Newsletter

Welcome from the Director

A key goal of the Women’s Resource Center is to celebrate the work women faculty, staff, and students contribute to Washington State University. This past March, during Women’s History Month, Dr. Susan Armitage was named Woman of the Year. Sue has spent her career promoting new and innovate approaches to the study of the history of women in the American West. Dr. Armitage, faculty emeritus in the Department of History, was the first director of Women’s Studies. The Women of Distinction for 2008 were awarded to Ardith DeRaad, Jill Griffin, Judy Meuth, Xyanthe Neider, and Felicia Gaskins.

In our effort to promote equity at Washington State University, you will find an interesting read about the Coalition for Women Students, a Registered Student Organization working to eliminate social injustice. In addition, the National Education for Women’s Leadership (NEW) Inland Northwest Summer Institute continues to inspire, encourage, and empower college women to become involved in the political process and leadership roles thereby increasing women’s representation in leadership which is another WRC goal. As you continue to read this newsletter you will see the list of upcoming activities and events scheduled for fall and spring, learn about how WCR promotes safety for women through Women’s Transit, and read a student’s perspective on the WRC.

I hope you enjoy the fall newsletter, which is one of two publications that will be produced each year. You will be hearing from us again in the spring.

Sincerely,

Turea Erwin

Woman of the Year 2008
Dr. Susan Armitage

Dr. Armitage was honored at the Women’s Recognition Luncheon during March, Women’s History Month. The Commission on the Status of Women and President Floyd also awarded and honored five other Women of Distinction.

Ardith DeRaad
Principle Assistant, Extension Northwest District

Leadership and the Coalition for Women Students

Hometown: Benton City, WA
Year: Senior
Interests: Family, Food, Fashion, Animals, the Environment, Nature, Space, and everything in between.

Lupé Carrillo is the 2008-2009 Chair for the Coalition for Women Students (CWS). She is a senior double majoring in Economics (Regulation, Industrial Organization and Law) and Sociology with a minor in Philosophy. She sees CWS as a great opportunity for self growth, work experience, and community involvement. Lupé became a part of CWS because she values what it represents; unity and diversity for women students and promoting awareness on issues that pertain to class, race and gender.

“I am both excited and honored to be holding this position, I look forward to the great things CWS will be a part of this year.” Growing up in a home where her mother was oppressed and controlled, Lupé is passionate about an organization that speaks of the power of women, the strengths of the community, and the hope for unity.

CWS is comprised of five groups: The Association for Pacific and Asian Women, Black Women's Caucus, Mujeres Unidas, Native American Women's Association, and the YWCA of WSU. CWS also funds the Women's Transit Program. CWS symbolizes unity and diversity by representing the interests of women from diverse cultural background. CWS and its coalition groups sponsor programs and activities that heighten students' awareness of issues pertaining to class, race and gender.

Coalition for Women Students Prepares
for an Exciting Year
CWS Fall Semester Events

Each year Black Women’s Caucus hosts the BWC Fall Tea early in the semester. This event provides a great opportunity to introduce new students to the WSU community and allows them to network with other women of color on campus. BWC is co-chaired by Cori Colley and Darcel Carter.

Each October the YWCA of WSU pays tribute to victims of violence at WSU during the Week Without Violence. The most prominent display is the Clothesline project. Each shirt is created by a person from WSU who has experienced violence in their lives. When the project began, there were only a few shirts. Now the Clothesline displays over 500 shirts. During this week there are several events that students, faculty and staff of WSU can participate in, including Building Bridges, Take Back the Night Rally and March and the YWCA’s featured speaker, Arleen Williams, author of The Thirty Ninth Victim. Arleen will tell the story of her family’s journey before and after the Green River killer murdered her sister, Maureen, his thirty ninth victim.

Hilary McGraw , student coordinator for Week Without Violence, appreciates the supportive campus environment. Volunteers help to make this week such a meaningful experience for everyone on our campus. “We will never know how many lives were touched or how many people gained a new awareness of the issues of domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault.” she said.

For more information contact the YWCA of WSU at 335-3916 or visit www.ywcaofwsu.org.

The Association of Pacific and Asian Women (APAW) is a member organization of the Coalition for Women Students. Each year they hold the multicultural showcase Building Bridges. Building Bridges has been a part of Washington State University’s agenda for 16 years, and in that time the various groups in the WSU Asian community have learned to work together in order to strengthen their bonds. Erica Ling, the chair of APAW says that “Building Bridges is a chance to show the beauty of the diverse backgrounds which enrich WSU." This annual program has grown from beginning on a small stage to a large venue at Beasley.

