“Just Two Hands” Alyssa Martinsen
ACADEMIC YEAR ‘17-’18
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2017-2018 Issue
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In This Issue 1 “To Us!” A Fall Toast
22 ‘17-‘18 Brown Bag Lunches
2 Meet The Center
24 Facing Fears
4 Behind This Issue
26 Career Achievement Awards
6 Perspectives on Leadership: A Brief Sketch
28 Women’s Leadership Initiative
8 Perspectives on Scholarships
32 Student Perspectives
9 Perspectives on Generosity 11 Angela Davis: The Intersection of Art Social Justice 14 Equity & Diversity at USU: Women in STEM 20 Tools for Leadership Self-Efficacy: Awareness & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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30 Professor Profile 34 Perspectives on Student Achievement 36 Perspectives on Success: Inaugural WLI Graduation Address
ON THE COVER
Just Two Hands Alyssa Martinsen
I wanted to create a piece that showed the power every person has to create something beautiful – that their fate lies in their own hands. Two black hands are not any more powerful than two white hands, and so on. Every person has so much potential. Let’s not let racism or sexism or ageism get in the way of unlocking that potential. Two hands are just two hands.
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Perspectives Magazine
Dr. Ann Austin
Professor & Center Director
Reni McBride Staff Assistant
Michelle Hixson
Women’s Leadership Initiative Coordinator, WGS Program Advisor & Perspectives Editor
Justin Wheeler Office Aid
Jerra Fowers Office Aid
“To Us!” A Fall Toast At the beginning of each year, we are always hopeful, excited, and looking forward to accomplishing much. By one-month into the academic year, we are already beginning to be a bit discouraged, overwhelmed by the work, the students, the number of meetings, and the sense that somehow we’ll never be good enough, never get it done, never complete all the tasks that we’ve set for ourselves. With this day, may we vow to both support one another and lean in to accomplish what we hope to complete this year. May we celebrate the ways that our circumstances make us similar to one
Meagan Roach Graphic Design
another, but more importantly, celebrate and cherish each other’s differences. Let us vow to “make things better for one person – whomever that may be” one colleague, one child, one partner, a whole department or university. Remember that what you believe to be real will be real in its consequences. If you believe you cannot do it, then you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Believe that you can make it, whatever IT is, better. And by doing so, you and I, make it better for all. To the new year and to us!
Various Contributors
See Pages 8–9
Perspectives Art Review Board Dr. Laura Gelfand
Professor, Art History
Mike Daines
Assistant Professor, Graphic Design
Janet Hancock
Art and Design Senior, Staff Assistant
E. Helen Berry Perspectives Magazine • 1
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Meet The Center
Meet The Center DREAMING IS EASY, but often when we attempt to make those dreams a reality the world laughs and shuts the door. The Center for Women and Gender works to create opportunities and open doors. So, we asked our incredible staff...
When faced with an obstacle, how have you responded?
“...I went through the front door anyway.” At the end of my senior year, all of the Kennecott scholarship winners were invited to the Alta Club in Salt Lake City for a celebratory dinner. There was a sign on the front door of the club that stated firmly, “Women and those making deliveries must go to the west door.” I walked around to the west door and found it was a teensy little hole at the end of an alley. I was sure the boogeyman waited in the alley, so I went through the front door anyway.”
“Take a deep breath.” Reni McBride Staff Assistant
Dr. Ann M. Berghout Austin Professor & Center Director
Every day we are faced with obstacles. I have learned to take a deep breath, look, listen, and then act. If that doesn’t work, then smile and tomorrow is a new day to try again.
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CONTACT US at 435-797-9222 cwg.usu.edu/contact_us
“Keep the faith until the end!”
“I look at them like advantages.” Jerra Fowers
Michelle Hixson
Office Aid
Women’s Leadership Initiative Coordinator, WGS Program Advisor & Perspectives Editor I consider myself to be pretty resourceful. My first response is to investigate what processes are already available to overcome the obstacle. Then I brainstorm with others to develop the best course of action and keep the faith until the end!
“I often think of my parents.” Justin Wheeler Office Aid I often think of my parents when faced with an obstacle. My parents have both modeled the power of hard work throughout my life, and their example helps me to embrace difficulties and enjoy the process of overcoming them.
When I take a step back and look at all of the obstacles in my life so far, I think it is easy to agree that my “obstacles” became some of the most positive moments of my life. As much as obstacles can be some of the hardest times in our lives, we have to realize that without them our world would be completely different. Every obstacle in my life made me stronger, wiser, more grateful, and even more resilient. One of my favorite quotes is ‘obstacles don’t block the path, they are the path.’ I overcome obstacles by looking at them like advantages. With every step up my mountain climb, the view gets more beautiful. The view from the top makes it worth every step.
Perspectives Magazine • 3
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Contributors
Behind This Issue
READ PAST ISSUES cwg.usu.edu/perspectives/magazines
Perspectives is made possible by our art and writing contributors. Add your perspective to our magazine. cwg.usu.edu/art
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1. Grace Hill
It’s A Skirt. Not An Invitation Pg.35
Grace Hill is an undergraduate student at Utah State University studying art. While her preferred medium is clay, Grace also likes to work in ink and watercolor. Grace is 20 years old and originally from Boise, Idaho.
2. Maureen Hearns, PhD, SCMT, MT-BC Chaco Doors Pg.6
Maureen is the Director of Music Therapy at USU and a board certified music therapist.She is drawn to the unbridled power of music to evoke imagery capable of escorting an individual into a deeper understanding, discovery, and exploration of themselves and their world. Photography is a means of capturing the images, which guide her own personal journeys.
3. Ryker Marble Impact Pg.31
Ryker Marble is from the blessed town of Tremonton Utah, and in the fall of 2018 he will be a junior at USU studying political science and art.
4. Shawna Bolingbroke
(1) It Always Won’t Be Like This Pg.29 (2) Finite Pg.29 Shawna Bolingbroke recently graduated as an art and design student at Utah State University. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking with minors in psychology and yoga studies in May 2018.
5. Bailee Jones Of Me Pg.25
Bailee Jones is an undergraduate in art education and drawing and painting programs at Utah State University. This past year, she was recognized as a finalist for the “Woman of The Year” award at the 2018 Utah State University Bill E. Robins Awards.
6. Alyssa Martinsen
8. Theresa Swindell SubstantialInsubstantial Pg.37 Breakdown l Pg.15
Theresa Swindell came to USU to pursue a bachelor’s in ceramics after receiving her associate degree in New Hamphire. She hopes to continue her education and personal expression in further schooling and as a member of the mental health community.
