IWD: Meet Jaclyn Higgins
This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting USC alumni and long-serving staff whose experiences reflect the depth and evolution of our organization. From former student leaders who carried their USC experience into their careers and communities, to staff members who have supported students behind the scenes, their stories demonstrate the important role women have played, and continue to play, in shaping student leadership, advocacy, and campus life. Student-led spaces are often where confidence is built, voices are strengthened, and future leaders emerge. By spotlighting these experiences, we aim to celebrate contributions that have not always been equally visible and to acknowledge the impact women have had on the USC’s growth and direction over time.
Jaclyn Higgins is the Manager, Leadership Support and has dedicated her entire adult life to the University Students’ Council. She started working part‑time at the Spoke/Wave while completing her undergraduate degree and growing into a full‑time role following graduation. She spent her early years in the food and beverage operations before transitioning in 2017 to the third floor, where she now directly supports the USC Executive, Board of Directors and PurpleCare Trustees. We caught up with Jaclyn to ask about her time with the USC:
Looking back, what are you most proud of from your time with the USC?
From a work perspective, I think I’m most proud of how far our Board of Directors has come. When I started as the Executive Assistant in 2017 the Board was still in its infancy (after separating from the Executive), and there were definitely some growing pains that needed to be addressed. Over the last nine years I have watched the Board grow into a highly functional governing body. The Directors are engaged, incredibly smart, and understand the importance of their role within the USC.
What’s something about the USC today that didn’t exist when you first started?
A profitable Spoke Cafe! When I first started working there part time in 2005 (don’t do the math please), there was only one employee on the Cafe at a time, and our menu consisted of drip coffee, tea and milkshakes. We would have been lucky to break $500 in sales a day. Bagels really were a game changer down there!
Were there other women through the USC, mentors, peers, student leaders, who had a lasting impact on you?
I’m very lucky to have worked under the guidance of the astounding Karla Pacheco for the last five or so years. The majority of people reading this won’t need me to explain why that makes me lucky. She has always worked closely with Executives/Directors, so they are well aware of her empathy, smarts and huge heart.
What advice would you offer to women / female-identifying students who aspire to lead an organization?
Trust yourself and your ability to make the right decision. I think sometimes confidence is harder for female leaders to build than male, but once you can trust yourself and avoid internalizing criticism, the more successful you will be.
What gives you hope when you think about the next generation of women leaders?
In my current role I provide HR support to many student leadership opportunities offered by the USC. Whenever I run a recruitment, I am always blown away by the impressive candidates. These student leaders give me hope, as I have seen first hand what they can accomplish.
