Program Associate for the Gender, Women and Democracy team at the National Democratic Institute in Washington, D.C. HOW WERE YOU AFFILIATED WITH WGS? Women's and Gender Studies major- served as a member/officer of WSSO and a member of Triota TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORK (PAID OR UNPAID!) Though I was recently furloughed due to the Trump Administration's Executive Orders, I am a Program Associate for the Gender, Women and Democracy team at the National Democratic Institute in Washington, D.C.! While at UGA, I got degrees in both International Affairs and Women's Studies, with the dream of finding a job that blended the two. I felt so fortunate to have this job because it combined these two fields every day! My team leads democracy-building and strengthening programs abroad, specifically with the focus of supporting the development and resilience of women's role in democracy within their respective countries. HOW HAS YOUR WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES EXPERIENCE SHAPED YOUR LIFE AND WORK POST GRADUATION? My Women's Studies experience shapes my post-graduation work and life daily! Not only do I get to implement advocacy and women's rights into my professional role (through our gender-focused programming), but these values define my personal life as well. I moved to a new city, where I had to build community from the ground up-- while also trying to figure out so many aspects of "adult life" at the same time. Suddenly, I found myself in an environment where it truly was up to me and me alone for everything. The women in my life have been my rock in these times. Whether it took the form of calling my mom and sister back home to talk me through hard things, or just having quality time with female friends in the city where we share experiences and become pillars of support for each other. It feels gushy to say-- but my female friends, new and old, have been absolutely pivotal in my ability to conquer scary things and put myself out there. We show up for each other, and we figure it out together, because we know how essential community is. My female relatives have also kept me pushing through in the midst of all the challenges brought by this phase of life. Knowing they are there if I fail, and knowing how much they sacrificed so that their female descendants could have an opportunity like this-- it is very effective fuel. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM YOUR TIME IN WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES AT UGA? COURSES, PROFESSORS, EVENTS? Oh gosh, it's so hard to say! I rave all the time about how Women's Studies is one of the best departments at UGA, and a big reason for that is the quality of the professors and experiences offered by the program. I truly look at so many of my Women's Studies professors as role models and icons. That being said, I absolutely have to give a shout-out to some of the professors who really defined my time in the department :) I was fortunate enough to take two of Dr. Rumya Putcha's courses. She had such an amazing class atmosphere each time, and is expert in balancing the contributions of student voice with the guidance of her professional experience. Dr. Cecilia Herles wore so many hats within the institute and was not only great in a classroom setting, but also at expanding events and opportunities within the institute. I didn't have Dr. Ingie Hovland until my senior year, but she was especially encouraging in both my academic pursuits and my professional aspirations. Dr. Gallagher's coursework was some of my all-time favorite, and she is one of the main reasons I landed my dream job after school! I openly fangirl about Dr. Jodie Lyon, and talk about her classes every chance I get. Dr. Elizabeth St. Pierre was also especially helpful in helping me develop both my research skills and my confidence in them! ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT WOMEN'S AND GENDER STUDIES STUDENTS (GRADUATE OR UNDERGRADUATE)? Soak it up! The people in classes with you, the opportunities to get involved further, the content of the coursework-- all can be so pivotal if you only open yourself to it. I made some of my closest friends in my Women's Studies classes, and some of the coursework I was exposed to has directly led me to my path in life today. The Women's Studies experience is so rich, you just have to embrace it.