9. Madison Ditton Villa Nueva Pg.33
Madison Ditton is an interior design major with a minor in landscape architecture. Madison interned with Vicente Wolf Associates in New York City during the summer of 2018, and will start her residential design career after graduating in spring 2019 while her husband attends medical school.
Just Two Hands Cover
Alyssa Martinsen is from Maryland majoring in art therapy. “I took up painting my senior year of high school and want to be an advocate for mental health.”
7. Jamie Lancaster
Female Figures Pg.18–19
Jamie Lancaster is an art student at the Caine College of the Arts. Inspired by nostalgic, blurry photographs, she creates oil paintings of figures in fluid atmospheres.
10. Pono Suganumo
Angela Davis Pg.10 Pono Suganuma was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. She grew up learning how to dance the hula, watching her papa’s canoe races, and reading hundreds of books with her mom. As an aspiring journalist and creative writer, Suganuma hopes to reach the world with her words and make a lasting impact on those who read her work. She graduated with her bachelor’s in journalism.
11. Joan Miller
Scholarship Recipient Letter Pg.9
Joan Miller is a non-traditional graduate student who loves attending USU-Moab. “USU’s landgrant mission enables me to earn my degree entirely online in rural Utah.”
12. Star Coulbrooke
Facing Fears Poem Pg.24
Star Coulbrooke, long-time poet and activist, is Poet Laureate of Logan City, Utah, director of the Utah State University Writing Centers, and coordinator of Helicon West. Her most recent poetry collection is Thin Spines of Memory.
13. Tessa Buck
ACT Song Pg.21
Tessa Buck is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in music therapy at Utah State University. She was a member of the inaugural Women’s Leadership Initiative Cohort.
14. Ace Beorchia, Christy Glass and Helga Van Miegroet Emily Diversity at USU USU Climate Survey Pg.14
Ace Beorchia, a sociology graduate student; Christy Glass, sociology professor; Helga Van Miegroet, professor emeritus in wildland resources. The trio produced a Climate Survey highlighting the diversity-related experiences of STEM graduate students from under-represented backgrounds.
15. E. Helen Berry
CWG Fall Social Toast Pg.1 E. (Eddy) Helen Berry is a professor of sociology and a WGRI Distinguished Researcher. She is the director of Graduate Studies in Sociology, director of the Yun Kim Population Research Laboratory, former president of the Rural Sociological Society (RSS), and recipient of USU and RSS awards for teaching and mentoring. Her current research interests are in the distribution of disability in rural places and in definitions of rurality.
16. Crescencio López-González
WLI Graduation Address Pg.36
Crescencio LópezGonzález is an associate professor of Latinx Studies at Utah State University. His research focuses on analyzing the works of Latinx authors who write about the city in which they were raised and how growing up in these environments shaped their lives, their communities, and their future. He served as a Women’s Leadership Initiative faculty discussant at all seven of the sessions.
17. Gay Wayman
Conversation Istanbul, Art Donation Pg.9
Gay Wayman, (USU BS ‘82 MS ‘83) lives in Eugene, Oregon where she works as an Organizational Development consultant.
Perspectives Magazine • 5
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Leadership
Chaco Doors
Perspectives on Leadership A Brief Sketch By: Dr. Ann M. Berghout Austin
As a junior in high school, I was a delegate to State. I will always be grateful for this benevolent gift of providence. At Girls State, I about my responsibility to promote social Withlearned forethought justice and earned a scholarship to Utah State and intentionality, we University at the same time. Maureen Hearns Utah Girls
pass through awaiting
doorways to new spaces in which to create a new awareness.
Chaco Doors Maureen Hearns
With forethought and intentionality, we pass through awaiting doorways to new spaces in which to create a new awareness.
My family’s challenge involved both parents and all sisters working hard to help my profoundly deaf and multiple-handicapped sibling develop in a generative way. This experience helped cement my interest in social problems and social policy, and the USU scholarship suggested to me that I could really enact my dream. I entered university with the goal of becoming a UNICEF physician who could work with others to make the world a more just and equitable place for women and children. I was entranced by the UNICEF physicians interviewed on TV, their sweaty faces bristling with concern for others. “That will be me,” I thought. Growing up, I spent most of every summer on my grandfather’s ranch in southern Idaho where I helped with his egg and dairy business. I also worked for other ranchers for hourly wages from 25 to 75 cents an hour. During the summer of 1965, inspired by the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I rushed through my chores every day so I could be in the house to watch the evening news. I was concerned about Dr. King’s work and, toward the end of the summer, I decided I would hitch a ride to Logan, Utah on the milk truck. I planned to use part of my summer money to ride the Greyhound bus to the Salt Lake City airport and use the rest to fly south to help Dr. King. But my parents found out and told me that such an escapade would brand me as a runaway, and no university would allow a runaway to study at their school. Of course, this wasn’t true, but I believed them, and that ended that. In the spring of 1967, I was awarded a Kennecott scholarship along with several
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others in our graduating class. My dad, who worked at the copper mines all of his life, told me that the scholarships were a result of monetary contributions from the many fathers working at Kennecott. That the men had set up a soda and candy machine to gather the money together. I was deeply touched and always hoped I was worthy of this tremendous gift. At the end of our senior year, all of the Kennecott scholarship winners were invited to the Alta Club in Salt Lake City for a celebratory dinner. There was a sign on the front door of the club that stated firmly, “Women and those making deliveries must go to the west door.” I walked around to the west door and found it was a teensy little hole at the end of an alley. I was sure the boogeyman waited in the alley, so I went through the front door anyway. In 1978, I began doctoral studies in child developmental psychology at Iowa State University (ISU). Although my plan had been to go to medical school, by this time I had sufficient experience with children (classroom teacher for grades 4, 5, and 6, and music instructor) to know that, although I love medicine, my greatest interest was with children’s cognitive and emotional development. My husband, Dennis Austin, was working for the state of Utah as a big game biologist and researcher, and we had three little children ranging 1 to 5 years old. I took the three children with me to Iowa while my husband stayed in Utah to work. I arrived in Iowa on a Saturday and called the local pastor of my church to ask about the Sunday schedule for services. He asked a few questions about my circumstances, and I innocently answered.
