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Mikelle Adgate (she/her) serves as the senior vice president of Government and Community Relations for the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). In this role, she leads a dynamic team of government relations professionals who support EDC�鶹��ý�s mission to create a vibrant, inclusive and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. In her time at EDC, the Government and Community Relations team has been instrumental in delivering the Willets Point Phase II ULURP Approval, a Community Vision Plan for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory, and the legislative renewal of the Biotechnology Tax Credit. Before EDC, she worked in public affairs and public policy for the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. In that capacity, she worked in government and public affairs, regulatory mandates and legislative affairs, project management and strategic planning, and operations and emergency management. Adgate worked on key legislation and citywide media campaigns such as "Trash it. Don't Flush it." (2019) and "Billy Never Idles" (2020). She was born in Queens, raised in Western NY, and lives in East Harlem. She holds a BA in Political Science and Women's and Gender Studies from �鶹��ý and an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy from NYU Wagner.

"WGS offered me a lens for viewing the world and my experiences in it. It offered me a vocabulary for articulating what I see, feel, and hear in my daily interactions. It offered me writers, books, and heroes I still engage with even all these years later."

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Nelli V. Agbulos (she/her/siya) is a full-time organizer and member of BAYAN Canada�鶹��ý�s National Executive Committee, a grassroots alliance of almost 15 Filipino organizations consisting of migrants, workers, youth, students, and artists answering the calls of BAYAN-Philippines. BAYAN is short for �鶹��ý�people or country.�鶹��ý� BAYAN Canada fights for genuine sovereignty and real democracy in the Philippines, and works with other organizations to build international solidarity along the lines of an anti-imperialist united front. Her trips to the Philippines in 2019 and 2022 deepened her understanding of how poverty and labor exploitation affect Filipinos domestically and internationally, and the important role that individuals play in truly understanding the policies that politicians implement. She continues to be involved in the nonprofit sector in Vancouver and New York City. Her non-profit work lies at the intersection of community engagement, youth leadership, and cross-issue advocacy. When she�鶹��ý�s not eating her way through homemade baked goods, she creates abstract illustrations inspired by political moments and visions of collective liberation. Chinatown Vancouver and international press have recognized her artwork.

�鶹��ý�My work with BAYAN Canada is centered on building the National Democratic movement with a socialist perspective�鶹��ý�and it was my WGS internships and research projects that fostered an unabashed desire to study histories of liberation struggles and analyze how they apply to current conditions. The professors I had and friends I made in my WGS classes spurred me to become more active in the communities I was integrated in because I realized that education should be a liberatory practice where community members teach each other (versus a top-down, hierarchical approach) and embody vulnerability and imperfection in being educators and organizers. The WGS classes I took are the only classes I remember because the conversations and lectures made me wholeheartedly believe that a whole new world is possible.�鶹��ý�

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Andy Cofino (he/him) is a passionate consultant and educator with more than 15 years of experience in social impact and educational organizations. Cofino is the inaugural assistant vice president for Diversity, Belonging and Well-Being in the Office of the Vice President of Campus Life at Princeton University. In this role, Cofino is responsible for providing a vision and guidance for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across the campus life division. Previously, Andy worked as the director of the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and Volunteer Center. He also acts as co-core member for Transgender Inclusion for the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators and on the Board of Trustees for Dorothea�鶹��ý�s House, an Italian American cultural institution located in Princeton. Andy also runs a private consultancy providing keynote speeches, consulting, and workshops on LGBTQIA+ inclusion for public and private organizations around the globe. Cofino graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies and English from �鶹��ý. Andy went on to complete his master�鶹��ý�s degree in LGBTQ Studies, Social Justice, and Creative Writing at New York University. He is currently completing an MBA at the Anderson School of Management, UCLA.

"My experience as a WGS student at Pace was not only formative but transformative. It inspired my passion for social justice education and creative writing and led me to my professional path now as a higher education administrator at an Ivy League institution. At Pace, I had the privilege and honor of learning about feminist and queer theory, LGBTQIA+ history, race, and gender, from some of the greats �鶹��ý� like Lavender Menace member and author, Professor Karla Jay, PhD. From my first class in the major and an internship at the New York LGBT Center to my final independent study when I wrote and produced a spoken word theater play about LGBTQIA+ people, the WGS department was critical to my learning and the practical application of my studies."

