Planning committee

Advisor

Heather came to MSU with a deep commitment to gender equity initiatives for students on college and university campuses, having recently worked as the Director of a Women’s Center in Idaho. She is committed to antiracist, intersectional feminism and working alongside college students who want to make the world a better place. She is a transplant to the midwest: she grew up in the western U.S., completed her undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees at Colorado State University. Heather completed her PhD at MSU in higher education administration. Her dissertation was a feminist narrative analysis of former college students’ engagement in a feminist play called The Vagina Monologues. In addition to working in Women*s Student Services, each summer she leads an undergraduate education abroad program called Learning, Culture, and Technology in Europe. Outside of campus, Heather loves to camp, hike, run, and garden. She is an avid reader and loves to travel to National Parks. 

Advisor

Gabby Wahla came to MSU W*SS to work toward her passions of gender equity, social justice, and student programs and events. Gabby is a Spartan double-grad, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the Residential College in the Arts & Humanities in 2017, and then a Master of Arts from the Student Affairs Administration program in 2021. Gabby’s love for higher education began in her role as an MSU College Adviser in Galesburg, Michigan, where she worked with students on educational equity. Gabby then went on to be the Graduate Assistant for Women*s Student Services during her Master’s program, and now joins W*SS as the Assistant Director. In her free time, Gabby enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, traveling, and drinking tea.

Advisor

Makenzie Morales (they/she) is a first-year graduate student in the Student Affairs Administration Master’s program. Makenzie grew up in MetroDetroit and went to Central Michigan University for their undergraduate degree, where they studied International Relations and Spanish. After graduating from Central Michigan University in 2020, they worked at an elementary school with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade special education students in Mount Clemens Community School District. Makenzie’s willingness to work towards a more equitable education system brought them to Michigan State University. During Makenzie’s time at Central Michigan University, they volunteered with various shelters in the Mount Pleasant area, served as the President of an intersectional feminist organization, assisted other social justice-oriented organizations, and organized numerous events for student and the community to enjoy. Makenzie’s dedication to fighting for gender equity has led them to Women*s Student Services, and they can not wait to form new connections and start new projects at MSU!

Alumni

Dreux Baker is a two-time alumnus of Michigan State University where he received his BS in Medical Technology and his MA in HALE. MSU is where he began his work in diversity, equity, and inclusion as an undergraduate. His work focuses on facilitating difficult conversations around power, privilege, and oppression and building relationships across our various human differences. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Michigan State University in the Residence Education and Housing Services department. In his free time, he loves spending time with his two daughters, working out, and watching movies. He tries to approach all things in life with the motto his father taught him, “If you are going to do something, be excited about it!”

Co-chair

Ashleigh Lowe (she/they) is a junior majoring in Arts and Humanities. Their passion for gender equity and social justice brought her to Women*s Student Services, where they hope to help create social change on Michigan State’s campus. Ashleigh is excited to create fun and informative programming for students at MSU this year. Ashleigh is joining us for their third academic year here in Women*s Student Services!

Logistics

Nithya Charles uses She/her/hers pronouns and is a senior at Michigan State. She is a creative advertising major with a Spanish minor. Nithya currently serves as the chairperson for MSU's University Activities Board and is serving on the operations and logistics committee for this year's WILD conference. This is her first year as a part of the WILD planning team and she is super excited to get involved. This year, Nithya is looking forward to hearing from our brilliant speakers and watching our community gather and learn together! 

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Co-chair

Joslyn Miller (she/her/hers) is a Senior studying Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Social Science with a focus in Community Governance and Advocacy and minors in Leadership of Organizations and Philosophy and Law. On campus, Joslyn is the Vice President of Women*s Council, the Membership Outreach Chair for Empowering Women in Law, an Enrichment Chair for the Prison Reform Advocacy Group, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. She is passionate about women*s issues, immigration, criminal justice reform, and educational equity and hopes to work in community organizing after graduation. Joslyn was an intern in our office during Spring 2021, and is joining us again for Fall 2022!

Logistics Committee

Emma is a sophomore in the College of Social and Natural Science studying Neuroscience and Economics. She attended the 2021 WILD conference as a freshman, where she found a reflection of her passion for women's involvement in social and political leadership. This is her first year involved in the WILD planning committee as the Events Coordinator with the University Activities Board and as a member of the WILD logistics committee. Emma is also involved in MSU Circle K and MSU Women*s Council, and is excited to be part of the team working to strengthen the impact of women in leadership.

Logistics Committee

Hayley is an aspiring Undergraduate at Michigan State University looking to pursue her degree in Marketing Research with a minor in Environmental Sustainability Studies. Driving her passion throughout her education is her interest in global sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. She has hopes of studying abroad in the near future to better understand the global bridging of societies while experiencing different cultures. She loves traveling, spending time with friends and family, and snacking. 🌿🌎🌊

Logistics

Mariam Turkey is a Senior at MSU majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Behavior and Social Sciences & Health Promotion. Outside her work on the planning committee for The Women’s Initiative for Leadership Development (WILD) Conference, she is also a facilitator for Spartan Shifa, an organization on campus that advocates for mental health among students on campus. 

Logistics

Noihrita Masud (she/her/hers) is currently a senior studying Human Biology and Comparative Cultures & Politics at Michigan State University. Noihrita's passion for creating an inclusive and safe community that incorporates natural dialogue for intersectional feminism among various gender, racial, cultural, and social identities brought her to W*SS. She is currently involved with Women*s Council, ASMSU, and MSA and hopes to become an impactful physician-scientist one day!

