Honors College student Erica Fletcher is making headlines again, this time as one of Glamour magazine's Top 10 College Women of the year. While she doesn't consider herself a traditional "glamour girl," she said, "I am glad that the norms of what it means to be glamorous have changed quite a bit to accommodate girls who dream big." 

Fletcher, whose profile appears in the October edition of the magazine, is one of 10 college seniors from across the nation to be highlighted for her academic excellence, personal involvement in the community and her leadership experience. Fletcher, who received a $3000 scholarship and a trip to New York, said, "I am grateful that I can represent the University of Houston in a competition predominated by Ivy League scholars."

Described in the magazine as "the documentarian," Fletcher is lauded for "Marianismo," her recent documentary film that explores the cultural factors that contribute to the disproportionate spread of HIV/AIDS among Latina women. Since its completion last fall, "Marianismo" has been screened in numerous venues, including the Thomas Street Clinic, the Women’s Center, the Perinatal Task Force, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and as part of the Voices Breaking Boundaries series "La Voz Femenina." This fall Erica is taking courses to fulfill the requirements for her three majors, working on another documentary for her senior honors thesis, and completing applications for the Fulbright, the Marshall, and the Rhodes scholarships.

"I believe strongly that we define our success as a university by our students' success," UH President Renu Khator said. "This recognition of Erica Fletcher's talents and contributions toward improving society and the human condition is well deserved. Her accomplishments set a standard for the kind of selfless leadership and service we hope will inspire others."

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