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After a few years working in nonprofit fundraising and development, Shea Donnelly (she/they) decided to go to cosmetology school. As a queer person, hair has always been a form of self-expression to them. As a stylist, their goal is to create a confidence-boosting and identity-affirming hair experience. Their time in the WGS program influences every look they create and every interaction they have with their guests. Salons can feel uncomfortable for people who don�鶹��ý�t fit into society's prescribed gender binary and financial inaccessibility leads many people to do their hair at home, often without proper education on how to maintain hair health. Shea makes sure that their chair is a place where all people can feel safe and comfortable to experiment with their look in a way that educates and centers the health of their hair.

�鶹��ý�Every class and lesson in WGS reinforced to me the importance of empathy and community. In a world where it�鶹��ý�s easy to feel isolated or helpless against injustices, WGS gave me a community of people with different points of view and lived experiences to learn from and engage with. People don�鶹��ý�t take classes like these unless they have a passion for helping others, and through this program, I was able to expand my horizons, get in touch with the issues I�鶹��ý�m most passionate about, and learn actionable ways that I can help support and uplift marginalized people around the world.�鶹��ý�

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Daniella Eras (she/her) currently works for the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University as the assistant director for Administration and Finance. Before joining the center, she served as the director of Budget and Operations for the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. Her public service background also includes positions with the New York City Council, the NYC Mayor�鶹��ý�s Office of Management and Budget, and the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Eras holds a master�鶹��ý�s degree in public administration with a specialization in public finance from NYU�鶹��ý�s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. She also completed a postgraduate fellowship with the South American Institute of Governance in Health in Rio de Janeiro. In addition, Eras has held roles in political and advocacy campaigns and has worked as a consultant. She earned her BAs in political science, Latin American studies, and Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies from �鶹��ý in 2013. Eras�鶹��ý�s experience reflects a deep commitment to public administration and finance, civic engagement, and health policy.

�鶹��ý�I don�鶹��ý�t think I would�鶹��ý�ve found my career path without the program�鶹��ý�s strong educational foundation. WGS�鶹��ý�s rich and diverse curriculum allowed me to create a solid interdisciplinary focus in my studies which led to deciding what type of work I wanted to do after college. I will always remain grateful for all the support provided to students by faculty members as well. I think it is safe to say that the WGS program has given students a life-long education. It has given us the framework to understand the world at large.�鶹��ý�

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Melody Estevez (she/her) has roots grounded in working with youth and contributing to improving their lives and well-being. She imbues her work with intersectionality and keeps marginalized youth at the center. She currently works at GripTape as director of Research, and her work centers on understanding the impact of self-driven learning on youth. In her previous role, she worked as a Middle School Program Coordinator at the Lower Eastside Girls Club, a community program for girls on the LES. In the future, she looks forward to using the power of storytelling to engage with young people and amplify their voices. Outside of work, she enjoys gaming, being a cat lover (especially Magneto and Macho!), and cherishing connections with friends and family.

�鶹��ý�Choosing to major in Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender studies was an easy decision. It was so easy because my first class, Gender, Race, and Class, made me feel seen in ways I had never been before. I had hidden my voice for most of my academic career thus far, and yet, in this classroom, I didn't feel scared to speak. Through WGS coursework, readings, discussions, and debates, I learned what it is to walk through the world as an active participant. WGS challenges its students to confront the truth and injustices in the world - which is needed now more than ever. WGS enables students to take charge of their journey, whether through bold or subtle actions. Simply, they are preparing generations of changemakers. Studying Women and Gender Studies is a transformative experience, and its significance should not be underestimated. As I move through the world today, I feel affirmed in who I am, and I know my voice is important.�鶹��ý�

Regina Gennari-Ela (they/she) is known as one of New York City�鶹��ý�s most tenacious and dedicated public service attorneys, specializing in defending low-income tenants against eviction. They are currently a senior staff attorney at Brooklyn Legal Services, where they represent veterans with disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. They also focus their practice on assisting LGBTQ+ clients, through filing name change petitions and pursuing discrimination claims. Over a ten-year career, they have stabilized the housing of innumerable clients, won damages claims against malfeasant landlords, and shared their experience by leading Continuing Legal Education courses on tenant rights and public housing regulations. In their spare time, they are an avid outdoorsperson who enjoys birding, hiking, and camping. They credits her success and general well-being to the support of her wife, Linden, an artist and bespoke manicurist. Regina They and Linden live happily in Brooklyn with their cat, Leo, and their many houseplants.

