Women's Studies Alumni
If you are an alumnus/a of the Department of Women's Studies and you want to keep in touch with former classmates, this is the place to do it. If you see someone you know, feel free to contact them.
2008
Ann Nguyen
"I plan to complete my double major in women's studies for the fall 2008 semester. I graduated spring 2008 with a B.A. in political science. My plans are to work for the United Nations or any type of foreign service abroad in Viet Nam. I will also be studying for the LSAT throughout the year to prepare for the exam and then hopefully law school in Boston."
2006
Brandy Hofstad
"I am working for a nonprofit organization called Ruth Dykeman Children's Center; it is a therapeutic group home for adolescent girls who have severe abusive histories and in foster care."
Nina Kim
"While attending the University of Washington as a first-year doctoral student in the Department of Women's Studies Ph.D. program, I was made aware that in the history of the department I am the first-identified Asian American (Eastern Asia) woman to be on track to her Ph.D. in the program. As a first-generation college student, I am dedicated in succeeding at all things possible. My research will focus on Asian American history and more specifically on women and the traces and effects of immigration on our identities, political thought, and life practices. Spirituality may be a significant factor in my studies. I believe that it is up to marginalized communities to rise and ask for what is rightfully ours because nothing comes without a price in our capitalistic world."
2005
Stacy Kain
"I am working in Kenya doing AIDS education."
Angela Taniguchi
"I am currently a full-time Americorps volunteer in the greater Seattle area, which equals out to broke. Although somewhat disillusioned in my transition from university to 'real-life' activism, I've learned that there are so many people doing important work that it is hard to choose which ones I want to involve myself with. I coordinate volunteers at the bouji Antioch University in Seattle. It's a nice school and the people have read some wicked books, but I'm interested in working on the front-lines on the war against the brownpoor instead of shuffling papers and formatting Web sites. Although I'm poorer than I was in Pullman, I'm meeting some great people through the organizations that I'm currently involved with, the Japanese American Citizens League and the Asian/Pacific Islander Women's Safety Center.
Milagros Thompson
"In Seattle, back in school for a master's degree in counseling psychology and working as a residential youth counselor. This facility is for youth who are reported as runaways or in dangerous circumstances. The police bring in all the youth. We as counselors help the youth reunite with their families or help them go to other resources, such as to a foster home or a group home. So we work hard and hand-in-hand with DCFS and the youth caseworker."
2004
Tami Montgomery
"I am working at the vet school and attending classes to finish my women's studies degree."
Madelsar Ngiraingas
"This is my second year (2006) in a Ph.D. program at the University of California, San Diego, Department of Ethnic Studies. Though graduate school can be an isolating experience, I've quickly learned how to weed through the surface and find meaningfulness in what I do, though it's not always so clear. I have since discovered (still learning) to transform/shift my activism to paper and write deliberately as a critical 'scholar.' Not easy! This will be an exciting year because I begin my rounds of presentations. I was recently accepted to present at the National Association of Ethnic Studies Conference...kind of scary. Nevertheless, my first-rate training at WSU has made my teaching the more rewarding aspect of my experience. Being a woman of color T.A. has had its downsides, but bringing in majors each quarter (even just one) has made up for it in the end. Overall, sunny San Diego has been a great treat for my girls and I, though we miss Pullman (believe it or not). Jada & Marley are both officially in elementary school (no daycare costs!!), which means triple the homework for me. :) "
Briana Saimons O'Brien
"I completed MBA and Environmental Management Programs at the University of Washington in June of 2009. Since September of 2009, I have been working for Grubb & Ellis Management Services as a Sustainability Analyst-Microsoft Account. In my position I do things like manage Microsoft's Energy Star database, work to decrease operational carbon footprint, and manage a sustainability program which focuses of organizational behavior."
Lisa Rubio
Attending the University of Arizona graduate studies in the women's studies department.
Lauren Yamada-Badua
"Currently living in Japan working for a school system on the naval base as an education aide for one of the kindergarten classes. Previously I was a special education aid."
