Meg Lambert: Navigating Identity, Empowering Voices, and Fostering Community at Hamilton College
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At just 19 years old, Megan Ruhama Lambert, affectionately known as Meg or Ru, is making significant waves at Hamilton College. A freshman with a diverse range of interests and a passion for social justice, Meg is not your typical student. Born in Ethiopia and later adopted, her journey to the United States has deeply influenced her desire to create community and uplift marginalized voices.
Meg’s involvement at Hamilton College spans across various spheres. She is currently exploring her passions in government with a pre-law track and sociology, and she’s a member of the Women’s Rowing Team. However, it’s her role as the co-host of Opportunity on the Mic, a podcast aimed at promoting diverse stories within the Hamilton community, that truly sets her apart.
Growing up in predominantly homogeneous spaces, Meg longed for a community that reflected her background. Her journey of self-discovery led her to explore her Ethiopian heritage and advocate for others who share similar experiences. Through Opportunity on the Mic, Meg provides a platform for students to share their stories authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Meg’s commitment to promoting young voices extends beyond the podcast. As the 120th Vice Mayor of the Village of Boys Town, she challenged discriminatory policies and advocated for inclusivity. Her experiences have shaped her belief in the power of storytelling to effect social change, inspiring her to uplift voices through mediums like poetry and storytelling.
One of Meg’s most profound experiences was mentoring middle school students through poetry during her high school years. Witnessing the impact of storytelling on these young minds fueled her passion for community engagement and advocacy. She believes that by sharing her own story and providing a platform for others, she can create a sense of home and belonging for those who feel marginalized.
Meg’s efforts to amplify marginalized voices extend to her role on the rowing team. While navigating the predominantly white space of collegiate athletics, she strives to create opportunities for open dialogue and community building. Leveraging her platform as a student-athlete, Meg facilitates conversations on race and cultural identity, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity.
Looking ahead, Meg plans to collaborate with other students and organizations at Hamilton College to expand her initiatives and reach a wider audience. She believes that genuine connections and meaningful relationships are essential to driving social change and fostering inclusive communities. As she continues her journey at Hamilton and beyond, Meg remains committed to planting seeds of kindness and empowerment, one story at a time.