�鶹��ý�Studying Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies offered me an intersectional lens with which to view the world; these perspectives inform my life and my work to this day.�鶹��ý�

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Amanda Ghosh (she/her), originally from California and based in Liverpool UK, is a teaching artist with many passions. She brings an interdisciplinary approach to work and life. Since getting her TEFL in Spain, she has taught English through the performing arts, yoga, travel, wellness and sustainability. She also taught online and in person to kids and adults in Europe and Asia. In 2024, she toured Italy, performing as the Grinch in a theater in education tour, and is teaching theater workshops focusing on sustainability and activism for kids. She facilitates teacher training for languages, creative classroom management, and play-based learning, and she is developing her own virtual language program called �鶹��ý�Forget Fluent, Get Going!�鶹��ý� In the future, she aims to support refugees and immigrants with the English skills they need to move from surviving to thriving. Ghosh remains politically active in the movement for a better world, attending protests and phone banking before elections. She graduated with a BA in WGS and a BA in Commercial Dance with an Arts Management Minor. At Pace, she was vice president of Member Education of Kappa Delta Sorority, a fellow of Society of Dyson Fellows, and class 2015 of the Pforzheimer Honors College.

�鶹��ý�I believe WGS enabled me to develop a global, humanist perspective which has helped me both personally and professionally. When at a crossroads, and when life gets a little too lifey, I often return to the values that WGS encouraged me to follow�鶹��ý�and allow them to remind me why I do what I do�鶹��ý�as they give my life both purpose and meaning. These include the value of supporting marginalized communities, and following the feminist legacy of putting theory into practice. My thesis advisor Professor Emily Bent, PhD, was invaluable to me in demonstrating how to integrate what WGS offered�鶹��ý�how to bring an intersectional perspective into day-to-day living and work. This, for me, is where the rubber meets the road. I have since had the confidence to spearhead sustainability initiatives in my workplace. When I feel disheartened by the news I try to let 'the spirit of history be our guide' by recalling the long battles for structural justice fought and won by the fearless, uncompromising, tenacious women of generations past. I aim to bring compassion and understanding when dealing with challenging social situations. I often attempt to integrate the countless nuggets of wisdom my WGS professors imparted. Studying WGS at Pace gave me the freedom and support to connect my various interests and hone my capacity to think critically, skills that can be applied in any field. The subtle and powerful shift that a WGS training provides is indispensable to me now and to anyone wishing to contribute�鶹��ý�in whatever ways they can�鶹��ý�to a socially just horizon.�鶹��ý�

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Vicky González (she/her) has made her career at Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) from a temp coordinator for gift entry and acknowledgment processing to a full-time coordinator for the Inclusive Philanthropy team, to a specialist and now a discovery manager of the Principal and Major Gifts team. Vicky came to PPFA from the Open Society Foundations, where she served as their Temp Grant Making Support Group Assistant. She holds a Master's in Public Administration and a Bachelor's in Political Science from �鶹��ý, where she led organizing efforts on campus sexual violence (co-founder, #PaceUEndRape) and mental health awareness (founder, Pace Out of the Darkness Campus Walks). She is a fan of science fiction, a history nerd, and a grandmother at heart.

"Women's and Gender Studies has always felt less like a major or a department and more like a community. It is a community of affirmation for those who do not see themselves represented in the mainstream. It is more than a theory of practice; WGS prepares the next generation of leaders and activists on how they can make their mark on the world."

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After graduating from �鶹��ý in 2009, Caitlin Gulliford (she/her) relocated to London, U.K. to study for a MSc in Gender, Media and Culture at The London School of Economics. Following graduating with Merit, she moved again to Berlin, Germany and started a career in technology, eventually training as a full stack software developer. She has since worked as an agile delivery manager, leading integrated and diverse tech teams for the UK Government and now at the University of the Arts London. In addition to working in technology, Gulliford spends most of her time chasing her creative pursuits, including writing science fiction and pole dancing in London, where she is a qualified pole dance instructor. She also is a strong supporter and activist for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting her local weekly Queer Pole Dance class at Venus Pole and the great work of Kaleidoscope Trust.