When my babies and I got to church the next day, the door was blocked by two men in dark suits. It seemed to me they were about ten feet tall and ten feet wide. They introduced themselves as the local clergy. They told me to go home, that what I was doing was wrong, that I was not welcome at church, and if I had problems while living in Iowa they would not help me. I told them that the last time I checked it was Christ’s church, not theirs. I walked around their huge bulk,
I am grateful that my students and I have been able to put a few things in place to make life easier for mothers and children. little children clutching anxiously at my skirt, and entered the building. My days at ISU were a dream come true. I was unbelievably happy. Of course, I missed my husband, but it was wonderful to study at such a prominent university, and I treasured every single minute I spent there. In December 1981, two days after our fourth child was born, I graduated in absentia with my doctorate from ISU. I received several job offers, but Utah State University offered me the
best contract, so I came back to Logan, and here I have been for the past several decades. I am a full professor and have been given administrative service as associate dean, acting dean, associate director of the agriculture experiment station, and vice provost. I am now the director of the Center for Women and Gender, a research and academic unit within the Provost’s office. I consider myself the most blessed of humans. I have a remarkable family, a fabulous husband, a great job, and wonderful students. I do the typical professor thing: teaching, editing and authoring books, chapters, articles, and being lucky enough to garner federal research grants. I helped our federal legislators write child care block grant legislation, and I worked with Utah leaders to develop the Utah Office of Child Care. Early in my career, I was one of fifty lucky Americans selected to be part of the three-year Kellogg National Fellowship Program (KNFP). As part of KNFP, I visited children’s health, nutrition, and education programs in 17 developing world countries. Afterward I was the evaluator for a 10-year infant development program in rural Paraguay. My research area focuses on child development in out-of-home childcare and on girls’ and women’s leadership development. I have been greatly blessed by Dios y Diosa. My contracts and grants bring in more than two million dollars each year. I have served as major professor for 50 masters and doctoral students. I am grateful that my students and I have been able to put a few things in place to make life easier for mothers and children. Perspectives Magazine • 7
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Perspectives on Generosity Thad and Jenny Box
Michelle Hixson interviewed the donors of the Box Family Opportunity Award scholarship, Thad and Jenny Box, on their motivation for creating this scholarship and their advice on making a difference through generosity.
through Thad’s military service, and its accompanying spouse benefit. Test scores and academic grades determine a majority of which students receive scholarships, but “We think that one of the main needs is to get quality people in connection with the University, but they don’t always have a good GPA,” Thad continued. Although one scholarship will not usually fund a person’s whole education, the real purpose of awarding those funds sends the message, “We think you can do it, so go do it!” said Thad. Jenny Box shared that she keeps all the thank you cards she receives from the scholarship recipients in a box at home. Thad and Jenny make sure to attend the CWG Scholarship Dinner each fall to meet the scholarship winners. Jenny says it is lovely to meet the student who “have the chance to do something with their life.” The students always say thank you, and we say, “Now you find someone to help!” Thad and Jenny’s advice on how to give back? “People always need money. There is always a place to go to find someone to help.” The Box Family Opportunity Award Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students with a preference to those who are (or who have been) in an abusive environment, who have a desire to break the cycle of violence, or who have been volunteers at CAPSA (or a similar organization).
“We went to school using other people’s money,” Thad Box explained, and it was important to provide this funding to oth-
More details about all of the Center for Women and Gender scholarships can be found on the CWG website - http://cwg.usu.edu/ financial-aid
Perspectives on Scholarships
ers. Both Thad and Jenny Box completed their university degrees using the financial benefits received through the G.I. Bill
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A LETTER FROM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT JOAN MILLER
The Center for Women and Gender awarded me the Vera Carter Lewis Scholarship for the 2017-2018 school year, and it made such a difference. I am in the first year of a brand new program, the Master of Public Health, with a Health Education Promotion track. After obtaining my Master of Social Work degree, I decided that I wanted to work more with those who have needs due to being marginalized or at-risk. The Vera Carter Lewis Scholarship allowed me to pursue that dream. I work for USU Moab part-time, and realized that finances were going to be really tight for the school year. And when I received the email telling me that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was overjoyed – what a blessing! The scholarship covered the purchase of my textbooks, along with paying for part of my tuition. Graduate classes get pretty expensive and I am eternally grateful for the scholarship money. I am always looking for ways to pay back my community, and telling all of the Perspectives Magazine readers what a wonderful boon the Vera Carter Lewis Scholarship was to me, is one of the best ways to say thanks. Joan E Miller USU Moab
LaVonne Tarbox-Crone (b. 1939) Conversation Istanbul Laser Reproduction of Original Watercolor Gift by Gay Wayman to Center for Women and Gender 2017
Perspectives on Generosity Have you ever experienced inspiration that changed you? Perhaps it was a book, an event, or art? Something that made such an impact it made you change the direction of your life? For Gay Wayman, one of those inspiring moments came when she was a graduate student of Dr. Alison Thorne, economist, feminist, and activist. Dr. Thorne’s class, International Women and Economics, exposed Wayman to female-focused microeconomics within the developing world. She found it exhilarating that small funds could help women in significant ways. “We don’t have an economy if we don’t have women,” said Wayman. The class introduced Wayman to microeconomics in the developing world, where a small sum of money, invested properly,
could raise an entire family. The concept excited a keen interest and passion in womens issues and social justice from that point forward. While Wayman’s thirst for knowledge drove her academic achievements, earning a bachelor’s in 1982 and a master’s in 1983, she has also found precious insights through art. Art subjects, whose lives are different from her own, attract Wayman’s interest. She believes giving a voice to women from “harsh cultures where women aren’t celebrated” encourages us to help and be aware of each other. Art, especially when it focuses on women in developing worlds, inspires Wayman, and she actively searches for such pieces. When she found the beautiful piece “Conversation in Istanbul,” she thought there was no better place to display the work than in the Center for Women and Gender where it serves as an inspiration every day. Thank you, Gay! Perspectives Magazine • 9
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Feature
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&
Angela Davis:
The Intersection of Art Social Justice CLOAKED IN BLACK, she stood tall as a symbol of Black power. Recognizable by her signature afro, which has gone gray with time, Dr. Angela Davis entered the Spectrum arena to thundering applause and a standing ovation.
Davis, considered by most to be the foremost scholar on Black feminism, was formally welcomed to Utah State University (USU) by two Native American students: Tyra Hardin of the Shoshoni tribe and Denishia Tsosie of the Navajo tribe.
