Identity-Based Discussion Groups

All groups meet beginning the week of September 11th. Groups are closed for the privacy and confidentiality of the attendees and take place inside the Women’s Center lounge. Check out a detailed description of all of our discussion groups down below!

Between Women: Biweekly, Mondays at 4 pm

Women of Color Coalition: Biweekly, Tuesdays at 4 pm

We Believe You: Weekly, Thursdays at 5:30 pm

Women in STEM: Monthly, Third Fridays at noon

Returning Women Students Scholars + Affiliates Program

This program is designed to support undergraduate women over the age of 25 returning to college later in life. Students receiving a returning women student scholarship are required to participate in this program designed to support their personal, academic, and career goals of adult learners at UMBC. ALL returning women students at UMBC are invited to attend the monthly meetings and workshops designed specifically to meet the needs of adult students. You can also request an invite to join the Returning Women Students Forum on Facebook for news, resources, and community building. The scholarship deadline for 2018–19 was Friday, March 30, 2018 – next year’s application will be available beginning January 2019.

Between Women

Between Women is a discussion-based program that centers the experiences of women students who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This structured, topic-based program discusses sexuality and sexual orientation with a focus on intersectionality and provides a safe space for women and feminine-identified students to share their feelings and experiences with other women. This program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model in order to create a community environment that fosters learning and critical discussion. For safety and confidentiality reasons, this is a closed meeting for those in the LGBTQAI+ community and it is not appropriate for students to use the space for class research or interviews. Fall 2018: Between Women meets biweekly on Mondays at 4pm in the Women’s Center.

We Believe You

Hosted in collaboration with the Women’s Center and the student organization We Believe You, this discussion group creates space to center the experiences of survivors of sexual violence. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on support and healing for survivors of sexual violence. For safety and confidentiality reasons, this is a closed meeting for those who identify as survivors and their allies. It is not appropriate for students to use the space for class research or interviews. Fall 2018: We Believe You discussion group meets weekly on Thursdays at 5:30pm in the Women’s Center. For more details, join the We Believe You myUMBC page (where you can also learn more about their general body meetings and activism efforts) or connect with a Women’s Center staff member.

Women of Color Coalition

All self-identified women of color students, staff, and faculty are welcome to share their stories and learn about others’ experiences at Women of Color Coalition. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on the intersections of gender and race. For safety and confidentiality reasons, this is a closed meeting for those who identify as women of color and it is not appropriate for students to use the space for class research or interviews. Fall 2018: Women of Color Coalition meets biweekly on Tuesdays at 4pm in the Women’s Center. Subscribe to the WoC Coalition email list to learn more!

Women in STEM

A discussion group for UMBC’s women in STEM. Each discussion will take place monthly and will be hosted by a different woman faculty member from the STEM disciplines focusing on a different topic related to Women in STEM. This discussion-based program follows the Women’s Center Brave Space model to provide a welcoming environment and thoughtful community to engage in conversations focused on the experiences of women students studying in the STEM fields. Fall 2018: Women in STEM discussion group will take place on Friday, September 21st at noon and Friday, October 19th at noon. The November date is TBD.

Spectrum: Trans Programming and Resources Hub

Spectrum is a programming and resource hub for UMBC community members who identify as trans, genderqueer, gender fluid, outside of the gender binary, and/or those who are questioning their gender identity. Supported by the Women’s Center and the Mosaic Center, Spectrum has evolved from a discussion-based program to an umbrella of resources, discussions, and events. Currently, the Spectrum discussion group is not being offered so we can ensure support of groups like Trans Tuesdays hosted by the LGBTQ Student Union and the Trans Support group run through the Counseling Center. The Women’s Center and Mosaic Center offers trans-related events each month. For details, connect with a staff member or check out our events page. Additional resources can be shared through our offices and we encourage community members to connect with us.

