The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE) at Grand Valley State University welcomed a new director, Holly Jasinski. She officially started the position on June 21, and aims to put intersectionality at the forefront of gender support on campus.
Jasinski said she hopes to be a resource for students to empower gender equity and accomplish community initiatives.
“My transition into this new role has been exciting,” Jasinski said. “I’ve been able to connect with staff, faculty and students across campus. Building relationships and collaborating with others is essential to me.”
According to the CWGE website, Jasinski has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community advocacy. She is a GVSU alumna, holding both a Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership from the University. In combination with her own personal interests and experience, Jasinski has worked with interns from GVSU, as well as frequently partnering with CWGE in previous projects, according to GVNext.
Jasinski told GVNext that she became interested in intersectionality as a college student.
Intersectionality describes how multiple forms of discrimination can create different experiences that might not be understood by conventional ways of thinking, and how the merging of social structures can create unique obstacles. CWGE uses intersectionality as a lens to support diverse groups of students on campus, including women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals and students with children.
The center is planning to host multiple events over the upcoming school year including Feminist Film Fridays and Talkback Tuesdays, both of which are programs meant to educate the GVSU community on gender equity and intersectionality.
To further target injustice and address intersectionality in campus spaces, CWGE partners with multiple GVSU organizations, such as the food donation program Replenish.
“Gender inequity and food insecurity are closely connected,” Jasinksi said. “Systemic gender inequalities often limit women’s and gender-expansive individuals’ access to resources, including food.”
Lariesha Lee, the assistant director for CWGE, said the center usually organizes some of their biggest events in the second semester of the year. EqualiTEA, an annual event held during Women’s History Month, highlights the role of women in activism, drawing on the historical significance of tea as a symbol of unity and community building.
Every women’s History Month, the center will also host the Girls of Color Summit (GOCS). GOCS is a social justice summit with hands-on workshops for local students in sixth to twelfth grade.
Beyond these events, the center is always looking for new ideas and innovative ways to involve students, according to Lee. Lee said they are open to student-led initiatives, and encourage the GVSU community to get involved in activism.
“We (CWGE) try to keep it fresh and new,” Lee said. “Our work is very centered on who we serve, and students have a lot of input about what (events) we’re having.”
Lee emphasized the importance of building relationships to prepare students for life after college. As a mentor, Lee said she encourages students to reach out to people outside of GVSU.
“No one entity can provide all (the) support that a student may need,” said Lee. “We have to do this work in (our) community. Relationships are so important. It’s not always what you know, but who you know and how you make people feel.”
Through one-on-one mentorship, CWGE also provides students with experiential learning and work opportunities, in addition to networking.
“The Center for Women & Gender Equity at GVSU is more than just a resource, it is a movement,” Lee said. “Through its innovative programs and events, CWGE continues to create spaces where students can lead their authentic lives, challenge social barriers and contribute to a more just and equitable world.”
Jasinski said she defines support for gender equity within the center by challenging systemic barriers, providing mentorship and leadership programs and promoting awareness through education. With this in mind, Jasiniski aims to use her experience to make GVSU a more comfortable space for diverse groups by focusing on elevating the voices of students and encouraging collaboration through the center.
“Strong support for women and gender equity means creating inclusive policies, fostering environments where all voices are heard and ensuring access to resources and opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender,” Jasinski said. “It includes partnering across campus and beyond to address intersectional issues, and empowering Lakers to advocate for social justice and gender equality in their communities now, and in the future.”