By Pono Suganuma, USU Journalism Graduate Perspectives Magazine • 11
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Feature
“Develop a community, don’t just jump up and do it by yourself.” The young women introduced themselves in their native languages before presenting Davis with a gift and embracing her. “My tribe originates from the Cache Valley area. I would just like to welcome and thank Angela Davis for recognizing indigenous lands and speaking on social justice,” Hardin said. This initial interaction between Davis, Hardin, and Tsosie was the first of many moments of the evening that brought me to tears. For Tomoya Averett, it was an emotional evening too. “I grew up always knowing who she was and what she stood for,” said Averett, who serves as a diversity ambassador at USU. “To be in the same space as one of the most influential African-American women in history resonated with me on a deep emotional plane.” The atmosphere of the arena vibrated with energy and emotion throughout the evening. The captivated audience punctuated her speech with bouts of clapping and shouted replies each time she
voiced a strong argument or inspiring phrase. My favorite? “Women are on the rise,” she said. I heard a ton of “Yes, Miss Davis,” after that declaration. A group of impeccably dressed African-American women seated next to me ardently shouted this every time she punched words with power (which was often). “She was so frank, so honest, and so educated, but in a manner where she was giving you the information because you deserve it, not because she’s anything special. It really inspired me to go out and look for this information myself,” said Nahomi Jimenez, a USU student. Davis wove knowledge and persuasion together seamlessly to create an evening of pure learning for all. During the question and answer portion of the evening, I was thrilled when Davis responded to two of my painstakingly thoughtout questions from the online
forum. As she was reading out my first question, regarding people’s hesitancy to speak out for fear of marginalization, I whispered with excitement to all those around me “That’s my question. That’s my question.” Her response? Simple. “Develop a community,” Davis said. “Find some allies. Don’t just jump up and do it by yourself.” Throughout her oration, she mentioned a wide variety of marginalized communities, but the largest group, she said, are women living in this “hetero-patriarchal” society. Davis said it is critical for women to be key players and leaders in communities because, “when women begin to move,” she said, “the entire world moves with them.”
Missed Dr. Davis’ speech? Watch on our website cwg.usu.edu /featured_speakers
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ACTION ITEMS FROM ANGELA For year of the arts, Angela recognized a variety of artists during her speech, and asked us to google them.
Bernice Reagon, Sweet Honey In the Rock Ella’s Song, Joan Little Toshi Reagon & Bernice Johnson Reagon, Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower Rock opera based on Spenser’s novel. Yance Ford Strong Island, Documentary on Netflix. Geri Allen American jazz pianist
“To be in the same space as one of the most influential African-American women in history resonated with me on a deep emotional plane.” Perspectives Magazine • 13
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Gender Research
Equity & Diversity at USU: Women in STEM By Ace Beorchia, MS student, Sociology, Christy Glass Professor, Sociology, and Helga Van Miegroet Professor Emeritus, Wildland Resources
IN 2016, WE SET OUT TO STUDY THE CLIMATE FOR WOMEN SCIENTISTS at USU at all career stages, from graduate school through promotion to full professor. We collected survey data from all current STEM faculty and graduate students, conducted a census of women’s representation in departmental and college administrative leadership, and analyzed the distribution of all university and college awards for the past 30 years. Our findings reveal many ways in which USU supports women scientists. Most women faculty and graduate students express satisfaction with their program or department. Graduate students are satisfied with funding and advising, and faculty trust in their department
heads and the university administration. Our findings also reveal ways USU can improve the climate for women in STEM. Nearly a third of women graduate students have experienced bias, harassment or discrimination at USU. Women faculty and graduate students are also less likely than their male peers to believe their departments are supportive, welcoming, or collegial. Among graduate students, women as compared to men report less mentor support related to career advancement, networking, teaching, navigating departmental politics, grant writing, and publishing. Among faculty, women as compared to men feel less able to contribute to departmental decisions regarding hiring and promotion, and
graduate student selection. What factors might contribute to women’s perception of a “chilly climate” at USU? Our study revealed two areas that may contribute to women’s lack of support: recognition of scientific achievement through awards and leadership representation. Women scientists are underrepresented as recipients of university and college awards. Men in STEM are six times more likely than women to receive a university-level research award and twice as likely to receive a college research award, even though there are no differences between men and women when it comes to research productivity. Women’s representation in leadership
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Breakdown Theresa Swindell
This work was progressively broken throughout the making process. It began as a structured, refined coil pot and was altered before and during firing cycles. By this continued destruction, it explored the feelings of loss of control and inability to cope as it crumbled from tall, proud vessel to a shrunken, unfolding fragment of its former self. Perspectives Magazine • 15
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Climate Survey
PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN GRADUATES
roles can signal that the institution supports women’s contributions. Yet only one-third of STEM departments have women in any leadership role, and, until recently, there were no women department heads in STEM at USU. There are several ways to improve the climate for women in STEM. First, we can facilitate women’s entrance into key administrative and leadership roles at the department, college and university levels. Second, we can implement fairer processes for award nomi-
Report experiencing bias, harassment or discrimination at USU
Report receiving iased verbal b comments at USU
nation and selection that increase the visibility of and recognition for women’s contributions. Finally, we can facilitate mentor training, affinity networks, and outreach so graduate students and faculty have the support they need to succeed. Our study aimed to understand the climate for women in STEM at USU, and our findings identify challenges as well as a path forward. Let’s work together to create a more supportive environment for women faculty and graduate students at USU.
PERCENTAGE OF GRAD STUDENTS’ PERCEIVED SUPPORT FROM MENTOR Mentorship & Professional Development
While most students report positive relationships with their mentor, compared to men, women have less access to financial resources. Women also report less support from their mentor in terms of career advancement, networking, teaching, navigating departmental politics, writing grants, co-authoring papers and attending conferences.
ith Feel dissatisfied w their sense of community among students
80
Female
Male
70 60 50 Do not believe there is a lot of support for women i n their field
40 30
Report experiencing bias, harassment or discrimination at USU
2x Women are two times more likely than men to feel scrutinized in their department
20 10 0
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PERCENTAGE OF GRAD STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCED BIAS, HARASSMENT, OR DISCRIMINATION AT USU
PERCENTAGE OF GRAD STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH DEPARTMENT DIVERSITY AND CLIMATE Department Climate & Campus Diversity
Bias, Discrimination & Harassment
While most students perceive their departments as welcoming, supportive and collegial, women are less satisfied with campus diversity and their sense of community. Women are also more likely than men to report that their departments are sexist, that they perceive they are scrutinized and that their fields are not good for women.
Women are much more likely than men to experience bias, harassment and discrimination on campus, and are less satisfied with the administration’s response to discrimination.
Female
40 35
Male
60
Female
Male
50
30
40
25
30
20 15
20
10
10
5
0
0
“We collected survey data from all current STEM faculty and graduate students, conducted a census of women’s representation in departmental and college administrative leadership, and analyzed the distribution of all university and college awards for the past 30 years.”
