GWS Student Spotlight – Hannah Cacciapaglia

Hannah Cacciapaglia is double-majoring in Gender & Women’s Studies and Political Science.

1. Why did you choose GWS?
   I chose GWS after feeling seen and understood through the course content in GWS 102 taught by Dr. Kate. Not only has GWS opened up doors to safe spaces on campus, with even better people, but it has become a perfect complement to my political science studies. As identity politics become increasingly salient each year, feminist theory and other ideologies of GWS must be used to tackle contemporary intersecting oppressions. I am so thankful to have had the privilege to learn from the remarkable faculty of the GWS department who have inspired me to think critically about my own experiences and question EVERYTHING. As a young queer woman, GWS has equipped me with the tools to articulate my own thoughts and identities, while curiously learning from others.
2. Has GWS changed your approach to your involvement (on or off campus) during college? If so, how?
   As a political organizer on campus, I integrate values like equity and reproductive justice into the work I complete each day. As my studies have taught me, the personal is political. When I talk to prospective voters, I have learned to enter conversations seeing humanity before political stances and feel well-educated about proposing other ways of thinking that challenge oppressive institutions. Feminist theory should be for everyone, and I want to be a part of the generation that invites all types of folks into the fight for equity. My GWS studies have inspired me to interrogate societal expectations and unjust establishments instead of resenting individuals for thinking a certain way. It has allowed me to meet students where they are and organically find common ground!
3. How has GWS shaped your future plans?
   My GWS education is at the very center of who I hope to be as a public servant. Next semester, I will be studying away in Washington, D.C. on the Wisconsin in Washington program. Though I am unsure of my exact internship position as of now, I am certain that I will bring perspectives from GWS to the commencement of my career in public service. I am excited to work alongside other young queer people in being at the forefront of necessary change in this country. Whether strengthening my ability to be a good friend and neighbor, or a more critical thinker when tackling contentious policy matters, I am thankful for my adventures in the GWS department and the values it has instilled in me!