FALL 2019

Department of Women & Gender Studies

Letter from the Chair s you read through this year’s edition non-white men the right to vote. These relevant courses across the University. Musical, Aof Connections, you’ll learn about the milestones also coincide with a presidential dance, and theater performances will address extraordinary commitments, scholarship, election year, and the power of voting will be the history of suffrage and civil rights and solutions, and creativity that underline much in the news and on our minds. the voices of women and social-justice leaders in America. A community-reader series will everything we do and care about in Women “OUR VOTE” will engage students and the focus on the struggles for empowerment and & Gender Studies — and the enormous community on topics and events that reflect social justice, with special lectures from faculty contributions that our faculty and students upon the history and impact of social justice across a broad range of perspectives from make within and far beyond the University advocacy, the democratic process, and laws of Delaware. Our programs and initiatives multiple disciplines. Student research will continue to reach get students writing, hundreds of members thinking, researching, of the university and creating projects community, as we offer that deepen their a robust schedule of understanding of student-focused events democracy and the right and conversations that to vote. address the power We encourage alumnae dynamics that fuel and alumni to become gender-based violence which both advance and restrict the rights involved in “OUR VOTE” initiatives, so please and oppression, and seek solutions to ethnic, of citizenship and political access. Just as in let us know if you have ideas or topics you sexual, religious, and class divides. 1920, when suffrage was still denied to many would like to see addressed during the three Partnering with departments and units across Americans, voting rights remain under attack semesters, and if you would like to participate. the UD campus from Fall 2019 through in many states, disproportionately affecting Whether you are currently working in politics, Fall 2020, Women & Gender Studies will low-income and minority voters. So, too, is the government, or social justice advocacy, or have spearhead the major teaching initiative, very notion of democracy — and the rights a historical perspective to share, and would “OUR VOTE: History. Advocacy. Justice.” of citizens and non-citizens —threatened in like a chance to speak or present at one of our to commemorate the power and privilege nations worldwide. events, please let us hear from you! of suffrage. Not only does 2020 mark the Events currently planned for “OUR VOTE” – Patricia Sloane-White centennial of the 19th Amendment allowing include a themed curriculum for interested certain women the right to vote, it is the 150th students, with a three-semester listing of anniversary of the 15th Amendment allowing

Ann V. Bell: Faculty Research Award Recipient By Margaret D. Stetz, Mae and Robert Carter Professor of Women’s Studies and Professor of Humanities

hrough their endowment’s Women’s The 2018 Faculty Research Award recipient ways that give full weight to the combined TStudies Faculty Research Award, Mae is Dr. Ann V. Bell, Associate Professor of effects of gender, class, and race. Her book and Robert Carter have continued to advance Sociology at the University of Delaware, who Misconception: Social Class & Infertility in scholarship and support research focused is at the forefront of examining the issue of America (Rutgers, 2014), has made an impact on issues that are central to women’s lives. women’s reproductive health in intersectional Continued on page 2

PB CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 1 reproduction, which also affect reproductive is silenced, giving the effect of rarity rather decision-making. More recently, Dr. Bell has than commonality. In turn, this prevalence Spotlight: Andrea Glass-Heffner been examining the gendered components paradox stigmatizes abortion, and constructs By Chiara Sabina of reproduction through interviews with its patients as deviant and non-normative . . . a men experiencing infertility as well as with universal ‘Abortion Patient,’ often portrayed uthentic, dedicated, and stimulating Dr. Glass-Heffner holds two master’s degrees, same-sex couples seeking medical treatment as a young, unmarried, poor woman of color, Aare three words to describe Dr. Andrea one in American Studies (Pennsylvania State to conceive. Currently, she is exploring despite the significant diversity inherent Glass-Heffner, Adjunct Instructor in University) and one in American History and contraceptive inequalities by documenting in the women receiving the procedure.” To Women & Gender Studies, who brings an Museum Studies (University of Delaware), and and analyzing both women’s and providers’ counter this “disconnect” from the truth, array of talents to the department. Students recently defended her dissertation entitled, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs around Dr. Bell designs research questions to elicit in her course, “Cultural Introduction to “Gentrification, Interrupted: Place-Based- reproductive health. new information and thus to challenge the Sexualities and Gender Studies” appreciate Identity, Vanishing Landscapes, and the prevailing views, asking “How might such a how engaging, invested, and inclusive she War on Gentrification in Urban America,” Dr. Bell’s research, presented at the Faculty disconnect shape women’s lived experiences of is in the classroom. She is a fierce ally to the receiving her doctorate in American Studies Research Award lecture in October 2019, abortion?” Dr. Bell’s Faculty Research Award- LGBTQ+ community, and has served as a from Penn State Harrisburg. Serving as examines “A Neglected Disparity’: Race, funded research closely examines the social board member of the LGBT Center of Central associate editor for the journal Cultural Class, Gender and the Lived Experience of Continued from page 1 construction of abortion, how its embedded Pennsylvania, worked on the Center’s oral Analysis, and her expansive focus on gender Abortion,” an increasingly political focal point stereotypes influence how women understand history project, and is currently the President and sexuality, urban culture and folklore, in the United States. As Dr. Bell explains in through its study of women’s experiences of and experience abortion, and how a woman’s of the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, a place-based identity, and popular culture her research, the topic of abortion abounds infertility and its concentration on how those life circumstances, including race, class, and theater dedicated to producing “theater that ensures her classes are interdisciplinary and with stereotypes and misperceptions: “Despite experiences are shaped by class- and race- gender, shape that experience. matters” and showcases diverse voices. For include diverse media sources. “Many of its extensiveness, the practice of abortion based social understandings of infertility and more than 15 years, Dr. Glass-Heffner has my students come to class looking to learn worked for non-profits, including as executive something about both themselves and the director of the Ephrata Area Chamber of world around them,” Dr. Glass-Heffner Commerce, leading community efforts in notes. “I am truly blessed knowing that the economic development and social justice, enthusiasm and passion that I have for my and documenting cultural landscapes as a students, my research, and my classes, has The Diversity Research Café photographer. changed the lives of others.” By Patricia Sloane-White

