Testimonial

"During my 7 semesters at UConn, I was undeclared for at least 2 years, and floundered through 4-5 different major and minor combinations to find the ones that fit. As a student who excelled in the sciences and writing, constant noise from peers, mentors, and family about choosing a STEM major vs a social science major felt divisive and counterproductive. In the midst of this pressure to choose the ‘right’ major and career path, the WGSS program helped foster my appreciation for a multidisciplinary degree, subsequently wedding my humanities skills with my fascination with data and addressing social justice issues. WGSS prepared me for a more advanced degree in public health, and helped qualify & prepare me for unique and exciting jobs. Many of these roles showed me to bridge science & public health with lived experiences to improve people's lives—among them: serving as an enumerator for the US Census Bureau, a Public Health Investigator for one of the largest public health departments in the nation, and a Project Coordinator for a UCLA-affiliated worker health and safety program designed alongside community worker organizations. My WGSS major laid the foundation for my career by shaping me into both a thinker and a problem-solver, one who asks questions beyond "why" and considers the perspectives of each person's world view. My advice to WGSS grads is to know your worth, and to remember Ralph Waldo Emerson's words: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Go forth and be brilliant!"

Testimonial

"Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies changed my life. When I was a freshman, I needed Gen-Eds to fill my schedule. When looking at the directory and seeing what was available, WGSS caught my eye called "Feminisms and the Arts." I had never heard of a class that discussed the two. I took it and was hooked. Fast forward to 2023 and I now have a Bachelors in Journalism with minors in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Sociology. I also have a Masters in Women's and Gender Studies. I am currently a professor in the Journalism Department at Southern Connecticut State University where I teach about the power of the First Amendment and the intersectionality of the American experience. I am also Contributor for TheGirlMob, BY. Network, a Board Member of the Peace Development Fund, and run my own blog gabrielleferrell.com.

Although the world made us feel as though women's studies in general isn't useful and doesn't make money, I have experienced differently. WGSS and social reform studies is necessary for any job. Keeping people in mind, especially those of disenfranchised and marginalized groups, those with intersectional experiences, and others who differ from that, play a role in how effective the job is. All fields need someone with WGSS experience. You can weave it into everything you do such as how to approach a problem with a task, project and/or within your work team.

Current WGSS students- please know that your experiences in these classes are far more than proficiency in education and doing your work. Look at them as spaces where your beings are challenged. Everything you've been taught, everything you've heard, and everything you do should start to feel uncomfortable in the best way."

Testimonial

"I work as a Ph.D. candidate in New York City and teach as an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College. WGSS gave me the supportive academic community and critical thinking and research skills necessary for me to enter my Ph.D. program. The faculty, staff, and other students in WGSS, as well as the other resources on campus like the Writing Center, were instrumental in developing my skills as a budding scholar and educator. The critical feminist pedagogical philosophy and analytical skills I honed through WGSS are highly valued in my work as an educator and researcher, and I credit the mentors I had in WGSS for getting me to where I am today. My advice to current WGSS students is to take full advantage of all the resources available to you at the university, take on as many classes and internship opportunities as possible to broaden your mind and professional spheres, and take the initiative to forge community with your peers. Be kind and generous with yourself, as with others."

Testimonial

"My background in WGSS continues to play a valuable role in my daily interactions with colleagues and my overall career. As the leader of a department with 50+ employees, I am responsible for upholding Indeed’s mission of creating the best working environment and fostering inclusivity within my team. Recognizing the intersectionality of the individuals I oversee lies at the heart of leading with empathy and ensuring my team's well-being in the workplace.

In addition to my leadership role, I actively participate in Indeed’s Inclusion Business Resource Group, Women at Indeed. The goal of this group is to establish Indeed as the model for gender equality in both culture and product offerings. This blends together the functional work I do in the business with my own personal passions and ideals.

My foundation in WGSS has been pivotal in helping me understand my role as a woman in leadership and in supporting other women in my workplace. I consider myself fortunate to work for a company that prioritizes inclusion and places these conversations at the forefront of our work. For students considering WGSS coursework, there are valuable skills that can be applied to career advancement, distinguishing oneself in the workplace, and fostering a better environment for colleagues."