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Female Figures Jamie Lancaster
I created these paintings with the intention to depict female figures in intimate moments. I blurred paint to create nebulous, indistinct atmospheres. Everything about my work creates a soft and dreamy visual language. It’s sweet, without being entirely clear or attainable. In this body of work, the paint builds up and fades away, erasing vital information while leaving a sense of a story. The brush marks create a fluid atmosphere where figures float between states of materialization. As a whole, this work creates an unattainable desire for the past with a bit of longing for innocent, sweet love.
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Women’s Leadership Initiative section
Brooke Smith completed her PhD Clinical Psychology coursework at USU in May. She is completing her internship in Clinical Psychology at the Veterans Administration in Puget Sound American Lake in Washington State
Tools for Leadership Self-Efficacy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) The long-term goal of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) is empowering women to build leadership self-efficacy. An integral session in the WLI program is the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training that each student experiences. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Twohig,
doctoral student Brooke Smith has tailored an ACT Workshop to meet the specific needs of young women in leadership training. Focusing on the difficulties that can occur when a woman tries to step forward in a leadership position, the ACT workshop activities emphasize
personal values that drive an individual’s pursuit of leadership. After the participants verbalize their personal values, they develop SMART goals to reach the next step. Brooke said, “This way when obstacles occur in the leadership journey, women can still move forward. Personal leadership values can be a positive force for humanity and help others find fulfillment in life. This workshop provides the opportunity for me to share this goal with others.”
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I Will Succeed The Acceptance & Commitment Song When I have a thought I can say, “That’s a thought” It doesn’t have power over me It’s welcome to follow and watch me— Or not With or without it, I’m gonna succeed [Chorus] ‘Cause I have plans Things to do People to see And I understand If I keep moving forward I will succeed When I have a fear Tessa Buck, member of the inaugural WLI cohort and
I can say, “That’s a fear”
Music Therapy major, composed this song to express
It doesn’t have power over me
how ACT helped her develop more confidence in her
It’s welcome to leave or to stay Right here
leadership journey.
With or without it, I’m gonna succeed [Chorus] When I have a feeling I say, “That’s a feeling”
*Listen to Tessa Buck perform her song on Soundcloud soundcloud.com/tarasine/i-will-succeed
It doesn’t have power over me It’s welcome to join in my journey Toward healing With or without it, I’m gonna succeed [Chorus]
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Brown Bag Lunches
‘17-‘18 Brown Bag Lunches The CWG’s Brown Bag lunches give professors and other researchers the opportunity to discuss their ideas with an interdisciplinary audience. The following Brown Bag lectures are hosted on the Center for Women and Gender’s website under the events tab. cwg.usu.edu /featured_speakers
Dr. Karen Lang
Buddha’s Daughters: The Women’s Roles in Buddhism
ABOUT BROWN BAG LUNCHES
Brown Bag lunches began many years ago with the Women and Gender Research Institute (WGRI, now part of CWG) to provide a forum for women to share their research and become acquainted with women researchers in other disciplines.
Dr. Karen Lang, professor of Buddhist Studies and Indian Religions at the Center of Asian Studies, University of Virginia, shared her research on the earliest women in Buddhism. “Female ordination is a right that Buddha gave us,” Lang said. “Ordaining women as Buddhist nuns continued until the middle ages when the ordination of women was lost.”
Dr. Lynne McNeill
Slender Man is Coming: The History and Significance of a Modern Horror Legend On October 31, 2017, as the audience munched Halloween cookies, Dr. Lynn McNeill, USU assistant professor of English, unnerved the group with a discussion of her research on Slender Man.
“Who is Slender Man?” She demanded. “Is he real and is he a real legend?” She discussed his introduction into pop culture; his fame on the folkloric website, Creepypasta; the 2014 Slender Man-inspired stabbing; and his press coverage thereafter.
Dr. Rebecca McFaul
Art, Collaboration, and Making it Matter: Lessons from a life in Chamber Music
As part of USU’s year-and-a-half focus on the arts, Associate Professor of Professional Practice and founding member of the Fry Street Quartet Dr. Rebecca McFaul discussed how art forms can raise awareness of science. She shared a creative project she and USU physicist Robert Davies developed focusing on changing climates. McFaul explained her deep satisfaction at being able to use her beloved medium to help make a compelling statement about the environment.
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STEM Panel:
Building Relationships for Career Success: Mentors, Collaborators, and Colleagues Several female STEM faculty, Dr. Elizabeth Vargis, Dr. Claudia Radel, Dr. Lisa Berreau, and graduate student Cindy Hanson, spoke on a panel moderated by Dr. Christy Glass. The panelists shared their experiences in graduate school in the context of the results of the 2016-2017 USU STEM Climate Survey sponsored by the USU Diversity Council.
Col. Marianne Waldrop, (Ret.) Ph.D.
Successful Women: Insights from the Lived Experiences of Marine Corp Generals Only a handful of women have ever been promoted to general in the US Marine Corps, and Dr. Col. Marianne Waldrop, retired Marine officer herself, interviewed almost all of them for her doctoral dissertation. Marianne wondered if there was a single pattern for their career trajectory. To her surprise, there was not. Each women’s journey was unique. On the other hand, every woman had the same primary motivation, her identity as a U.S. Marine.
Dr. Qwo-Li Driskill
Weaving Together Arts. Activism and Academics Dr. Owo-Li, associate professor in Women and Gender and Sexuality Studies, Oregon State University, discussed the power of poetry to heal cultural rifts. Their poetry focuses on mixed-race, indigenous, Two-Spirit traditions, emphasizing the healing that
comes when difficult messages are shared on a soul level.
Dr. Laura Gelfand Women and Wolves
Dr. Laura Gelfand, USU Department Head of Art and Design, shared her preliminary research on the historic demonization of wolves and the intersection of art in wolves and women. Not surprisingly, she found that artists often use wolves to express sexuality, and she asked the audience to suggest the kinds of themes they would explore if this were on their research agenda.
Dr. Li Guo
Self, Sisterhood and the Secret Script: Women’s Nüshu Writing System in South China Nüshu was a secret language created by rural women in South China. Shared only among women, Nüshu was written on fans and other personal belongings and served as an important means of communication for women who, for many centuries, were excluded from formal education. Dr. Guo, USU associate professor of languages, devotes much of her research to unraveling the history of Nüshu and documenting its impact on the women who used it.
