Graduation year: 2002
Majors/Minors: Psychology major, Gender Studies supp. major
Current occupation: Education Coordinator at the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Jefferson City, Missouri
Favorite Gender Studies class/professor/memory from your experience at Notre Dame:
I enjoyed Gender Issues in the Law with Professor Phelps.
Your experience with Gender Studies/gender issues at Notre Dame:
I remember the energy in the air of the standing room only auditorium at the controversial first performance of the Vagina Monologues at Notre Dame. It was amazing and empowering, and I’m glad I was there to experience it.
How your Gender Studies education has impacted your life:
I began working in the anti-violence against women movement while still a student at Notre Dame. I did a Summer Service Project Internship which gave me the opportunity to live and volunteer at a domestic violence shelter. During my senior year, I volunteered at the local rape crisis center. After graduation my volunteer experiences and my Gender Studies education allowed me to transition easily into professional work in domestic violence shelters, campus rape education programs, and rape crisis centers. My current position as Education Coordinator for a state domestic violence and sexual assault coalition is the kind of work I envisioned doing. I train professionals to respond to domestic and sexual violence and stalking. I was able to get my “dream job” within five years of graduating.
Your hopes for the future of Gender Studies at Notre Dame:
I hope that Notre Dame will offer Gender Studies as a primary major and not just a supplementary major.