only to put together a strong piece of academic scholarship but help the WAC grow into a space that is both more comfortable to hang out in and has increased utility,” Leah said.

While, much like many of her peers Leah’s future isn’t set into stone just yet, those who know her envision a future just as full of activism as the present.
“In the future I know she will continue crushing the patriarchy with her tiny tiny fists,” Mundt said.