Dr. Maureen Hearns Creative Healing: A Sojourn of Health
Dr. Maureen Hearns, USU associate professor of Music Therapy, shared how the intersection of arts and sciences in her career helps her guide students through the healing process, whether the injury is emotional or physical. Different art forms have different benefits,
Hearn said. With the creative arts, structure becomes useful to healing, while the expressive arts help facilitate a relational approach to recovery.
Dr. Susan Shaw
Thinking About God at the Intersections of Gender, Race, and Class Dr. Susan Shaw, Oregon State University professor of Women, Gender and Sexuality, discussed intersectionality in religious thought beginning with the 20th-century Theologies of Liberation, centering on gender and the marginalized. She challenged the audience with several “what-ifs”. What if Jesus were gay, or black, or a woman? Or what if Jesus were a gay, black woman?
Dr. Amanda Eubanks Winkler
Too Publick a Show: Female Performance at Early Modern English Boarding Schools Dr. Amanda Eubanks Winkler, Syracuse University associate professor of Music History and Cultures, presented her research on boarding school performances in the late 1600’s in Chelsea, England. The Globe Theatre was outside city walls, whereas Chelsea was an affluent fashionable suburb. In Chelsea, Girls took on male roles, demonstrating in several plays how passion resulted in death and tragedy. Parents expressed reservations about the plays as they felt their daughters were not performing as students, but rather as entertainers.
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Facing Fears
Star Coulbrooke
We didn’t know We’d have to reinvent ourselves, Move from twilight sleep Of hidden grief Into memory’s sharp persistence. For years, we’ve ached to write, To speak. Repressed, mistrusting Those we loved, The few who could have helped us But did not. The Chrysalis of past injustice Cracks, and we emerge, Stronger, wiser, confident. These are our words, The instruments of our resistance: Fears, filling the sky— Leap over, go through? Give me your hand; we’re not alone. Man of true endeavor Knits a tender gift, needles and yarn His redefinition. Mom in the workplace, Dad in the ambulance— Paint us their happier endings. Beautiful colors so delicate, Fluttering, rising, Innermost wishes free on the wind. Heaven in a pure, true hug. Touch that dissolves trouble. Sturdiness a form of beauty. Questions that bring light, a dawning— Why not women, why not life,
Why not peace? Love that keeps enduring Every day for forty years Through every kind of sorrow.
NOTE: This poem is a result of the words, lines, and thoughts written by participants at the Center for Women and Gender Faculty Luncheon, April 5, 2018. Attendees responded to a prompt from Logan City Poet Laureate Star Coulbrooke, following her talk, “Reviving the Dream of a Common Language: Poetry for a Troubled World.” WRITING PROMPT: In writing about our own experiences of trauma, and in the process of revising that writing for a public audience, true healing can occur. At first, when we write, we just try to get it all down, describe it the best we can, use the language we have to create images from memory. Jot down some lines about an experience you may have had, something you’ve been wanting to describe, but haven’t found the inspiration for. Think about the poems on this handout and model your thoughts or your story or your ponderings after one of them, or a part of one. Anything that comes to you, jot it down, as a poem or the start of one.
Goddess of dreams, lavender fields, A waltz with the fireflies. Hours melting to honeydew. 24 • Perspectives Magazine
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Of Me
Bailee Jones
This piece is an interpretive self-portrait engaged with the idea that there is more to every individual than meets the eye.
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Awards
The Early Career Award focuses on women in their first six years of their career.
Mica McKinney and Amanda DeRito
Early Career, Middle, & Lifetime Achievement Awards Annually, the Center for Women & Gender recognizes the accomplishments of women at the beginning, middle, and end of their careers through the CWG campus and community career awards. The award celebration was held on March 22, 2018 in the Taggart Student Center Ballroom.
Mica McKinney and Amanda DeRito received this award for their joint work addressing sexual assault issues. McKinney serves as General Counsel for USU and DeRito serves as the Sexual Misconduct Information and Outreach Coordinator in the Public Relations and Marketing Office. McKinney directed USU to create a total of five working groups and task forces to address the issues of sexual assault, ranging from prevention, intervention training, assessing campus climate, as well as specific policies and their implementation. She leads the USU Sexual Violence Task Force. DeRito implemented USU Sexual Violence Task Force recommendations by developing several public relations campaigns directed at students to change their attitudes towards sexual violence intervention. “These women have worked together tirelessly to assist sexual assault and gender-based violence victims at USU,” said Dr. Derrik Tollefson, department head of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology.
Camille Hawkins Camille Hawkins is a licensed clinical social worker and serves as the founder and executive director of the Utah
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Amanda DeRito
Mica McKinney
Infertility Resource Center (UIRC). The UIRC provides support, education, and awareness about infertility and other options. “Camille’s early career accomplishments are incredible, especially in a non-profit environment,” said Dr. Susan Cutler Egbert, clinical associate professor and clinical campus MSW coordinator. Justin Barton, USU development officer, commented on her thorough approach to founding the UIRC, “Camille started with a statewide-needs assessment and then built an organization around the issues that would make the most difference to a largely underserved population.”
The Middle Career Award focuses on women who have served 10-20 years in their career.
Dr. Reyhan Baktur Dr. Reyhan Baktur is an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering in the College of Engineering. Dr. Jagath Kaluarachchi, the interim dean of the College of Engineering, said, “Dr. Baktur is active in research and has had two NSF, one NASA, and one Navy DURIP grants as primary investigator,
Camille Hawkins
Reyhan Baktur
and five research awards from the Space Dynamics Lab. Along with her focus on research and teaching, she also focuses on mentoring minority students.” Dr. Sanghamitra Roy, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, also nominated Dr. Baktur and highlighted that in addition to her nationally recognized research program, “Dr. Baktur has been strongly involved in women’s accomplishments and outreach activities, and actively involved in networking with new female faculty.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is for women who have served 25+ years in their career.
Dr. Ronda Callister Dr. Ronda Callister is a professor of management in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. “As the principal investigator of a $3 million NSF Advance grant, she promoted women’s advancement in USU’s STEM colleges, which has had lasting impacts on the recruitment, promotion, and retention of women faculty in STEM,” said Dr. Christy Glass, professor of sociology. She continued, “Dr.
Rhonda Callister
Colleen O’Neil
Callister’s contributions have changed the institution in ways that make our campus more inclusive and equitable.” Dr. Alison Cook, professor of management, focused on Dr. Callister’s, “tireless efforts to improve the lives of women on the campus of USU through her serving as an advocate and mentor to women.”