For more information about each of these groups and their intentions, please visit womenscenter.umbc.edu/groups

Another school year, and another group of fantastic, creative, passionate UMBC students lending their talents, strengths, and energy to the Women’s Center! Please take a minute or two to read through some short bios below, and hopefully, you’ll be able to meet and make friends with each one of these lovely folks working with us over the school year.

Alexia Petasis (she/her), Interdisciplinary Studies intern

Hey! My name is Alexia Petasis and I am a senior at UMBC. I’m pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Dance.

In my free time I like to go on hikes, watch French movies, or choreograph. I’m looking forward to an exciting year at The Women’s Center!

Briscoe Turner (she/her)

Hello Everyone! My name is Briscoe Turner, and I am a sophomore here at UMBC. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in Writing. I am passionate about promoting social justice and hope to use Community Psychology to address the needs of underrepresented populations in the future. I am also a Sondheim Scholar and a member of the Black Lives Matter club, so service and impacting social change through policy and other means of political action are also very important to me.

This is my first semester working at the Women’s Center, and I’m excited to build community and have good discussions. I love that the Women’s center allows me to explore my identity through an intersectional lens, and I looking forward to exploring it further this year!

Dua Raja (she/her)

Hi! My name is Dua Raja. I was born in Pakistan, and moved to the US at a young age. Now a transfer student from CCBC at UMBC, I am on track to achieve my Bachelor’s in Business Technology Administration (BTA), all while working at the Women’s Center surrounded by wonderful people. I plan to use my degree to become an entrepreneur looking to start her own business and work on a technical management program.

I love to hike, dance and travel. Most importantly, I love dogs. Especially German Shepherds.

This is my first year as a Women’s Center staff member. I look forward to meeting new people.

My personal mantra: Inhale confidence, exhale doubt.

My favorite quote: The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.

Hannah Wilcove (she/her), Honors College & Gender + Women’s Studies intern

Hi! My name is Hannah Wilcove and I’m a senior with a major in Gender & Women’s Studies and a double minor in Sociology and Statistics. I’m super excited to be returning to the Women’s Center this year. While I love studying any and all issues pertaining to feminism and social justice, I’m most passionate about reproductive justice, representation, and increasing political participation.

When I’m not at the Women’s Center, you can probably find me doing work for various student theater groups on campus, be it in rehearsal or as an executive board member of AF Theatre Company. If that’s not the case, then I’m probably in my bed watching Parks and Recreation and wondering how I can become Leslie Knope.

Harini Narayan (she/her)

My name is Harini Narayan and I’m a sophomore here at UMBC.It’s my second semester working at the Women’s Center and I couldn’t be happier to return! This year, I’ll be co-facilitating our discussion group for LGBTQ+ women, Between Women. When I’m not at the Women’s Center, you can find me running around campus because I love staying busy! I’m an MLLI major and am very passionate about learning new languages, which I hope to continue doing professionally.

I’m looking forward to seeing both new and familiar faces around the Women’s Center this year!

Marie Pessagno (she/her), Returning Women Students leader

Hi everyone!  My name is Marie and I am a recent graduate from UMBC!  I am super fortunate to be returning to work (super part-time) at the Women’s Center with the Returning Women’s Students of which I am also an extremely proud alumni! While at UMBC, I was a Social Work and Gender + Women’s Studies double major, and am now beginning my first, and last year, as an advanced standing student at the UMB School of Social Work.

I am a proud single mother of two girls, Lily and Lyla, who are my main inspiration on my journey towards furthering my education.  I am continuing to pursue and expand my knowledge of social work, particular in the field of child welfare, while completing my internship with child protective services at the Department of Human Services this upcoming year.

Morgan Mullings (she/her), Media and Communication Studies intern

Hi! My name is Morgan and I’m a senior here at UMBC pursuing a BA in Media and Communications major with minors in English and Cinematic Arts. I am a poet, photographer, and aspiring filmmaker and most of my work stems from my own identity and experiences as a woman of color. If I’m not working at the Women’s Center you can find me watching Ghost Shark (2013) with my friends. I am also a huge stationary nerd and I work at commonvision so ask me any question about a piece of paper.