"For me, WGS has been the lens through which everything can be viewed critically, and in ways that encourage abstract thinking (which in my opinion is essential for imagining a better world for everyone). It can be both freeing and challenging, but has also ensured my journey at least has never been linear - for better or for worse. All of this means it�鶹��ý�s been a delight to find community at every turn, and others who also want to use the power of questioning the status quo to make the world hopefully better.�鶹��ý�

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Duke Huang (he/him) began his career during his senior year at the Bronx Documentary Center, a pivotal nonprofit utilizing community-based documentary practice to drive social change. As assistant to the director, he played a crucial role in organizing exhibitions and managing administrative and educational initiatives. After completing his studies, Huang returned to Taiwan, his home country, to further his commitment to nonprofit work. He dedicated himself at the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, the country's second-largest NGO, and later at the Garden of Hope Foundation, Taiwan's largest NGO dedicated to eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination. In roles as International Development/Affairs coordinator at both organizations, Huang leveraged his language skills and organizational prowess to elevate their global presence and enhance their impact. Beyond his professional endeavors, he volunteered with One-Forty, a nonprofit focused on providing education for Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan, supporting operations and hosting events for the organization. Currently, Huang serves as a project assistant at JOGEEK Technology, specializing in service parts for electronic devices and global market recycling/trade-in solutions. Here, he explores new possibilities and channels to extend his impact beyond the nonprofit sector.

�鶹��ý�Growing up, feminism and gender were rarely discussed topics, which is why taking WGS courses and being part of the WGS community meant so much to me. Through these experiences, I learned to be mindful of my own presence and privileges in various spaces, and gained tools to dismantle the patriarchal structures that permeate our society. The WGS department and faculty go beyond teaching; they offer invaluable support and provide lenses and knowledge necessary to view oneself and the world from diverse perspectives.�鶹��ý�

Sydney Korman (she/her) is a third-year law student at Brooklyn Law School, specializing in labor and employment law. As an aspiring labor lawyer, she is committed to advocating for workers to earn livable wages and enjoy dignified working conditions. In addition to her career pursuits, Korman is an active campus and community organizer. She serves as the co-president of the Brooklyn Law School chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG), a leftist lawyering organization. Through the NLG, she is a trained legal observer, attending protests to document police misconduct and the arrests of protestors exercising their rights. Furthermore, Korman is the founder and co-president of Brooklyn Law Students for Justice in Palestine. This role holds particular significance for her as a proud anti-Zionist Jewish woman, reflecting her commitment to justice and human rights.

�鶹��ý�Graduating from the WGS department has laid an incredible foundation for both my career and community organizing. Through my courses, I developed the ability to think critically and creatively, a skill that has been invaluable in finding unique solutions to a wide range of challenges. This educational background has empowered me to advocate effectively for others, blending academic insights with practical activism to drive meaningful change.�鶹��ý�

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Christina Lalama (she/her) is a proud Pace WGS alumna and has found meaning and purpose in the work of connecting others, building community, and helping people reach their potential. She received her MBA at CUNY Baruch Zicklin School of Business. Today, she works at a global nonprofit organization, Armenian General Benevolent Union, AGBU, managing an Armenian professional association with groups in almost 50 cities across the world.

�鶹��ý�To the current WGS students and others considering pursuing WGS, prepare to expand your mind, stretch beyond your comfort zone, and question everything. The beauty of this process you will undergo is that you will do all of that�鶹��ý�and more�鶹��ý�with some of the best educators ever to do it. The essential value of studying WGS at Pace is applying different theoretical and analytical frameworks to all aspects of life. This helped me better understand the needs of stakeholders with different interests (and agendas), and how multiple aspects of society intersect. You will be able to apply to any meaningful career the skills you learn by unpacking every aspect of society and growing through that analytical process. Like any "exercise," there will be times when your mental (or emotional) muscles hurt. Lean into that. Know that the pain isn't forever, but the growth is. And when you're feeling particularly sore, seek comfort and wisdom from the Pace WGS professors who get it and get you. And always remember that you are in excellent company. Lean on the network of alumni, professors, and partners at any stage of your life.�鶹��ý�

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As a first-generation American and the first college graduate in her family, Walleska Lantigua (she/her) believes in the impact of education in fostering transformative change towards a more just world. She earned a Fulbright Scholarship in 2009 where she dedicated a year to teaching in a middle school and volunteering at an orphanage in South Korea. Upon returning to the United States, she committed herself to empowering survivors of intimate partner violence at Safe Horizon, facilitating access to secure housing and resources. Driven by her passion for inclusion, Lantigua subsequently joined the NYC Teaching Fellows to focus on supporting neurodivergent learners and their families in Title I schools. She views education as a deeply personal journey of understanding each person to optimize their unique learning pathways. Currently serving as an assistant principal, she leads a department dedicated to enriching the educational experiences of neurodiverse students through rigorous instruction and personalized support. A magna cum laude graduate of �鶹��ý with a double major in Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies and Political Science, Lantigua continued her academic pursuits by earning a MS in Education from Long Island University and a degree in school leadership from Hunter College. Beyond her professional endeavors, she can be found being a "mommysaurus" to her daughter in Brooklyn alongside her loving partner, Christina. She aspires to further expand opportunities for educational equity and empowerment, believing deeply in the potential of every learner to thrive.

