Jana Mackey was known by her friends as a 25 year-old law student at the University of Kansas. She was known for her fun, “party-girl personality” and had many friends.

Two years ago, she was a college student with life at her fingertips. Behind that persona was someone who was fulfilling her potential as a blooming activist.

Even Mackey’s friends, like Kathy Olcott, a junior at Free State, did not know that she was so active in women’s rights.

“I would go to Henry’s (the coffee shop) with my dad and two uncles every Sunday,” Olcott said.  “I got somewhat bored and met Jana. I didn’t know her as this woman who did all the amazing work she did. I just knew her as this fun awesome girl.”

Unlike most people her age, Mackey was already changing the future for women throughout the United States by speaking out against domestic violence and sexual assault through programs like the GaDuGi safe center and also by being a part of the Kansas National Organization for Women.

She was embarking on the new age of women’s rights. And people were joining in the efforts.

But in 2008, Jana was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend at his house, halting all her efforts to end gender prejudice.

However, all hope was not lost.

In 2009, KU decided to honor Mackey with a series of lectures presented by strong advocates.

The Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series is a continuous project that speaks for male and female equality. Everything Mackey was praised for is talked about, along with the opinions of the speakers.

For more dates and speaker information, go to Jana Mackey Distinguished Lecture Series.

Olcott, a close friend to Mackey, has been able to work on the project for the past two  years.

“After she died, I got very close with her parents,” Olcott said, “and the second year they took me as a VIP guest to the lectures. I met everyone who was involved and it was such a wonderful opportunity. The next year they were just like, ‘Well you loved it so much, do you want to help be a part of it and help plan it?’ I jumped on the opportunity.”

The most recent speaker, Tony Porter, spoke about the constant fight to end male violence against women. Porter was the first male lecturer at this event.

Olcott is not the only high school student who is guided by the lectures. Social Awareness Forum began attending the lectures last year as a club.

“The lectures are exactly what Social Awareness club is all about, real life people who work together individually and collectively,” Social Awareness Forum sponsor Andy Nussbaum said.

Even if the events do not happen every month, Olcott has some advice for young advocates like herself.

“The first step to help is always learning. Learning what you can do to help, that’s what I’m going to try to do. Next year, Social Awareness will be a lot more involved and helping out, so in general, join Social Awareness or if you don’t want to help specifically with this cause, there are a lot of organizations in Lawrence that you can volunteer at once you can drive or are 18.”

After all, Mackey started her movement by volunteering at GuDuGi Safe Center (http://www.gadugisafecenter.org/) in Lawrence. Her personal actions have influenced people even past her life.

“The main goal [of the Jana Mackey lecture series] is to honor Jana and keep carrying on the causes she cared for,” Olcott said. “She worked so much for gender equity and it is just there to teach everyone that it’s not just one gender is better than the other. It’s all of us working together to make the world safe for men and women and to make the world better for everyone.”

You may not have really known Jana Mackey. But her actions can influence even the smallest amount of people.

“Jana Lynne Mackey was the kind of woman that inspired others,” the Jana Mackey lecture series website said. “She inspired through her words, her song, her actions. She was magnetic. She was a bright spot in an ordinary day. She was a hero.”

“If you come to the lectures, you are really going to get some of [Jana’s fun personality but strong words] too,” Olcott said. “It’ll be personalized and you’ll leave feeling like you know her.”