If I could be any mythical creature it would be a unicorn that only speaks in quotes about intersectional feminism.

Samiksha Manjani (she/her)

Hi! My name is Samiksha Manjani and I am a senior here at UMBC. I’m excited to return for another year as a part of the Women’s Center team! I’m a double-major in Political Science  and Sociology, and am currently on the pre-law track. I hope to one day use my law degree to legally combat violence against women and children. During my time at the Women’s Center, I hope to create a diverse, empowering and safe environment for everyone.

On a side note, I love learning about people’s backgrounds, cultures, histories, and politics. I love fitness, soccer, and yoga. I’m all about self-care (i.e. art, journaling, meditation) and being positive! I love baking and cooking. I’m a crime show nut (i.e. Law & Order, Criminal Minds), and I try to keep up with the news. Feel free to stop by for a chat or to say “Hi!” to me if you see me around campus!

Shrijana Khanal (she/her)

Hi friends! My name is Shrijana and I am a sophomore at UMBC. I am an Economics major and minoring in Computer Science and International Relations. When I am not at work, I am reading a thrilling book or watching the sunset.

Ask me about zodiac signs or the latest updates in soccer!

Critical Social Justice is here!

Pre-CSJ Event Highlights:

Wednesday, 9/5

Stay Woke in the Women’s Center, 6 – 8 pm

Interested in getting involved in social justice activism while at UMBC, but not sure where to start? Come out to the Women’s Center to hang and meet other activists*, share some food, see how you can get involved at UMBC, and learn more about our programs — especially Critical Social Justice: Ignite which will take place October 22-26th.   

*Don’t be intimated by the word activist! All are welcomed so don’t discount your experiences or fret over labels. You do not need to identify as an activist to attend – in fact, we’ll talk more about that when you get here! 

Sponsored by the Women’s Center

myUMBC | flyer

Wednesday, 10/17

Art as Feeling, Art as Knowledge: Dance Recital + Talk Back, Fine Arts 118, 6:30 – 8 pm

Join us for a short dance performance and conversation about the role of art in meaning, knowledge-making, and activism with Alexia Petasis, INDS ’19 and Jen White-Johnson, Visual Arts ’08. Alexia is an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a concentration on Choreography for Social Justice. Jen White-Johnson is a UMBC Alumna, Visual Arts ’08, and is currently a graphic designer, educator, and photographer whose work is centered on her son and affirming neurodiverse identities.

Sponsored by the Women’s Center

myUMBC | flyer

Week of CSJ: Ignite

Monday, 10/22

CSJ: Ignite 101, Library 7th Floor, free hour

Are you interested in equity and empowering others? Thinking about social justice issues but not quite sure how to get involved? Do you feel like you lack the skills, strengths, or knowledge to be an “activist”? In our Critical Social Justice: Ignite kick-off workshop, come learn how YOU can become an activist. We’ll show you how your curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning can be the magic ingredients for getting active in the work to build positive social change.

Sponsored by the Women’s Center

myUMBC

Restorative Practices and Critical Social Justice, Commons 329, 4 – 5 pm

Restorative Practices is an “umbrella” term for restorative models which view building relationships, repairing harm, and rebuilding trust when harm occurs as an important way to create a peaceful and productive society. Learn how you can use the fundamental questions of Restorative Practices to change the way you work through conflict.

Sponsored by Residential Life

myUMBC

Tuesday, 10/23

CSJ: Ignite’s Community Art Project, Academic Row (rain location: Commons Main Street), 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

What does a social justice future look like to you? We want to know, and we want you to add it to our Community Art Project! We will have plenty of art supplies available for you to imagine out loud what the future you want is.