his Diversity Research Café, now in its third sexual violence. Dr. Block also shared her The April 2019 Tyear, continued to advance the Department expertise for using creative pedagogies in the Diversity Research of Women & Gender Studies’ mission to foster digital humanities to tie historical subjects Café welcomed discussion among faculty, staff, and graduate to students’ modern concerns, as instructors Dr. Lisa Bowleg, students across the University on issues related strive to reach students across political, Professor of Applied to diversity, gender, women, and sexuality. Each ideological, and academic spectrums. Café, intended to cultivate new research ideas, at The George curricular offerings, insight into classroom In October 2018, Washington approaches and collaborative projects, is led by The Diversity University. Dr. Welcome Barbara Ley an invited speaker whose work explores active Research Café Bowleg – who was a By Pascha Bueno-Hansen approaches to addressing and understanding welcomed Dr. Aída student in the very first Women’s Studies class eginning in Fall 2019, Associate Perspectives,” particularly management produced systems of inequality. Hurtado, Professor taught by Dr. Margaret Stetz at Georgetown Professor Barbara Ley shifts her relevant within the and used in social contexts and Luis Leal University – discussed “The Intersectionality B appointment to the Department of Women DVPS Program, which that hold the potential In September Endowed Chair in Tool Kit,” a resource she developed for & Gender Studies as a seventy-five percent attracts students entering to both perpetuate and 2018, The Diversity the Department public policy researchers to ensure that they faculty member, with the balance of her domestic violence-related challenge dominant Research Café of Chicana and understand and then follow clear guidelines commitment continuing in the Department service professions. This systems of power. welcomed Dr. Chicano Studies for documenting the complex effects of class, Sharon Block, at the University of California, Santa of Communication. This position shift course correlates with sexuality, race, and oppression that impact As a certified yoga Professor of History Barbara, who discussed “Feminism in the allows Dr. Ley to get back to her roots, which Dr. Ley’s current book at-risk populations. She discussed her role in instructor, Dr. Ley is at the University of Age of Trump,” an event co-sponsored by revolved around Women & Gender studies, project, a social, cultural the creation and training of a multidisciplinary eager to both teach about California, Irvine, the UD ADVANCE Institute. Noting that interdisciplinary teaching, and research. and feminist analysis of research team that uses innovative theoretical embodied practices as who discussed many of feminism’s hard-won battles and the emergence of neuro- perspectives such as intersectionality, With her teaching and research moving well as bring the practices “De-Policing revolutionary changes are under increasing scientific models for the resilience, and social-ecological theories as towards the study of trauma and trauma- into her classes. A key the Classroom: Teaching Race, Sexuality, threat as legislation erases advances made study of trauma-informed well as multiple research methods, including informed care, Dr. Ley looks forward to question animating this and Colonialism.” She described her own during the last 40 years, she asked, “what role care, particularly in the qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods involvement in the Domestic Violence work is, How do we come experience in reframing how learning happens should feminist mobilization play in future context of adoption and geospatial analytics. Research teams Prevention and Services (DVPS) Program to the body for healing for students from diverse backgrounds, social change?” Dr. Hurtado’s discussion and parenting adopted utilizing Dr. Bowleg’s Intersectionality Tool and the new Center for the Study of Gender while keeping present the whether in large lecture classes or small engaged attendees in brainstorming about children in trauma- Kit continue to develop culturally relevant Based-Violence, both housed within societal aspects of structural violence such as seminars, as we discussed ways in which the promise of renewal through social justice informed ways. Her course not only explores programs, interventions, and policies to reduce the Department of Women & Gender sexism, racism, and homo- and transphobia? the structure of our classrooms might activism, informed by her research as a the neuro-science of trauma, but also the health inequities and improve health and Studies She will teach “Gender, Culture Along these lines, Dr. Ley will be developing promote or inhibit full engagement as we social psychologist focused on intersectional science and therapeutic dimensions from wellness for people in understudied Black and Digital Media” as well as her signature new courses that explore the principles and teach controversial and traumatic subjects feminisms, processes of racialization, and social, cultural, feminist, and anti-racist communities. course, “Mindfulness and Self-Care for practices of trauma-informed care as well as such as genocide, human enslavement, and Latinas/os educational achievement. perspectives, developed in cultural contexts, Secondary Trauma: Gender and Social Justice and the tools for self-care and trauma trauma, social justice and embodied healing.