�鶹��ý�As a student immersed in WGS classrooms, I discovered a space where critical thinking intersected with empathy. WGS offers a deeper understanding of oneself through self-reflection and exploring how gender shapes identities, experiences, and relationships. It gave me a lens to consider the perspectives in history, literature, politics, culture, and conversations that are often overlooked. It wasn't just about learning theories; it was about understanding lived experiences and amplifying marginalized voices. WGS offers unique insights into how the intersections of gender with race, class, sexuality, disability, and other identities, play out in our current world. This environment not only shaped my perspective but also equipped me with the tools to advocate for inclusivity and equality in every facet of my life. In today's world, where gender inequalities persist and are increasingly scrutinized, studying WGS is more relevant than ever. To current WGS students or those considering WGS: Your voices are vital in reshaping narratives and dismantling oppressive systems. Trust in the power of your education to effect meaningful change, both within academia and beyond. I encourage you to recognize its unique ability to bridge theory with praxis. It's not just an academic pursuit; it's a commitment to social justice and human rights.�鶹��ý�

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Alejandra Lopez (she/her) of New Rochelle, New York is an immigration attorney at The Legal Aid Society. As an immigration attorney, she represents individuals and families with their asylum claims, deportation defense and other immigration issues. Previously, she worked as a defense attorney at the Society�鶹��ý�s Criminal Defense Practice representing indigent persons in all aspects of their criminal case. She graduated from CUNY School of Law in 2013 and can practice law in New York, New Jersey and Florida. She graduated summa cum laude from �鶹��ý in 2010, majoring in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies. Alejandra is a first-generation Mexican-American and is an activist for incarcerated, immigrant and minority communities. Lopez is also a certified yoga instructor and loves teaching yoga at the park and currently lives in Philadelphia happily married with two young children.

"I believe WGS is an important field of study because it promotes social justice and understanding of the complex interplay of gender with other societal categories like race, class, and sexuality. Personally, my studies in WGS fueled my passion for social justice, shaped my professional identity, and enhanced my empathy and effectiveness as an immigration attorney and activist. I found an empowering community among fellow WGS professors and classmates where I could openly voice my opinion and challenge the status quo."

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Ashley Nadine Lopez (she/her) is an actor, life-long learner, and multi-passionate creative. She is the founder of Life Curious Women�鶹��ý�a learning community of women leaders dedicated to pursuing their passions to fulfill their purpose. Life Curious Women provides guidance, resources, and a community that helps women strengthen their connection to their purpose through a podcast, events and retreats. Lopez believes that every person is completely capable of reaching their fullest potential and achieving their wildest dreams just by following their curiosity. She never misses an opportunity to be vocal about what she believes in, help others in their success and find ways to grow in her personal life. She uses her acting platform to create impactful change for marginalized groups and tell some interesting stories along the way. She had two different films premiere at New York City movie theaters in 2023�鶹��ý�seeing her face on the silver screen for the first time. When she's not acting or working on Life Curious Women, you can find her sitting in a coffee shop, exploring book stores or binging a television show at home in Brooklyn.

"Being a part of the WGS department at Pace completely transformed my life's trajectory and who I am today. I was placed in a WGS class my freshman year that truly made me see the world in a whole new light; it ignited a fire and curiosity in me that has been fueling me ever since. I got the privilege and opportunity to learn from incredible professors who opened my mind up and challenged me to question everything. The WGS department truly is the foundation of the type of leader I am in the world today and all my life goals and work. I strive to continue to uplift marginalized groups, always challenge my beliefs and make the world a better place for us all."

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Since 2020, Oliver Pinder (he/him) has operated a small gluten-free bakery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to Pittsburgh to do a Master's degree in Food Studies and Sustainability and was baking part-time when the Covid lockdown happened. He turned that hustle into a full-time business. Since leaving Pace, he has lived, studied, and worked in South Africa and the US. In his free time, he sings with a queer choral group from Western PA and hangs out with his two dogs.