Sponsored by the Women’s Center

myUMBC

Disability as Diversity on the Job, Engineering 023, noon to 1 pm

Learn more about what disability, the interactive process, and accommodation are about, as well as challenges that affect the connection with campus resources in this dynamic session.  This training provides faculty and staff with information to understand disability and inclusion, along with basic and intermediate skills for navigating the accommodation request and referral process. The training will also identify campus processes and services that support faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities.

For more information, or to request a disability-based accommodation, please contact Stephanie Lazarus via 410-455-5745 or slazar@umbc.edu with your request. 

Space is limited and registration through myUMBC is required.  Registration deadline is Friday, October 19th. 

Sponsored by Student Disability Services. Offered through a partnership between the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services and the Department of Human Resources in support of Disability Awareness Month.

myUMBC

Keynote Lecturer: Deanna Zandt, Fine Arts 118, 6:30 – 9 pm

This year’s Critical Social Justice: Ignite keynote speaker will be Deanna Zandt, a media and technology expert who collaborates with leaders in social change work to create clear and persuasive strategies. In bringing Deanna, we’re excited to learn more about how technology can move social justice forward, and what our roles may be in that effort. In addition to Deanna, there will be an introductory plenary with alumnae Yoo-Jin Kang, INDS ‘15 and Susie Hinz, GWST ‘14 on the topic of survivor activism and critical social justice. Facebook Event

myUMBC  |Facebook Event

Wednesday, 10/24

Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon, Library 259 (near the media center), 3 – 5:30 pm

Help build public history on Baltimore icons and events AND learn the tools for continuing to expand Wikipedia’s knowledge store! In this Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon, we will show participants how to research, write, and edit Wikipedia entries so that they can continue to expand the store of public history.

Sponsored by the Women’s Center, Dresher Center for the Humanities, UMBC’s AOK Library, and the Department of History

myUMBC

Igniting Consciousness Into the Undocumented Experience, Skylight Room, 5:30 – 7 pm

A panel presentation on the issues faced by undocumented students and the community. More to come.

Sponsored by Campus Life’s Mosaic: Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Thursday, 10/25

UMBC Staff Panel: How Do You Ignite Activism in the Workplace?, ITE 456, 1 – 2 pm

The panel will focus on how UMBC staff members bring their role as activists into their workplace.

Panelists include Dr. Jodi Kelber-Kaye, Honors College. Moderated by Lisa Gray.

myUMBC

UMBC Graduate Student Panel: Igniting Change as a Grad Activist, ITE 456, 2:30 – 3:30 pm

This panel will focus on how graduate students connect their activist interests to the research they’re pursuing in their degree program.

Panelists include Aliya Webberman (Psychology) and Ruken Isik (LLC).

myUMBC

Knowledge Exchange: Liking, Following, Voting, Women’s Center, 4 – 5 pm

This knowledge exchange explores the impact of social media and advances in technology on elections in the U.S. We will be joined by State Senator-elect Mary Washington who recently won a contentious race against an incumbent in the 43rd District of Maryland.

myUMBC | flyer

Friday, 10/26

CSJ Walking Tour with Dr. Kate, meet in the Women’s Center at noon

Join us for our annual walking tour of Baltimore with UMBC’s own Dr. Kate Drabinski of the Gender and Women’s Studies Department! We will use the UMBC shuttle to travel into the city. Please RSVP by Wednesday, October 24th via myUMBC.

myUMBC

CSJ: Women in Engineering and Igniting Change (A CWIT Impact Series event) ITE 456, 12 -1pm

Why Stay? What’s even the point? You at one point may doubt continuing in your STEM degree. So, here’s the dirty little secret, you’re normal. Congratulations! That’s right. So, now what? In this session, Professor Gurganus will spend time engaging you on the reason you’re pursuing your degree in STEM and the power of belief. Trusting in yourself and the bigger purpose will let you conquer any obstacle and move any mountain.