The Take Back the Night march is an annual event, held by the Coalition for Women Students, bringing together the Pullman and WSU Community in solidarity against violence. It begins in front of the Bookie and winds around campus, ending near the Coliseum. A short candle-light vigil will follow the march, giving us a moment to reflect on the effects of violence on the lives of victims, survivors, family, friends, and the larger community.

2008 marked the 25th anniversary of this event on our campus. Each year, more than 500 students, faculty, staff, and community members take part in the march.

Arleen Williams tells the story of her family's journey, before and after the Green River killer murdered her sister, Maureen, and left her body in a stretch of wilderness off the west side of Highway 18. As insightful as it is heart wrenching, The Thirty-Ninth Victim gives you a window into the family dynamics that contributed to this life-altering tragedy.

Arleen Williams has been recording her life in journals since she left home in her late teens. Her wanderings took her to Mexico City, where she completed a bachelor's degree through the University of California while earning a teaching certificate from the National University of Mexico. Later, she completed a master's degree in education at the University of Washington and accepted the teaching position she currently holds at South Seattle Community College.

Mujeres Unidas (MU) sets up a public altar to honor those women who have passed away but left a rich legacy of wisdom. Samantha Alvarez, chair of MU, says that Mujeres Unidas represents the interests and issues of Chicanas/Latinas at WSU and coordinates activities and opportunities of interest to multicultural women students.

As the chair for the Native American Women’s Association, (NAWA), Rebecca West ensures that NAWA addresses the needs and concerns of Native American people, with a special emphasis on issues that affect Native American women. During the month of November, NAWA will host a series of speaker events. Please check our WRC Web site for a schedule of events.

Student Assistants Keep Women's Transit
Still Rolling After 31 Years

The Women's Transit (WT) System is an organization comprised of 140 volunteers serving as either drivers or dispatchers. Volunteer drivers and dispatchers commit themselves to twenty volunteer hours each semester and have full responsibility for engaging the system. Without volunteers there would be no Women's Transit. By working together, they help meet the goals for sexual assault prevention, safe mobility for women, and personal enrichment.

Student Assistants ensure the success of the WT program and assume the responsibility for the recruitment of volunteers, scheduling, training, publicity, workshops and making sure the nightly operations of Women's Transit run smoothly.

Hardy Awadjie has volunteered with Women’s Transit since spring 2005. In fall 2007 he was hired as one of three student assistants in the program and plans to continue in the position until he graduates in May 2009 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. In addition to working at Women’s Transit and taking classes full time, Hardy is an ASWSU senator, works a second part-time job, is a member of the WSU Police Advisory Board, and also finds time to write for the student newspaper, The DailyEvergreen.

Kate Gottardi has volunteered with Women’s Transit since fall 2004. In fall 2007 Kate became one of three student assistants for WT. She will graduate in December 2008 with a B.A. in Sociology. In her time at WSU Kate has participated in many activities including hall government when she lived in Gannon Hall, intramural football and baseball, and the varsity cheer team for WSU for three years. As she prepares to leave us in a few months, Kate focuses on her classes and works at WT and Campus Leadership and Involvement.

Ellie Court has been volunteering for Women’s Transit since spring 2007 and just began working as a student assistant this semester. She is a junior studying sociology and plans to attend law school after graduation with the intention of becoming a prosecutor. While at WSU Ellie has participated in Greek life and is a member of and the Vice President of Public relations for Tri Delta. She looks forward to the spring 2009 semester when she will no longer be the new SA on the block.

For the academic year of 2007 - 2008 the Women's Transit Program provided 10,803 rides. They have three vehicles which traveled a total of 30,955 miles during 140 days of operation. An average of 80 rides per night has been logged.

For more information contact Mary Anderson, 335-1856 or mpanderson@wsu.edu.

Women's Resource Center Alumni:
Where Are They Now?
WSU Alumni Earned More Than Volunteer Hours at Women’s Transit

Lauren has a B.S. in Soil Science and a B.A. in Communications with a double major in Women Studies. She has received the "Aggie of the Year" for excellence in agriculture and Top Graduating Senior in soil sciences as well as the Martin Luther King Award for Community Service. Clark graduated with a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Applied Economics. He has been awarded top honors with the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences Undergraduate Research Award, Washington State University Big-10 Senior Award and the Washington State University School of Economic Sciences Wall Street Journal Award.

