Welcome to the Gender and Women’s Studies and LGBTQ+ Studies celebration of 2025 graduates.
Find more celebration on the campus Spring Commencement page and remember to hashtag your social media with #UWGrad. Best wishes as you graduate. Stay in touch. We love to hear how you are doing and what you are doing in post-graduate life.
GWS MAJORS
Emily Asmann
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
The importance of community and how liberation is truly collective. So grateful for all my professors and fellow students that let me experience this lovely experience of community in GWS.
Jenna Bohnsack
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
how to think critically about the systems and institutions that we live under that cause undue harm and how to be a more effective and empathetic activist in my community to help change these systems and create a future that is better for everyone.
Brett Dunn
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Continue to fight for the liberation of all people, using the power of language to build solidarity and community strength. Free Palestine and all oppressed people.
Claire Jackson
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
GWS/LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me to challenge the status quo, to imagine a better world, and embrace new perspectives. Over the past four years I have collaborated with my peers to examine the world around us and craft a world that provides care, love, and support for all. With my degree in GWS I have learned that imagining a new and better world does not require us to know what it will look like, but instead is a non-linear, imperfect process. GWS/LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me that together we can and will make a difference.
Emmett Lockwood
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
I will be starting a Masters in Critical Disability Studies at York University and work towards becoming a professor with a research interest in the intersection of Critical Disability Studies and Indigenous/First Nation Studies with a focus in how mass disablement caused by generations of settler-colonial violence impacts self identification with disability in Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in so-called Canada. I am inspired to go into academia from the amazing mentorship and example set by numerous professors in the Gender and Women's Studies department - too many professors to name! The GWS department has built my ethics as a scholar and pedagogical basis that I hope to bring into future research and teaching!
Madison Mormino
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
I cannot express deeply enough how much my GWS courses have meant to me— on a foundational level, GWS has taught me how to understand how the world works! Examining all axes of identity and experience with an intersectional lens allows us to recognize and deconstruct stereotypes, challenge biases, and advocate for social justice and equality. GWS has showed me that learning about how systems of power interact and function to advantage or disadvantage certain people is the first step for imagining structural change for a better, more equitable society. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow during my time as a GWS student— no other classroom has been as welcoming, supportive, and transformative as those of the GWS department. Thank you so much!
Akshita Pattnaik
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
to critically examine the world around me, challenge systems of power, and center voices that are often marginalized. These courses have shaped how I think and advocate for what I care about. My GWS education has led me to imagine more inclusive futures—both in my career and in everyday life - and equipped me with tools to create those environments. I have become more reflective and analytical in my daily interactions, and I feel as though I am a better person for it.
Valeria Rodrigo Rojas
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
that the questions that I have been asking myself all my life have a place to be asked. Asking questions about the exterior happenings around me is worth asking through a decolonial and feminist lens. There is a space where analytical thinking and creativity can coexist and are not mutually exclusive, where interdisciplinary global work can thrive. GWS taught me how an inquisitive point of view can flourish and a network-based thinking can reach towards imaginative and constructive futurities.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Continue my studies in interdisciplinary work in graduate school. Fusing theory and art, culture and politics, into a network of creation.
Ella Smith
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
The importance of humanities as a whole in application to our past, present and future realities. GWS has shown me how much value there is in thinking critically about constructions of the world and how to best approach changing the things we can no longer accept.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Pursue every opportunity with care and trust in knowing that I now successfully understand many aspects to humanity that are often not highlighted in many other fields. I will always take with me the power of genuine passion in desiring insight and justice for all people.
Maggie Veak
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
bring an intersectional, open minded, and compassionate approach to each and every one of my future endeavors!
Sarenna Wood
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
theory and nuance that can be applied everywhere. Anywhere you turn there are a multitude of gws theories that are underlying each thought that crosses your mind, every interaction you have. It is a brilliant program and the only program that gives its students knowledge and abilities that are applicable to every element of life moving forward.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
be a more prepared, well-rounded, and empathetic person. I will carry the lessons I've learned through my professors, my classmates, and my friends, everywhere I go from here on out.
GWS/LGBTQ+ STUDIES CERTIFICATES
Zoë Bracken
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
go into my career within the mental health field aware of people's varying identities and experiences that affect how they present to the world. I hope to offer a sense of comfort and inclusivity within my future work as a therapist and researcher.
