From the Director:

I am feeling like someone who has just come out of hibernation after a long period of living and working in semi-isolation. I know this because, during the last two weeks, I have been to a couple of large-scale events on campus, and though it has been exciting and energizing to see so many people after so much time, I have also felt overwhelmed, and not just because I am unused to social interaction. Because we are in a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an undeniable feeling of uncertainty as we are seeing infection rates rise due to the Delta variant. Yet, alongside this feeling of anxiety, I am trying to remember the joy that accompanies the start of every new academic year.

The Women’s Center has carried on amid the uncertainty of the pandemic by continuing its work and leaning in to its mission. In case you aren’t familiar with this mission, the Women’s Center is an “affirming space for women and for all members of the Vanderbilt community that actively resists sexism and all forms of oppression by providing resources and educational programming.” Last year, in addition to offering these resources, the Women’s Center presented monthly programs and delivered a full series of events during Women’s History Month, including a first for us: a virtual Cuninggim Lecture, with Brittney Cooper.

As the new academic year begins, the Women’s Center will build on the work it did last year. Our student internships are up and running; students will be doing programming about body positivity, sexuality education, and gender equity. This fall, we plan to add a new internship related to menstrual advocacy to help support the work of Vanderbilt Student Government, which has launched a pilot program to provide free menstrual products in select buildings across campus.

And although we will offer some in-person programming through the Kitchen Table Series and Women in the Academy programs, many Women’s Center programs will continue to be virtual. One of the things we have learned throughout the pandemic is that people on campus are eager for online offerings: we saw great attendance at our virtual events, particularly at our salary negotiation workshops and at programs in our Work–Life Workshop series. In our listings below, you can register directly for Zoom events. On social media, we are again using a linktree, which you can access here. If you have any questions about signing up for events, you can contact us by email (womenctr@vanderbilt.edu). And if you’d like to be added to the listserv for any of our programs, you can sign up here.

In addition to our regular programs, we are looking forward to a couple of special events this fall. In early November, we will have our annual Cuninggim Lecture. This year’s speaker will be the reproductive justice activist Loretta Ross, who will discuss “Calling in the Calling-Out Culture.” Later in the fall, we will be hosting an unveiling of six portraits that honor women who have played significant roles throughout Vanderbilt’s history. Be on the lookout for details about both events on social media and in upcoming newsletters. I hope to see you at some of these events, either in person or online.

Sending my best wishes for good health,

Rory

Finding Your Strengths

Wednesday, September 8, 12:00 p.m. CT

Roshaunda Ross-Orta, Assistant Director, Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service

Please sign up here.

Let’s Go Outside!

Thursday, September 16, 12:00 p.m. CT

Please sign up here.

Getting to the Ph.D.: What I Know Now (That I Wish I Knew Then)

Bianca Manago, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology

Kendall Park, Assistant Professor, Owen Graduate School of Management

Savanna Starko, Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Wednesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m. CT

Please sign up here.

Body Positivity Workshop

Wednesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m. CT

Please sign up here.

Sex in the Dark for Second Year Students

Thursday, September 23, 6:00 p.m. CT

Please sign up here.

National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Friday, September 24, 12:00 p.m. CT, Women’s Center

As part of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, we are celebrating Vanderbilt postdocs. Stop by for a treat!

Making Social Movements Palatable

Tuesday, September 28, 5:00 p.m. CT, Sarratt 189

Please sign up here.

Her Bold Move Fellowship

Deadline to apply is Friday, September 10, 5:00 p.m. ET

The Her Bold Move Future Leaders Fellowship was created to give undergraduate students hands-on experience in political action, community organizing, fundraising, and campaigning. Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors in college are eligible to apply.

Free Menstrual Products

Free menstrual products are available now in select locations across campus!

Brought to you by VSG’s Campus Life Committee & Aunt Flow.

Diverse ’Dores Day: ’Dores Reimagining Community

Thursday, September 9 , 12:00 p.m. CT, Alumni Lawn

Friday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. CT, Women’s Center

Join us for this year’s two-day event! Enjoy food trucks, music, games, t-shirts, and prizes on September 9. Stop by the Women’s Center to meet the staff, get your passport stamped, and more on September 10!

Leading Through Crisis and Change Conference

Sunday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. CT

RSVP here.

Email sol@vanderbilt.edu for accessibility needs.

Virtual Career Fairs

Wednesday, September 22, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT

Thursday, September 23, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT

The Other Side of Terror

Erica R. Edwards, Associate Professor of English and Presidential Term Chair in African American Literature, Rutgers University

Wednesday, September 29, 4:00 p.m. CT, Buttrick 101