Megan Whalen
"I am in my first year of the sociology Ph.D. program at WSU. I am truly depressed at the prospect of another five years in Pullman (or as I like to call it, Western Idaho), however, I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my education in a field in which I can incorporate all I learned from the women's studies program at WSU."
2003
Katie Cutter
Will be student teaching in Tacoma during fall 2003.
Elizabeth Ewing
Will attend EWU in the fall to receive a post-bac in English and religious studies, then on for a master's in English.
Michell Keeble
"I am working as a team leader and IBI therapist (Intensive Behavioral Intervention) at the North Star Childhood Development Center. This is a preschool for all children, especially ones with disabilities. I work with children with disabilities who have severe behaviors; our goal is to teach them other ways to communicate than with a behavior. This is a very fun and challenging job."
Si*Si Lorenzo
"I'm currently working for Bank of America, and plan to go back to school for my M.B.A."
Leah Nathan
Graduated in May 2003 and is working for 24-Hour Fitness as a fitness counselor and testing with various law enforcement agencies in and around the Spokane area.
Stephanie Spencer
"I have decided to pursue an M.B.A. through the University of Phoenix online and should be finished in July 2006."
2002
Bree Callahan
"I work at Lake Washington Technical College as a career specialist in student advising and Disability Support Services. I still live in Seattle with my lovely partner, our two new baby kittens, and continue to enjoy the post-college world. Make sure you vote!!!"
Michelle Fazendin
In London currently applying for graduate school (fall 2003) focusing on development studies on women and gender development. After graduation from WSU, Michelle joined the Peace Corps and spent three months training in Guinea as a health education volunteer in community development, program planning, French and the local language, and cross culture.
David Gutierrez
Currently works at a law firm in Yakima, Washington, fighting against Labor and Industries on behalf of clients who have been injured on the job.
Nina Jackson
Currently in graduate studies at Arizona State University.
Katie Meyers
Working as a victim advocate in the Clark County Prosecutor's office in Vancouver, Washington.
Erin Moller
Living in Baton, Louisiana, and currently working as an outreach coordinator at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center providing free cancer screening (mammograms, skin screening, colorectal and prostrate exams) to men and women who do not have insurance or cannot afford preventative health care. Screenings are done in parking lots all over town. She finished her second degree in human development and started her master's of science in public health this fall [2004].
Jodi Patrykus
"I am living in Seattle and working at two nonprofits, debating the idea of grad school."
Wendy Paulson
"I was a minor in women's studies. I am residing in Irvine, California, and attending the University of California, Irvine, working on my Ph.D. in sociology with a certificate in feminist studies. I received my master's in sociology and have advanced to candidacy this year, yeah!!!"
Elizabeth Pena
"I am currently working as a full-time freelance writer and photographer."
Jody Pepion
Graduate student in the American Studies Program at WSU.
Wendy Petersen
"I am in medical sales now, living in Seattle, Washington."
Greg Rood
Has been accepted by Chapman for graduate school in the fall of 2003 to pursue a career in elementary education.
Kelsey (Ryan) Ryker
"I currently work and live in Seattle. I manage commercial spaces for artists and small businesses; I also do all of the marketing for our company. I live in West Seattle with my partner Tami, and we are excited to start our growing family any day now!"
Mike Thomas
In the Portland/Vancouver area, employed in banking.
Dina M. Wyche
"I am the new Women's Transit Coordinator at the Women's Resource Center. I am passionate about the WT program and its mission in preventing violence against women, as well as promoting awareness not only on campus but throughout the community as well. I believe that by giving just a little of yourself, you can make a big difference in someone else's life, and yes, it feels good too."
Christina Vala
Currently in Pullman, Washington, working as a filmmaker, and is also lead singer in a local band called No Excuse for Now.
2001
Ellsbeth (Val) Alepuyo
"Graduated from University of Idaho Law School. I have formed Camacho & Alepuyo, LLC, in Saipan."