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Curriculum

Hana's pronouns are they/xe. They are majoring in Sociology. WILD is their first organizational involvement, and this is their first year in WILD too! They are in the curriculum committee. They got involved because they are interested in learning more about Women Leadership and Empowerment, as well as learning the behind the scenes work in setting up a conference!

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Millie Nevelos (she/her/hers) is a third year student studying International Relations and Comparative Cultures and Politics with a minor in history. Millie also works as a tour guide which is what first brought her to Women*s Student Services and through learning more about the office, she applied for the intern position as it aligned with her passions for social equity. Millie is also the chief diversity officer for the International Students Association and the secretary of Friendshop on campus and also works as a research assistant for a living archive team.

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Bella Lopez (she/they) is a second-year student studying English and Art History for their undergraduate degree. Bella has a passion for art, literature, and social activism. After attending FemFest in 2021, Bella knew she wanted to help W*SS in any way possible. They are studying to be an Archivist, and she hopes to create more art in the future! 

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Maren uses she/her/hers pronouns and is an International Relations and Economics major. She is in the Women*s Council as a Media Chair and she is a Co-Chair of Gender Equity Advisory Council (GEAC). This is her first year organizing WILD, and she wants to help her peers build leadership skills for their empowerment. She thinks that everyone should be able to advocate for themselves as well as others.

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Jordyn Bradley (she/her/hers) is a third-year undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering. Jordyn's motivation to work towards a more gender inclusive campus and social awareness has led her to W*SS. In addition to working with W*SS, Jordyn serves as a Peer Educator with the Prevention, Outreach, and Education Department as well as the Social Media Chair Women in STEM.

Logistics

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Assesment and Registration

Mike is a third year in the Residential College of Arts and Humanities and a major in African American and African Studies. This is her first time working on the WILD planning team; however, she attended last year and it was amazing. She got involved in WILD because having the opportunity to empower women and help keep their hearts in tact is so important to her.

Assessment and Registration

Maddie Leaver (she/her/hers) is a senior at MSU studying Women & Gender Studies alongside Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy. Maddie's passion for gender equality and belief in the power of genuine connections with inspired her to apply for a position at W*SS. Maddie is ecstatic to work with alongside the wonderful W*SS team, create events surrounding gender equality on campus, and connect with people who share her beliefs before graduating in December.

Rebekah is the Vice President of External Affairs for Michigan State’s Jewish Student Union (JSU). Outside of the JSU, she is primarily a Senior studying Animal Science with an interest in conservational wildlife biology. She is so grateful to be a part of the DEI Student Activism Summit, she has found a passion for activism in both her career and extracurricular life. Joining the JSU has not only fulfilled her hope of educating others on the beauty of Jewish culture, but it has also opened her eyes on the power activism and allyship have for so many other minority groups in need of support. Joining the team for planning this summit has offered her a wealth of knowledge on how to not only demonstrate proper activism for the Jewish community, but how to support, defend, and advocate for the other minority groups that make up our campus’ population. 

Assessment and Registration

Jada James (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year student in the Social Work Bachelor's program at Michigan State University. Jada's passion for mental health, social justice, and gender studies brought her to the Social Work program; and Women*s Student Services. Jada plans to go on to receive her Master's in Social Work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. 

Logistics

Cara Drew is the graduate assistant in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department of Residential & Educational Housing Services (REHS) at Michigan State University. She is also the chairperson for the Student Activism Summit, to which she is so excited to partner with WILD this fall! Bringing the teams together for this event will 'AMPLIFY' ACTIVISM in a meaningful way for more people than ever. The reason she decided to collaborate with WILD this year is because student activism builds bridges beyond boundaries, and with WILD, we'd become unstoppable. The bigger our voice, the more powerful we all become.

Curriculum

Taylor's pronouns are she/they. Their major is Psychology and Women*s and Gender Studies. She is in the Women*s Council as an RHA Representative, MSU Safe Place Volunteer, and a member of the Social Science Scholars Program. This is their first year organizing WILD, and she wants to help bring awareness to the inequalities and disparities within our day-to-day lives. Education and advocacy on these issues is vital in bringing the necessary change to improve the world around us

Logistics

Morgan uses she/her/hers pronouns. She is a Psychology and African American Studies major. Morgan is also a Women*s Council Program Co-Chair. This is her first year organizing WILD, and she wants to help diversify spaces where her peers can feel comfortable and represented. 

CRU

They are a part Culturas de las Razas Unidas (CRU). She joined WILD through the student activism summit; they are one of the CRU chairs for this event. It's been a great experience working with the WILD planning committee and putting this event together

CRU/Student Activism Summit

As a Latina woman, they hope to bring more awareness to the intersectional female lens. They wanted to advocate for women and amplify women's voices. By partaking in this event, it would unite the community to promote gender equity and create an inclusive space. 

CRU

She is a part of this year's Culturas de las razas Unidas Eboard. They first became involved with WILD through the student activism summit and have been helping coordinate this years event as one of the committee chairs. 

Assessment and Registration

Kaltham Altaher is a Junior studying Women's & Gender Studies with minors in History and Leadership of Organization. Kaltham attended the previous WILD Conference and felt she should be on the committee. Kaltham's favorite things are reading and food, and she loves all four seasons.

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