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Mary Demarco/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER 

What started as a casual craft night in the Johnson Center quickly evolved into an opportunity for students to build meaningful connections and nurture a community rooted in growth, inclusivity and respect. 

The National Organization for Women Campus Action Network, or NOW CAN, stands up for women and marginalized groups across the Mason Fairfax campus. Alia Daniels, the chapter’s vice president, said the club’s mission is to promote gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights, as well as advocate against racial injustice and violence toward women on campus. 

“We’re a feminist group and feminism means completely different things to different people. So I think what I like to do is to just hear what people desire and want to do,” said NOW CAN President Lee Theilemier, a second-year master’s student at Mason. “For me, that means I just want to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place.” 

With over 70 members at Mason, NOW CAN is a campus chapter of the larger national grassroots organization that pursues social change through lobbying, marches, and civil lawsuits. Since its establishment in 1966, NOW has helped advance  business, employment and education opportunities for women nationwide. 

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee, or NOW PAC, endorses and donates funds to federal candidates for Congress and the Presidency who align with the organization’s goals. All PAC funds are raised exclusively from NOW members across the country.   

“So far, a lot of our activities have been geared towards trying to build community for people who may feel lonely,” Theilemier said. The club hosted events like presentation nights, crafts nights and presidential debate watch parties. 

During a craft night hosted r in January, new members got acquainted while returning members reconnected over bracelet-making and painting. Theilemier said that NOW CAN Treasurer and craft enthusiast Vik Cheatham organized the event. 

In addition to community building, Theilemier said NOW CAN officers plan to collaborate with other organizations on campus that empower women and advocate for marginalized groups. Daniels also reached out to local women’s shelters, providing members with opportunities to support women in the greater Fairfax community.

“I think just like any other club, you get to meet people with similar interests and possibly make new friends,” Daniels said. “Being part of the club is also a chance to make a difference in something with a group rather than doing it all by yourself.”

While the club’s goal is to advocate for marginalized groups and promote political awareness, Theilemier hopes NOW CAN can also serve as a safe space for anyone looking to build connections on campus. 

“I think when I was a freshman as an undergrad, I was so lonely and I was struggling to find community,” Theilemier said. “My goal is to make everyone feel heard, supported, comfortable and safe. And if anyone wanted to join our group, then I would want to tell them that we welcome them with open arms.” 

To join NOW CAN, students can register on Mason360.  

Courtesy of Maria Carabelli

BY KARLOS CORIA, STAFF WRITER

“It’s just me being honest. I don’t know any other way to do it.” That’s how celebrated New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds described his approach to writing about difficult topics during a candid conversation with students at Mason on Tuesday, April 1. Hosted by Professor Brenna Maloney’s COMM 369 class, Reynolds spoke candidly to students crowded into a small conference room, sharing insights on reading, writing, and his creative process.

Reynolds, known for his young adult novels such as “Long Way Down,” “Stamped” and “Miles Morales: Spider-Man,” emphasized authenticity as the cornerstone of his craft. “We like to deify our own work,” he said, pushing back against self-important tendencies that can creep into storytelling. He roots his narratives firmly in lived experiences: “I’m super emotional. I grew up a sensitive kid in a tough household.”

Throughout the discussion, Reynolds underscored the importance of both practice and creative discipline for aspiring writers. “Practice and creativity— that’s what writing is about,” he said plainly. He was equally adamant about the necessity of reading as a means to master the craft: “You need the rules so that you understand—so that when you break the rules, you know how.”

When asked how fiction storytelling techniques could inform journalism, Reynolds praised stylistic elements often overlooked in traditional reporting. “I love repetition, I love refrain. I rarely see it in journalistic work—but I’d like to.” Still, he cautioned students to value clarity above all else: “Don’t be fooled, everybody. Nothing beats a short, lucid sentence.”

Reynolds also spoke openly about periods of creative stagnation, recalling how, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, he found inspiration in an unlikely place. “I read the ‘Captain Underpants’ books over and over again,” he said, grinning. “Those books are genius.” This unlikely source of inspiration sparked a breakthrough. When he finally began writing his acclaimed book “Long Way Down,” Reynolds said, “I was done in 20 minutes.”

The conversation took a deeper turn when Reynolds addressed the portrayal of real-world issues through fiction. He described fiction as “less rigid,” explaining that facts inform stories, but the narrative freedom fiction offers makes difficult topics more approachable and impactful.

A highlight of the conversation was Reynolds’ response to a student asking about Miles Morales, Marvel’s Spider-Man, whom Reynolds helped shape into the beloved hero audiences know today. 

While the late Stan Lee famously expressed the idea that, “Anyone can wear the mask,” Reynolds pointed out the significance of Morales’ Black and Puerto Rican identity: “We live in the real world. Anyone can wear the mask; some people can wear it a little easier.” He added, smiling knowingly, “Spidey sense ain’t nothing but an instinct yo’ [sic] mama gave you.”

Reynolds explained that his goal when developing Morales was straightforward. “I wanted to make Miles feel a little more grounded, more rooted in his youth,” he said. The approach resonated strongly with students, who listened closely as Reynolds demystified his process and encouraged them to trust their own instincts. “The hardest part about the work that we’re doing—the work that you’re doing—is trusting yourself,” he reminded them.

Before concluding, Reynolds underscored the responsibility and power writers carry, reminding students that today, audiences might only remember the newspaper’s name, but it’s essential to recognize that “The writer is the engine.”