Stephanie Cady
Living in Seattle with her partner and "still working with Microsoft as team manager, which has allowed me to fill my day with the people development/empowerment I love to do. I serve as the president on the board for the NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian, and Gay Survivors of Abuse."
Tang Cheam
"I am still working with Clan Star, a nonprofit with its mission of ending violence against Native women. As IT director, my work with them is to provide technology support and services to Native women's coalitions. I help select and implement various types of technology to each coalition by providing a custom tailored program, which ensures that what is introduced is relevant and can be easily incorporated into their work. We are partially funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, DOJ, to provide technical assistance to these coalitions. I'd like to highlight two projects being worked on at the moment: the first is a teen suicide prevention video for use with a curriculum developed by Tillie Black Bear of White Buffalo Calf Women's Society, the oldest Native women's shelter in the country; the second is a historical video to open the 30th-year anniversary celebration of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence this July [2008]. The video attempts to contextualize the work of the coalition over the last 30 years through the lens of one of its founding mothers. On the personal side, I am completing my master's degree at the University of Washington, Tacoma, and will walk in June [2008]. My thesis work is on the activities of recovery and reconciliation of Cambodian genocide survivors."
Cecilia Aracely Martinez-Vasquez
Living in Seattle. Currently working for Shoreline Community College at the Multicultural & Diversity Education Center.
Jacqueline G. Martinez-Vasquez
"In Seattle and working with the Washington Education Foundation. In my second quarter in the doctorate program at UW in education leadership and policy. Co-director/co-founder of a nonprofit called Indigenous Nations Institute (INI)."
Fiona Thylin
"Graduated from Eastern Washington University with an M.S.W. I am currently working for Child Welfare Services Unit. This unit attempts to support families, offer services to parents, and works at reunifying families whose children have been removed by the state due to neglect/abuse."
2000
Meggin McPhee
Administrative manager of a resort in Sedona, Arizona.
Angela (Snyder) Southworth
"I received my PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certificate and title in June 2005. In 2005, I went to work for Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington, as the benefits/wellness specialist."
1999
Angela Holland
"2007: just went up for tenure at CCSN. After finishing grad school (M.A. - communication at WSU) in summer 2001, I moved back to western Washington in pursuit of work as an instructor in communication studies at various community colleges. After obtaining adjunct teaching employment/experience at Highline Community College, Pierce College, and Tacoma Community College, I decided I would take a stab at finding 'full-time' instructional work. With that in mind, I sent out an application to the most insane (or exciting, depends on your perception I suppose) place on earth, Las Vegas. I was interviewed and hired in a whirlwind, and have been in Vegas since January 2004. Currently, I am teaching public speaking courses at the Community College of Southern Nevada, and plan to stay here until my sanity wears out and I return to 'civilization' (if you'd like to know more about what I mean by 'civilization' and my perception/experiences with Las Vegas, do feel free to write). As for what else I'm doing with my academic/work life, I'm on a committee at my college to open a Women's Center (and to create Women's Studies courses), and am considering taking classes at UNLV for a Women's Studies Graduate Certificate. Beyond work/school, as of a few months ago I am now the proud pup-parent of a nutty Boston Terrier named Bartleby, who keeps me on my toes."
Kai Ma
"I graduated from journalism school last May [2006] and am back in New York, working as a
freelance writer. I lucked out and live in a rent-stabilized apartment in Manhattan with two
roommates. My bedroom window faces a brick wall.
In terms of an update, I spent three years at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of
Journalism and wrote my thesis on North Korean defectors and their adjustment into
capitalist South Korea. It was an incredible experience. I interviewed about nine North Koreans,
all who live in Seoul. I was very moved by their experiences, and their willingness to trust
me. Now, I freelance for New York Magazine, nerve.com, and a slew of other magazines that
most people have never heard of, and occasionally report as a stringer for the New York
Times. I'm still broke and confused as ever—but alas, doing what I love."