Currently they are agricultural and rural business volunteers for the Peace Corps, working with local farmers providing input and education regarding soil science, fertilizers and raising crops. They continue to volunteer with youth organizations some of which work with gender issues. Lauren provides a stable environment and positive female role model while teaching young girls traditional crafts.

Clark and Lauren enjoy the cultural differences they discover in Moldova but say the most noticeable difference between the United States and Moldova is that a large portion of the Moldovan population seeks employment in different countries. Because of this, family members may not see each other for years at time. Although they enjoy their new life, Clark and Lauren do miss the university environment, lectures, concerts and mostly Ferdinand’s. Lauren’s advice to college students is “volunteering your time for fellow students and the community is an invaluable service. Get involved, and it can help you in many ways later on.”

WRC Student Assistants Are Proud to Be Cougs

Our staff of student assistants ensures that the daily operation of the Women’s Resource Center runs efficiently and effortlessly. Not only do they serve as vice presidents of “First Impression”, they also engage in WRC alumni research, maintaining and updating resource information, and assist WRC staff with projects.

One Student Assistant’s Perspective

Christopher Takashi Tanimoto
Kent, Washington
Senior

Why did you choose WSU?
I looked into all of the major schools in the greater northwest and even visited a few, but none had the same kind of community that WSU and Pullman has to offer.

What is your major?
I’m double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. I’m very interested in law, and both of my majors go toward that end. Philosophy teaches strong logical argumentation as well as the thinkers who are credited with forming the foundations of today’s legal and ethical systems and political science gives me an idea of how those legal systems are as they stand today.

What do you like about working at the WRC?
Everything! The people I get to come in contact with are always nice and happy, and as an added bonus, I’ve been able to work with a lot of amazing people doing jobs and volunteer work I never would have known about had it not been for employment here. Finally, there’s always the delicious food they always seem to be serving.

What have you learned working at the WRC?
I was raised in a very conservative family, which, coming into college, gave me a very narrow worldview. Over the past three years, through my work with the Center, the volunteer options, as well the simple conversations I’ve had with people as they came and go, have served to broaden my horizons to different cultures and ideas that I would never been exposed to had it not been for working at the Women’s Resource Center.

How long have you been working at the WRC?
Since my sophomore year. This is my third year working at the WRC.

What other activities are you involved with on campus?
I am involved in Mock Trial team, pre-law society and Mom of the Year Awards Committee.

What do you like about WSU the most?
I love the people. At WSU, even in my larger freshman classes, my fellow students and staff are always friendly and willing to lend a helping hand. This is especially true in the philosophy department. Since our program is so small, we can really get to know our professors.

Meet The Staff 

Debi Robinson Smith
Assistant Director

As assistant director of the Women’s Resource Center for six years, Debi Robinson-Smith, is privileged to be the Advisor for the Coalition for Women Students. She does work in the community through the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, the Buy Local and Produce Sustainable Alliance, and several other organizations and committees that address issues of equity, food security, and equality. She, in partnership with her husband and son, also owns and operates RavenCroft Organic Farm. She is an artist, working in both ceramics and paint, but her first love is assisting students in their journey to success after college!

Mary Anderson
Program Coordinator
Women’s Transit

Mary Anderson has worked at the Women’s Resource Center for just over a year coordinating Women’s Transit (WT) and working as a campus safety advocate. In addition to recruiting, training, and supervising some 150 WT volunteers and overseeing the maintenance of the three WT cars, she has also been trained as a Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instructor and teaches classes in Self Defense and Personal Safety for the University Recreation Center. Mary’s other WRC-related activities include participation in the Sexual Misconduct, Prevention, and Response Task Force, in the WSU Police Advisory Board, and in the Graduate Women in Science organization. The most rewarding part of her job is working with students, coming to know each as a person and watching as that individual learns to manage the challenges of being an adult.    

Kim Barrett
Special Events Coordinator

Kim Barrett has worked at the Women’s Resource Center for five years. She coordinates many special events including the Women’s Recognition Luncheon and NEW Leadership. Kim also is an advocate for the Association of Pacific and Asian Women and serves on the Regional Advocacy Committee for the YWCA and is a board member of the YWCA of WSU. Kim enjoys being active in the WSU community and has chaired the WSU Police Advisory Board since 2007. She also started the annual Reinterpreting Reality Art Exhibit in 2004. This exhibit gives all WSU women artists the opportunity to exhibit their art. Her favorite part of working at the WRC is the dynamic and energized atmosphere that the student’s bring to the center.