Reynolds’ visit left students with practical advice and a renewed appreciation for the craft of writing. Perhaps his most resonant message was also the simplest: honesty is always the best policy, in writing as in life. As Reynolds himself repeated, “It’s just me being honest. I don’t know any other way to do it.”

Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

When you think of thrift stores in Northern Virginia, you’re potentially thinking about Unique in Falls Church near Mosaic. While Unique is great, there are many more underrated local stores around the DMV. Whether you’re looking to up your thrifting game, or already consider yourself a connoisseur, this guide is for you. 

2nd Avenue 
Location: Alexandria, VA (8750 Richmond Hwy) 

Down on Richmond Highway, 2nd Avenue is a thrift superstore offering a wide selection of tops, bottoms, footwear and household items. The store provides daily discounts on color tags for extra savings. I scored a vintage cream, 100% Irish wool sweater here, which I pull out every winter to pair with baggy jeans and Uggs.  

B-Thrifty
Location: Annandale, VA (4223 John Marr Dr)

Located next to a Goodwill—perfect for a quick two-in-one stop—B-Thrifty is the place to find racks of button-downs and shoulder purses. The gigantic and spacious layout means you’ll likely leave with your arms full of vintage Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein finds.  

Georgetown Flea Market
Location: Washington, D.C. (1819 35th St NW)

*Open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While the flea market is in D.C., this spot is great to meander through with a friend and browse trinket-filled tables. You’ll find vendors selling streetwear, and you’ll often see college-aged shoppers roaming about and peering through racks. Alongside the resellers, other vendors sell handmade items such as quilted jackets and jewelry. I purchased a small gold-filled snake chain that hasn’t tarnished, and I’ve worn it every day since then. 

Prime Thrift Georgia Ave
Location: Washington, D.C. (6101 Georgia Ave NW)

If you’re planning a “thrift day” in the District, make your way over to Prime Thrift on Georgia Ave. You’ll find popular and trendy brands like Reformation, Princess Polly and Urban Outfitters as well as an impressive selection of vintage labels at affordable prices. Some shoppers even argue that it’s cheaper than Goodwill. 

Value Village 
Location: Silver Spring, MD (10121 New Hampshire Ave)

While it’s a bit of a hike from campus, Value Village in Silver Spring—connected to Unique Thrift Store—is argued as one of the best thrift shops in the Maryland-Washington area. Because it’s twice the size of the aforementioned recommendations, you’re almost guaranteed to find something. One TikTok creator found a vintage dark brown Hermès cashmere coat and an ivory Burberry trench coat for $8 each. 

Estate Sales 
Location: Across D.C., Maryland and Virginia 

While this  isn’t a specific store, estate sales in the metropolitan area are severely underrated. Frequent neighborhoods that host sales are Chevy Chase (D.C.), Georgetown (D.C.), Alexandria (VA) and McLean (VA). These sales feature everything from political memorabilia (campaign pins, posters, bobbleheads and vintage newspapers) to closets full of business-formal clothing for internships and events. Even if nothing catches your eye, the homes alone—often complete with unique Washington-esque architecture and interior design—are worth the walkthrough. Visit Estatesales.org, Estatesales.net, or Maddy | Estate Sales on TikTok for estate sales happening in the area. 

Tips for Thrifting: 

As you thrift more, you’ll find that there are some ways to maximize your time while finding cool pre-loved items. First, before you plan a day at the thrift store, I suggest creating a list or a Pinterest board to lay out top-priority items to avoid wasting time mindlessly searching. Second, bring reusable bags like totes to avoid paying extra for store-issued ones. The best time to go thrifting is during the week, but if the weekend is best, try to visit early to beat the afternoon rush. Lastly, reserve a couple of hours to spend time browsing through racks to find some hidden gems. 

(Photo provided by Christopher M. Ackerman Sr.)

BY  IOANNIS VLAHOS, STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 3, Christopher M. Ackerman Sr. was named as Mason’s Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. To Ackerman, this appointment is a homecoming. “[It] is both a professional honor and a deeply personal milestone.”

Ackerman, now filling the role, will oversee the department to a campus of over 8,100 employees. It sounds daunting, but according to Ken Walsh, Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Mason, he’s the “right man” for the job. 

“Chris brings to George Mason extensive executive leadership in all aspects of human resources management and a proven track record of collaboration and achieving excellence in HR practices in environments that demand precision and innovation,” Walsh said.

Ackerman was  enthusiastic about his new role within the Mason community, stating, “I am proud to be part of Mason Nation and excited to collaborate with the George Mason community to create a people-first culture that empowers our diverse workforce and fosters an environment where talent thrives and innovation flourishes.”

Before joining the Mason faculty, Ackerman served in human resources roles at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, Howard University and most recently, Stanford University. 

At Stanford, Ackerman was head of client human resources services for SLAC National Laboratory, a U.S Department of Energy facility run by the university. There, he implemented an enterprise-level HR strategy as well as facilitated communication and cooperation with the executive leadership, over  a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. 

An adept leader while at Stanford, Ackerman was responsible for duties such as, enhancing performance management systems and integrating strategic workplace planning to meet organizational directives at SLAC. 

He also served as chief human resources officer at HCA Healthcare, located in Northern Virginia, for five years. There, he played a big part in enhancing the attraction and retention of employees, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing initiatives that improved organizational efficiency.