Bridget Towles
"I am currently a single mother of a strong-willed, intelligent, and beautiful four-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Kayla. I work full-time as a patient care coordinator assistant for Legacy Visiting Nurse Association in Portland, Oregon." Bridget is looking forward to returning to study for a master's in public administration at Portland State University in fall 2003.
1998
Michelle Bales
"I earned my master's degree from Antioch University, Seattle. I am currently a mental health therapist at Pioneer Counseling Services."
Jen Harrison-Schlich
"In graduate school attending University of Washington Occupational Therapy. Will be buried in books until 2007. Living out in the middle of nowhere in Alger, Washington, in a rustic cabin in the woods chopping firewood for fun. Life is interesting!"
Tina Krauss
Completed her M.A. in American studies at WSU in 2006.
Wendy Mason, ARNP
"Currently residing in Moses Lake, Washington, and have a private psychiatric practice. I completed a B.S.N. and M.S.N. after my B.A. in women's studies and comparative American cultures. I am also working on my Ph.D. in transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. I have also spent time teaching (psych nursing and nutrition at WSU and BBCC). Further, I have published several pieces on women's health and health policy."
Zemorah Wainhouse Murray
Currently with the YMCA of Greater Seattle at the Northshore branch (Bothell). She is also the director of youth development, supervising leadership and recreational programs for teens.
Noelle Tusberg
As of April 1, 2002, Noelle e-mailed us that she was in Morocco as a maternal child health volunteer. After graduation from WSU she was the coordinator of domestic violence services at ATVP. This role also included managing the confidential shelter of Pullman/Moscow. Noelle writes that in Morocco they have similar services for women who have been exiled from their communities due to pregnancy out of wedlock. This is a project she hopes to take part in, and it is located in a coastal town along the Mediterranean. The following year she became the training coordinator for Planned Parenthood of Western Washington. Satisfied to have found her niche in the realm of women's health, and access to info, contacts, and inservice training that could have led her straight to an R.N./M.S.N.—but the invitation to volunteer in Morocco as a health educator has undoubtedly been the best decision.
1997
Barb Crane Dally
"I am working for Trident Seafoods Corporation in Ballard. I work in the export department and my title is export logistics/sales support. I primarily handle the logistics for our products going to Korea and China."
Amy Giorgetti Summers
"I have opened a house in Issaquah, Washington, for developmentally disabled adults."
Kimberly O'Brien | Web site
Psychotherapist in Seattle. Pregnancy options and post-abortion counseling. Master's degree in psychology with an emphasis in mental health counseling. Bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in women's studies. "In addition to pregnancy options and post-abortion counseling, I offer psychotherapy services for clients who want to explore specific issues or pursue ongoing personal growth. I have experience working with issues including anxiety, depression, stress reduction, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trandsgender issues, family of origin, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, sexuality, identity, life transitions, work changes/challenges, and spirituality."
1996
Albert Kim
"I got a new job back in September [2006]. I'm at Amazon.com now and am a campus recruiter. Most of my job is building relationships with our tier one universities and setting up projects and events as well as recruit. It's a great job and I travel a lot. My schools are UW, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan, Dartmouth, and BYU."
Alison McLeod
Living in San Diego. "I have started my own jewelry company, and we own our political consulting company, Crotty Consulting. At any rate, I am still fighting the good fight, as I know we all are, just being present in the moment."
Kimberly Moore Bronson
Has been teaching high school English in San Diego for seven years. Working on a master's in educational counseling.
Reis Pearson
"Just bought my first house, living in Seattle, working as a department supervisor for the flooring and decor department at Home Depot in Issaquah, forever looking for a job in my field."
1995
Jennie Haarsager-Lieske
"I attended University of Wyoming from 1997–2000 and received a master of arts degree in American studies. I am director of Albany County Family Planning Center in Laramie, Wyoming."
Amy Tidwell
"I have indeed become a school administrator. This [2007] is my first year as a high school assistant principal. The last five years I've spent running an alternative high school for 'at risk' kids. I also got married, and we have a one-and-a-half-year-old son! Being a working mom is sure something!"
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