Dr. Colleen O’Neill Dr. Colleen O’Neill, associate professor of history in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, has served for more than a decade as the co-editor of the Western Historical Quarterly. “Her work mentoring scholars from around the world has brought great recognition to Logan and Cache Valley,” said Dr. Tammy Proctor, History Department head. “Beyond Dr. O’Neill’s impressive work at USU, she has been an active and engaged citizen. Perhaps most impressive of her outreach work has been her role in helping to co-fund the Utah League of Native American voters.” Please consider nominating someone for the 2019 awards Nominations for the 2019 Career Achievement Award Nominations are accepted through February 2019. Instructions are found at cwg.usu.edu/careerawards Perspectives Magazine • 27
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Women’s Leadership Initiative section
Women’s Leadership Initiative Spring 2018 marked the completion of the second year of the Women’s Leadership Initiative’s (WLI). WLI provides opportunities for undergraduate students to develop their leadership self-efficacy through personal interaction and one-onone mentoring with professionals from the USU campus, the Logan community, and the state. During the seven Saturday sessions held monthly throughout the academic year, students discuss leadership, research articles, and organize and moderate speaker panels with community and faculty leaders. They develop ‘difficult conversation’ role-plays, attend networking events, and work individually with leadership mentors. At a recent CWG development board meeting, several WLI students commented on the benefits of the program. “The first question I asked my mentor was, ‘How do you get done what you need to get done within time constraints,’” Krista Delozier said. “I feel
comfortable calling on my mentor when I need help. I feel supported in where I am going and what I am doing.” Another WLI student, Madison Elliot, said, “I never realized the opportunities available at USU. I originally questioned my ability to lead professional or academic conversations, but WLI built my confidence.” “The most beneficial part of WLI was communicating with faculty,” said Nahomi Jimenez. “WLI requires dedication, hard work, and the will to adapt and learn.” As a first-generation student at USU, Jimenez said the WLI helped launch her in ways she had not considered. Through networking at WLI sessions, she was asked to speak at the Logan Women’s March and introduced to the Fulbright program.
MANY THANKS
to the following faculty who served as WLI faculty discussants in the WLI sessions during the 2017-2018 Cohort. Their willingness to engage with the students and lead small group discussions with leadership articles was an integral component of the program.
KAITLIN BUNDOCK Assistant Professor: Special Education and Rehabilitation DIANE CALLOWAY-GRAHAM Practicum Director – Professor, Social Work: Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology JULIE FOUST Senior Lecturer: English DENNISE GACKSTETTER Senior Lecturer, Art Education: Art and Design LAURA GELFAND Professor: Art History: Art and Design KERI HOLT Associate Professor: English PHEBE JENSEN Professor: English CRESCENCIO LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ Associate Professor, Latinx Studies: Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies SHERRY MARX Professor, ESL/Multicultural Education/Qualitative Methods: TEAL SUZANNE PIERCE-MOORE Chair, Center for Women and Gender Development Board, USU Alumnus MIMI RECKER Professor: Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences ALAN SAVITSKY Professor: Biology TERESA THEURER Board of Regents Member, USU Alumnus IDALIS VILLENUEVA Assistant Professor: Engineering Education
Applications are accepted for the 2019-2020 WLI Cohort during the spring semester. More information about WLI is available at cwg.usu.edu/careerawards
ALMUT VOLLMER Research Assistant Professor: Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences
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It Always Won’t Be Like This Shawna Bolingbroke
Finite
Shawna Bolingbroke
Shawna’s art revolves around the conflict that arises as an individual interacts with their environment. Objects and characters are placed in unusual spaces and landscapes, sometimes choosing to follow their expected roles, but, at other times, breaking boundaries and surprising the viewer. In each image, subjects interact with their environment and with each other in ways that show there is no “one size fits all” approach to the human experience.
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section WGS Professor Profile
Witches, Workers & Wives Gender and Family in Early Modern Europe and America What do you hope students will learn from your class?
Julia Gossard
Assistant Professor of History
Students focus on ‘everyday’ people in the 15th to 17th centuries in Europe and America. We examine these three deep stereotypes of witches, workers and wives, their agency, or lack of agency during this time. Students learn how notions of sexuality and gender have changed, as well as how they have stayed the same. For example, we read an academic article about 17th Century dating practices and students were surprised that public displays of affection were acceptable in a highly religious society. When we divided labor into masculine and feminine categories, the continuity between the past and today’s labor was quite consistent. A student asked me, “How much were women compensated at that time?” I explained that in today’s economy it was about seventy cents on the dollar. The student responded, “Not much has changed has it?”
Teaching the class using a seminar approach means it is not predominantly a lecture. So students become active and therefore it is very student-centered, which means more fun. Our readings include academic articles and books, and I recently expanded resources to include public primary sources, such as diaries and images from the period. Students use gender analysis to connect the history to a wider public viewpoint. I have noticed students in this class are a combination of history majors, women and gender studies minors and those interested in witchcraft. Many students have limited knowledge of the North American witch trials from popular culture. The worldview is steeped in superstition and religion during this time in history, so events are not explained by science. Men have brought women to trial for feminine crimes. We break down the history of witchcraft, which we find can involve widows or anyone else questioned for not abiding by a patriarchal society.
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Impact
Ryker Marble
This piece is highlighting the
to keep her head held high, the
vulgar and abrasive words used
words are written on her skin to
in society every day. A rendition
show they will always be there
of the phrase “hear no evil, see
to tear her apart. This photo is
no evil, speak no evil”, the model
meant to make you realize that
in this photo demonstrates the
the way you say, see, and do
strength it takes to move past
things will always impact those
these labels. While strong enough
around you. Perspectives Magazine • 31
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Student Perspectives
Student Perspectives
“What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” – Sheryl Sandberg
MICHAEL SCOTT PETERS began his involvement with the Center for Women and Gender when he enrolled in the Honors Book Lab focusing on “Lean In,” by Sheryl Sandberg. Dr. Susan Cogan, with assistance from Dr. Ann Austin and Michelle Hixson, led the discussions. At the first session, students explained their motivation for enrolling in the Book
Lab. Peters shared that his sister in high school was considering applying as a USU Ambassador, but when she learned a male counterpart from her school who had similar student government experience was also applying, she was discouraged and changed her mind. Peters encouraged her to apply, and she did. When considering that his sister’s lack of confidence almost stood in the way of her applying, Peters became motivated to help encourage others, “I thought about this situation, and I had to do something about this.” Sandberg’s book asked the question, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Peters explained to
the Book Lab members that if he were not afraid, he would run as a candidate for USUSA President. He was encouraged by the members to move forward. Peters had been very involved in different organizations throughout his academic career. “Each year I worked, I came to appreciate how great USU was, and I saw opportunities for improvement.” It was something he had been considering for some time. “I wanted to frame conversations from discussions leading to action,” said Peters. He ran for USUSA President and won the election. Peters strived to create a space for women to investigate more leadership positions on campus, especially if they haven’t had the opportunity to be involved before. “If a student can express their interest in making a difference at USU, there are many opportunities, both within each college (Academic Senate), or across the campus serving as the USUSA Student Advocate VP,” said Peters. Because of his advocacy for women’s leadership, he has served as a speaker panelist for the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Peters graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. He serves as U.S. Youth Observer to the U.N. at the U.S. Department of State.