Madelyn Gess
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
Through my education in receiving a certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies, I've learned about the rich history of feminist movements, such as second-wave feminism, and more recent intersectional approaches to feminism. I've explored how activism has evolved over time, from advocating for voting rights to challenging systemic inequality today. Through this lens, I've come to understand how crucial it is to challenge gender norms and expectations in both personal and societal contexts.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
With my GWS education, I feel empowered to advocate for social change, constantly encouraged to ask critical questions about the status quo. This journey has reinforced that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a human rights issue that affects everyone. It has helped me understand the vital role of collective action, and how every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a broader transformation toward equality and justice for all.
Molly Hunkel
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
As a history and journalism student, I have had lots of opportunities in my major-applicable courses to choose my own research topics, and much of what I have learned in my GWS courses has given be useful background knowledge for gender and sexuality historical and current events topics. I’ve gotten to do my own research to learn about indigenous women’s history in America, a queer female-focused neighborhood in north Chicago, women’s history in 1960s Ireland through women’s magazines, a lesbian community and monthly lesbian newsletter from late 20th century La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the development of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in Racine, Wisconsin. My GWS classes have shaped my approach to these projects, and all that I know that all I’ve learned about queer and gender politics and history will continue to be extremely useful after I graduate this spring.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Although I’m still not completely sure what job I’ll find myself in after I graduate, I know that I’ll be able to use so much of what I’ve learned from my GWS courses in whatever I end up doing. I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about the politics of identity and the importance of free expression, and I’m so grateful to my GWS professors and peers for allowing me to soak up all of their knowledge.
Ray Kirsch
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
how valuable being curious is regardless of what space I am in!
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
pursue a writing career with a particular focus on creating representative characters of communities I have learned about.
Allysa Klahn
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
continue my education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Masters of Science program!
Emma Leibfried
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Coming into college, I didn't know Gender and Women's Studies was something you could study. I took my first class, GWS 102, and fell in love with it. From that day on, there was no way I wouldn't continue my GWS education. With everything I've learned, I will treat all my patients with the respect they deserve. No matter who walks into my future doctor's office, they will get the care they deserve.
Leah Maitland
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Be continuing in my education through the Masters of Library and Information Science here at UW-Madison in the fall, in the hopes of becoming a librarian, and using both my GWS and LGBTQ+ certificates to ensure that quality representation in literature and media will continue to be sought after and provided for the community and beyond.
Amanda Miller
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
As a Political Science major, I've spent my entire college career learning how systems of power work and operate in the world. However, my GWS certificate has really opened my eyes and broadened my learning as I've discovered how power systems intersect with identity- especially for those who voices are often marginalized or overlooked. Some of my most interesting and enjoyable classes have been GWS, and I've met so many amazing people in this program.
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
In the future I plan to attend law school, one day hoping to advocate and serve marginalized communities. I hope to continue observing the world through the critical lens I have gained with my GWS education.
Zoey Puacz
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
GWS has taught me to challenge the status quo, broaden my perspective, and find new ways to fight for equality.
Mark Rice
With my GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies education, I will...
Go on to work as an associate neurophisiologist and ensure my career is full of care and design that centers equitable and accessibility for all.
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
How to bring the lessons of how marginalized people are denied proper care in the Healthcare system into my own work and medical device design so ensure everyone has proper access to care.
Katie Wilberding
GWS and/or LGBTQ+ Studies has taught me...
GWS has taught me to critically examine the systems that shape our lives—and to imagine new ones rooted in care, equity, and resistance. It gave me the language to name injustice, the theory to understand it, and the tools to fight back.
GENDER AND WOMEN'S STUDIES AND LGBTQ+ STUDIES GRADS
GWS Majors
Vebi Ademi
Emily Asmann
Sean Bell
Leocadia Biundo
Jenna Bohnsack
Lydia Boyce
Samantha Brungardt Alvarez
Jordyn Chesir
Amanda Curbelo
Brett Dunn
Emily Edinger
Lexi Everts
Daniel Fitch
Jamie Goldin
Isabella Guzman-Santiago
Ella Harbaugh
GWS Majors (cont.)
Claire Jackson
Anna Just
Georgie Laws
Hailey Lewis
Emmett Lockwood
Madison Mormino
Emaleah Niemi
Elleanor Patterson
Akshita Pattnaik
Stefany Perez Dorantes
Valeria Rodrigo Rojas
Julia Schmitt
Shannon Silberman
Alexis Smiezek
Ella Smith
Jordon Stangland
GWS Majors (cont.)
