GWS Student Spotlight – Brianna Washington – Gender & Women's Studies

Brianna Washington is majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and getting certificates in Global Health and Health Policy.

1.Why did you choose GWS?

I chose Gender & Women’s Studies because it gave me a lens to understand the systemic challenges faced by underrepresented communities. My passion for advocating for equity led me to the program, as Gender & Women’s Studies provide interdisciplinary tools to explore topics such as colorism, health disparities, and community care through both scholarly and practical perspectives.

2. Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?

Gender & Women’s Studies has deepened my commitment to intersectional advocacy, shaping my leadership in co-founding For The Femmes, a student organization dedicated to supporting Black women and women of color to succeed in spaces where they are unseen and unheard. GWS has influenced my research and internships by ensuring my work is rooted in inclusivity and the voices of those often silenced. Whether I’m writing about Black maternal health or addressing colorism, GWS has encouraged me to center underrepresented narratives.

3. How has GWS shaped your future plans?

GWS has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations to work in health policy and global health, focusing on the intersection of gender, race, and equity. I plan to carry forward the principles I’ve learned—emphasizing community care, cultural competency, and intersectionality—whether I’m working in reproductive equity, addressing health disparities, or uplifting the voices of underrepresented populations on a larger scale.