"WGS is about Awareness, period! I grew up very closeted and walled off from any inkling of who my true self was, so when I got to Pace and the hooks were out, I inhaled every offering and what an offering WGS was to me. Sitting in a class discussing gender was the first time I realized that the gender binary and my assigned gender did not align for me, and up to then, I didn't even have the language to see myself differently. As a soft, trans-masc person, WGS helped me to wake up to a world I had always peered into and averted my eyes out of fear and shame. The mirrors WGS held up in its classes, reflected queer courageous people who were like me, so, maybe I could be queer and courageous too."

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Sadie Ronga-Rubin (they/them) is an analyst in the Office of Organizational Development and Training at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). In their current position, they have been honored by their peers, the Civil Service Commission, and Governor Philip Murphy with the 2024 State Employee Recognition Award in the category of Innovation and Efficiency for their lead role in reinventing the new employee experience. Before joining the Office of Organizational Development and Training, they spent two years as a diversity officer at NJDEP in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where they collaborated with senior staff to draft the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan to be implemented in ten years. From 2020�鶹��ý�2023, they also served as a chair to DEPride, an employee resource group for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies. They are a Women�鶹��ý�s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Master�鶹��ý�s student at Rutgers University and they hope to graduate in 2025.

"Ever since my first class with Professor Emily Bent, WGS has served as a point of inspiration for me and a lifeline. The WGS community at Pace and beyond has afforded me an academic community and a space where I can explore research topics that matter to me and that I feel have the potential to make a material difference. I am eternally grateful for the support and encouragement I received at Pace to reach for my dreams and pursue research in the fields of WGS and Queer Studies."

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Annamaria Santamaria (she/her), senior manager of Community Engagement at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, leads the firm's global corporate social responsibility team in the development, implementation, and promotion of Morgan Lewis�鶹��ý�s charitable giving, volunteerism, and sustainability initiatives. ML Community Engagement is a central tenet of the firm�鶹��ý�s culture, which brings our people together to positively impact the communities where we live and work. Before joining Morgan Lewis, Santamaria managed pro bono and nonprofit capacity building programs for a New York-based public interest law firm. Before that, she provided direct support to clients seeking immigration relief and was key to building out a support function role, the first of its kind, for a legal services organization. Santamaria is a lifelong yoga practitioner and facilitator, guiding trauma-informed group and individual yoga, meditation, and breathwork offerings at a community-based studio in Jackson Heights, Queens. She is an avid runner and enjoys spending time building community, learning, traveling, and connecting with nature.

"WGS taught me how to lead from a community-driven, conscious approach and how our lived experiences, which I like to call realized wisdom, inform how we choose to operate in the world. The program taught me to ask challenging questions, think critically, and push the status quo. WGS granted me a safe space to be an activist where we united in the spirit of community and collaboration to make steady, impactful institutional change. In the face of numerous obstacles, there was always support, compassion, encouragement, and resilience available within the department to drive us forward. The opportunity to show up as my truest self and be surrounded by like-minded individuals helped me uncover my values early on and the importance of being engaged in purpose-aligned work in all facets of my life."

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Essie Torrico is a proud Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies alumna. Torrico graduated in 2012 with a double major in Sociology and Anthropology and was the first student to graduate from Pace with a minor in Queer Studies. Torrico was a founding member of the university-wide taskforce that spearheaded the creation of Pace�鶹��ý�s LGBTQ Center in 2010. They were also the first student to directly go from the Challenge to Achievement program in their first year of study, to the Pforzheimer Honors College. This was made possible by the advocacy of their first Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender studies professor as it was previously unpermitted. They graduated Summa Cum Laude receiving the Dyson Scholastic Achievement Award, Sociology/Anthropology and Women's and Gender Studies Departmental Achievement Awards at their graduation ceremony. They have worked as a social and community worker in New York City for the past 12 years. Torrico�鶹��ý�s work has spanned areas of disability and inclusion, homelessness, LGBTQ youth and mental health services. Torrico credits Pace as having a singular and foundational impact on their career choice and path, for which they are forever indebted. Torrico is currently the transformative justice coordinator at the School for Poetic Computation and an Oral History Coordinator for the Mad Justice x Psychiatric Abolition program at Project LETS.

"I consider the Pace Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies Department as a place that saved my life, in no uncertain terms. Feminist studies and critical theory allowed me to understand myself and contextualize my experiences in entirely new ways. The wisdom and support I received from my professors remain a living testament in my life, to the power of generosity of spirit. I left Pace with a degree in Women�鶹��ý�s and Gender Studies and a belief that transformation of hearts, minds, systems, and paradigms was possible."