Emma Contreras is double-majoring in Environment Studies and Educational Policy Studies, and getting certificates in Gender & Women’s Studies, American Indian & Indigenous Studies, and Public Policy.
- Why did you choose GWS?
I chose to pursue a GWS certificate because I wanted to better understand how gender shapes people’s representation in education and policy & how our identities determine our experience navigating the world. My course work with the amazing GWS professors at UW-Madison has given me the language to be able to think critically about inequality and how to connect these frameworks to real-world issues. - Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
Being a part of the GWS community has introduced me to so many wonderful people through attending events and being in classrooms that promote thoughtful discussion and are places where I am constantly learning new things, which I enjoy so much. It has really pushed me to be more intentional in how I engage with others and show up in both academic and community spaces. Growing my friendships with other GWS students and scholars has been the highlight of my time here at UW-Madison. - How has GWS shaped your future plans?
Being involved with the GWS program as an undergraduate student helped me decide how I want to approach solving issues in our education system in order to effectively make schools places that are inclusive and affirming for all students. My GWS classes helped me realize my passion for gender justice, and it has helped guide my career aspirations of one day becoming an educational policy analyst where I would be able to promote action that is focused on equity.