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The University of Minnesota "M" is stacked on top of the words "Women's Center;" both are in white lettering.

January 2024

Get involved with the Lactation Advocacy Committee (LAC). Visit the LAC website to find lactation spaces on campus and and learn about all the ways you can get engaged this semester!
Message from Anitra Cottledge, Women's Center Director

As we welcome another year and begin another semester, I am writing with a bittersweet message of goodbye — or as I like to say, "see you later." My last day as Director of the Women's Center will be Friday, February 2nd; after that, I will be joining the Headwaters Foundation for Justice as the Director of Programs.

The University of Minnesota has played a significant role in my personal and professional life: I've completed my graduate studies here and worked on two of the system campuses in multiple roles. The Women's Center has been a highlight (to say the least) of my time at the U of M, first as Assistant Director years ago and now as I wrap up my time as Director. I've been so privileged to do innovative and impactful work with an amazing group of colleagues, students and partners during my tenure. Deepest gratitude to all of the folks I've learned with and from over the years.

While I'm excited for my new role, it is no small feat to transition out of a community that I've been a part of for so long. As I wind down my time on campus, I'm working with Women's Center and Office for Equity and Diversity staff, as well as campus partners, to ensure the smoothest transition possible. I look forward to connecting with those that I can before my departure; either way, I remain local to the Twin Cities and able to continue connecting in the future.


In solidarity and care,
Anitra

Highlights

Fall Semester in Review

Thanks to everyone who connected with the Women's Center or engaged in our programs and trainings throughout the fall semester! Women's Center staff:
  • Co-facilitated 6 sessions of the Equity Certificate Hosted Online (ECHO) workshop, Understanding and Addressing Gender-Based Oppression
  • Supported student organization and academic department programming via our Gender Equity Grants initiative 
  • Awarded $17K to staff, faculty, students and groups advancing gender equity work 
  • Partnered with Student Counseling Services to launch the white* Women's Accountability & Action Group for students
  • Focused on financial literacy in the Our Voices community for indigenous women and women of color students
  • Collaborated with many campus partners to offer a pop-up vaccine clinic, as well as events focused on healthy understandings of gender and sexuality and Black trans trailblazer Miss Major
  • Promoted and recruited for our global seminar, Feminist Leadership in Argentina (stay tuned for updated information about this)
  • Planned the upcoming spring semester, where we'll focus on fat liberation, climate justice, critical masculinities, gender gaps in research, and more!
We look forward to seeing you throughout the spring semester!

Women's Center 3rd Annual Zine - Call for Creators

Calling on BIPOC artists, writers, and creators: Tell us your stories of identity and relationship to Mni Sota Makoce/Minnesota! Submit by Feb. 9th; open to U of M students, staff and faculty on all campuses, alumni and MN community members.)
Zine submission form ►

Learning Abroad Spotlight
Help Empower Youth in Kenya
 

Study abroad in Kenya during May session 2024 to learn about Kenyan culture and youth empowerment through physical activity.

You'll also heavily engage with topics on culture, community, and gender. 

Campus & Community Happenings

Events

Funding & Award Deadlines

Engagement Opportunities

  • Apply: LS-NSSA & COSP Mentorship Program — The Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance (LS-NSSA) and the Community of Scholars Program (COSP) are excited to host this amazing mentorship program for the 2024 Spring Semester for it's 2nd year! We are looking for 10 COSP Scholars in STEM-based fields to serve as Graduate Mentors and 10 LS-NSSA Undergraduates Mentees. COSP Scholars in STEM-based fields and LS-NSSA undergraduates in the Twin Cities metro area are eligible to apply by January 19.
  • Apply: Global Accessibility Awareness Day Call for Speakers. The University of Minnesota is hosting a virtual event to celebrate the annual  Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on Thursday, May 16, 2024. This year’s theme is “Built Without Barriers” to highlight ways we can write content, create websites, and build our organization to remove barriers for people with disabilities. Passionate and knowledgeable individuals are invited to contribute as speakers (application deadline: February 9).
  • Get Involved: The Trans Advisory and Action Team (TAAT) is looking for staff, faculty and students who are interested in helping with various projects, including: UCard Replacement Info Packet; Second Language Pronoun Usage/Options Packet; and Gender Equity & Access Policy Language. Interested folks should contact TAAT Chair, Grant McCormack at grantkm@umn.edu.

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