Katrina Stastny
Laurel Sutherland
Maya Thiex
Gabrielle Trieloff
Jennifer Trinh
Madison Tuchtenhagen
Maggie Veak
Viviana Viveros
Maya Wille
Sarenna Wood
LGBTQ+ Studies Certificates
Daniel Babenkov
Sean Bell
Lucas Dockum
Brett Dunn
Claire Jackson
Young Liang
Camille Loomer
Leigh Maitland
Phoenix Rowell
Elliot Seals
Eva Zhong
GWS Certificates
Abigail Adams
Amara Alexander
Sarah Badger
Noel Barger
Olivia Bartman
Lily Bauer
Olivia Bauer-Shimek
Sophia Beaulieu
Sean Bell
Jayda Bessel
Leocadia Biundo
Isabelle Bogan
Shaina Bond
Zoe Bracken
Kayla Buth
Bailey Butler
Valentina Castano Ramirez
Alison Cecil
Amina Chadli
Alexandra Chavez
Noreri Cisneros Vargas
Genevieve Coate
Maddie Cota
Taylor Crnkovich
Rebecca Damelin
Lane Xiao Davis
Tessa Devine
Emily Dickmeyer
Reyna Dogru
Freya Ebbesen
Madeline Ebert
Makenna Eckhoff- Ringhand
Emily Edinger
Rachel Emmiti
Rebecca Enos
Dhatrishwari Erriboyina
Lexi Everts
Katheryn Fair
Maxine Farman
Nicole Fricke
Silvia Galvez
Josie Geppert
Madelyn Gess
Samantha Givich
Madeline Glerum
Elise Goebel
Emily Gonzales
Ella Gorodetzky
Natalie Grady
Sydney Gray
Ellie Gustafson
Lily Haasl
McKenna Halverson
Greta Hansen
Renee Hegge
Abigail Heltzer
Jess Hidrogo-Romero
Claire Hockman
GWS Certificates (cont.)
Kayla Hollis
Molly Hunken
Hanan Jabril
Sydne Jenkins
Gabrielle Joe
Ariel Johnson
Serena Jordahl
Katrina Kallas
Ellen Keuler
Caitlyn Kimball
Ray Kirsch
Allysa Klahn
Hannah Kleiboer
Lauren Kugler
Anna Kujawa
Ella Laatsch
Maren Lantz
Sadie Larson
Sade Latka
Mckenna Laurent
Marcellus Lawrence
Paige Lawrence
Emma Leibfried
Olivia Leighton
Grace Lelinski
Georgia Dylan Lerman
Annabelle Letizia
Young Liang
Elijah Lin
Joua Lor
Hannah Lough
Lauren MacDougal
Margaret Mackinnon
Leah Maitland
Jacob Marx
Eloise Massee
Raegan Matson
Hannah Matthews
Brianna Mauel
Bridget McBride
Alexandra McClain
Alexandria Miller
Amanda Miller
Anna Morehead
Namita Nair
Emma Neumann
Chloe Ng
Grace Norum-Tannahill
Suzanne Oriel
Hannah Paley
Gabrielle Palm
Alex Patterson
Madison Peters
Natalie Petersen
Poojha Prabahara Sundar
Emerson Pronschinske
Zofia Puacz
Lanie Pucc
GWS Certificates (cont.)
Sarah Rab
Madisin Randolph
Brianna Rau
Olivia Rebek
Megan Reetz
Devin Reiman
Madison Rhodes
Mark Rice
Natasha Riek
Jasmine Robinson
Tifannie Rosen
Ashley Roth
Isabella Roth-Dunn
Sarah Rovner
Khaiya Sabel
Ella Saph
Kate Sarvady
Jenna Schlondrop
Anna Schneck
Olivia Schopf
Holly Shulman
Helen Simpson
Alexis Smiezek
Hadley Southworth
Elissa Spatt
Alexia Spevacek
Delaney Steffen
Sydney Steidl
Skyler Stern
Kaylee Strutz
Trinisha Sullivan
Ingrid Szocik
Brynn Teeling
Rhiannon Teschner
Taisha Thomas
Ava Tijerina
Amanda Tremmel
Brynn Vanboxtel
Josie VandenHeuvel
Nicole Villasana
Victoria Walker
Alex Walsh
Jailyn Weaver
Nitaiya Welhouse
Annika Wetzel
Paige Wiedemann
Katie Wilberding
Meghan Wokurka
Kassie Wurtinger
Lydia Zajichek
Sofia Zelazoski
Stephanie Zellner
Leah Zeman
Eva Zhong
Rebecca Zier