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an operation underground railroad non-profit aftercare center & community health clinic villa nueva, guatemala
Villa Nueva Madison Ditton
My hope is that the very current and real issue of human trafficking is made aware, that more and more efforts are made in the eradication of this global crime, and that one day these children can be surrounded by pure love and have an immeasurable understanding of their self-worth. As a designer, I have the ability to inspire people and improve lives through informed, purposeful, and compelling spaces. Like Villa Nueva, I can create spaces where people can find refuge and refocus their lives toward a brighter future. I find great satisfaction in humanitarian design and have a personal commitment to use my talents for the benefit of others for the rest of my life. Villa Nueva is an aftercare center with a community health clinic and daycare to provide medical care, psychological care, and education to girls and boys that have been rescued by Operation Underground Railroad. Located in Villa Nueva, about 10 miles outside of Guatemala City.
a fte rc a re c e nt er reception
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Triota/Perspectives Club
Perspectives on Student Achievement What is Iota Iota Iota?
What’s new with Triota?
Iota Iota Iota (Triota) is the National Honor Society for students in Women and Gender Studies, named for the Greek goddesses Inanna, Ishtar, and Isis. There are three purposes of the Triota Honor Society. First, the society encourages and supports scholarship and excellence in women and gender studies. Second, it promotes research in social problems affecting all women. Third, the society encourages its members to engage in social and intellectual activities that lead to improving conditions of all people.
This year’s co-presidents, McKelle Hansen and Ace Beorchia, led a group discussion of the #MeToo movement and formed a feminist book club. The book selection for the spring 2018 semester was “The Power,” by Naomi Alderman—an analysis of the societal hysteria that follows when women discover a hidden power. During the last week of the semester at a book club dinner, the honor society discussed the connections they found between issues presented in the book and the problems facing our community, USU campus, and society.
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At the annual career achievement awards celebration, sponsored by the Center for Women and Gender, newly inducted Triota members received certificates, honor cords, and pins. The 2018 inductees were Annie Avila, Marin Miller, Brianne Johnson, Heather Gardner, Brinley Jones, Becky Roberts, Jessica Luth, Tabitha Powondra, Tandem Anderson, and Mallory Yeates. The continued growth of the Triota Honor Society will lead to greater student advocacy regarding women’s and gender equality on campus and in the local community.
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It’s A Skirt. Not An Invitation. Grace Hill
Art Media 18”x24” Bristol paper, drawn with alcohol based greyscale markers. This piece was intended for propaganda use. It showcases an image of a woman tightly clutching her skirt, with the words “It’s a Skirt. Not an invitation.” written across it. The purpose of this piece is to stand up against rape culture and the objectification and disrespect of women in regard to their clothing. This is something I feel passionate about.
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Last Words
Perspectives on Success Inaugural WLI Graduation Address By Crescencio López González
WHEN I STARTED TEACHING at Utah State, I noticed female students were working twice as hard as their male counterparts. Every semester, at the beginning of each class, I provide research opportunities to all students, and normally I would have at least one or two male students come to my office and tell me they were interested in doing research, but women never did. When it came down to writing the research papers, I could tell the women had worked harder than the men. Their essays were more polished, more documented, and it was obvious they spent a lot of time on them. They wanted me to notice them through their hard work. I was curious to know why they never came to my office and asked for research opportunities, even though they clearly had the skills. This is the reason I decided to participate as a discussant in the monthly gatherings of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. I wanted to learn how to empower women in my classes. And so, I came to the first meeting and found myself feeling like I was in the wrong place, like I didn’t belong and I wanted to leave. I felt intimidated by all these smart, well-dressed women. But I decided to stay and deal with my own insecurities. In each session, I learned something new, and over time I became more comfortable attending the sessions. Towards the end, I felt I somehow did belong to this group. Over time, I have
integrated myself into the group and I no longer feel like an outsider. I remember listening to the story of Ann Austin at the very beginning of our sessions and connecting with her story. She has been through so much, and we agreed that each of us has our own stories to tell. After listening to her, I found myself more comfortable learning how to empower women.
“It is about us as a community. When we embrace equality, we embrace ourselves. We embrace our humanity.” This is advice I can offer you from what I have learned. In our last session, our group talked about decentering the self and creating a community where everyone could feel welcomed and part of the group at the same level. All of us coming together as equals to the table. I believe that to grow as an individual one has to create a community by inviting others to share the stage. It is through the process of working for others that the self becomes strong and powerful. You empower yourself by inviting others to the center. That’s how you become a leader. You
have to sacrifice the self for others to see you are worth following. I know the knowledge you have acquired by attending the WLI is like seeds of knowledge. They will bear fruit in time, and through the passing of years and experience that you gain in your life, you will begin to see those seeds germinate and grow. Perhaps years from now you will reap the fruits of this harvest. Later in life, you will be in leadership positions to create opportunities for others - for the dispossessed, for those in need. And whenever you see a reflection of your younger self, you will know what to do. The Center of Women and Gender is a safe space created for you to learn from other strong women. It was created for you to hear other women’s stories of wisdom and love. It was created for you to empower yourself with the hope that one day you will do the same. The knowledge you have acquired can be described as a fresh coat of paint, brand new, like a pair of shoes, but not yet part of your identity. It is going to take years for you to recognize and integrate the knowledge you have gained. Don’t worry; it is intended to be that way. In the end, it is not about the self where we find happiness, it is about us as a community. When we embrace equality, we embrace ourselves. We embrace our humanity. And so, the fight should continue.
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Substantial-Insubstantial Theresa Swindell This paired work asks viewers to examine how they conceptualize substance and weight. Contrasting a massive, yet lightweight, fragile, and gapped vessel against a small scale rigid, heavy, and thick form encourages consideration of what truly makes up substance and value. Does something need to be weighty and structured to give impact, whatever the size? Or can something with less support, but a larger expanse carry more influence?
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0186 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL @cwgusu @cwg.usu USU Center for Women & Gender USUcfwg
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