2 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 3 Faculty News Domestic Violence Prevention Pascha Bueno-Hansen, during her 2018- work on Islamic economics at Harvard Law students in her “Sociology of Art and Culture” 2019 sabbatical year, made four research School and the Georgia State University Law class in the creation of a digital archive of artists’ and Services Program Update trips to Latin America as well as significant School, and was a visiting fellow in Summer work created at the nonprofit Creative Vision By Jennifer Naccarelli progress on her book project tentatively 2019 at the Max Planck Institute for Social and Factory (CVF) in Wilmington, DE, founded entitled Transitional Justice Otherwise: Cultural Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. by UD alumnus Michael Kalmbach to provide Dissident Genders and Sexualities in the She is currently working on a new book project a community and support for artists on the Andes. She delivered four keynote lectures in on Sri Lankan family-owned enterprises and behavioral health spectrum. Students in Dr. Colombia, published two articles, and secured the economic impact of China’s Belt and Road Bowler’s class were paired with CVF members a contract to publish Decolonizando la Justicia Initiative, furthering the archival research and, with Dr. David Kim, Assistant Professor of Transicional: Las Luchas Feministas y de on colonial-era Sri Lankan businesses in the English at UD providing technology expertise, Derechos Humanos en el Perú (Instituto de British National Archives she conducted during to create the digital archives. Estudios Peruanos, forthcoming, 2020). Summer 2018. Rudi Matthee, WGS Joint Faculty and the Jennifer Naccarelli, Margaret Stetz, Mae and Robert Carter John and Dorothy Munroe Distinguished Associate Chair and Professor of Women’s Studies and Professor of Professor of History, was invited to Iran, where Associate Professor Humanities, published four essays in peer- he gave a keynote speech on the similarities in the Department of reviewed journals during the 2018-19 academic between the Catholic variant of Christianity Women & Studies, year: “Oscar Wilde and the Imaginative and the Twelver Shi’i branch of Islam as part of was selected by The Woman: Anna, Comtesse de Brémont” in a conference on Iran, the Caucasus and Central Biden Institute as its The Wildean (Journal of the Oscar Wilde Asia, held at the University of Tehran in May inaugural Faculty Society); “Richard Le Gallienne and a Tale 2019. His 2012 monograph, Persia in Crisis: Member of the Month. of Two Dantes.” Studies in Walter Pater and The Decline of the Safavids and the Fall of The Biden Institute Aestheticism (Journal of the Walter Pater Isfahan, was translated into Persian a third works hand in hand Society); “Fabricating Girls: Clothes and time, under the title Iran dar bohran: Inhetat-e with members of Coming-of-Age Fiction by Women of Color” in Safaviya va soqut-eIsfahan (Tehran: Amir the University of Humanities Bulletin; and “Re-embodying Ida Kabir, 2019). His 2005 study, The Pursuit of Delaware’s faculty B. Wells: A Figure of Resistance in American Pleasure: Drugs and Stimulants in Iranian uring the 2018-2019 academic year, training for multiple forms of gender-based proper process and implementation of a PFA who are working in Popular Culture” in Americana: Journal of History, 1500-1900, was released in Persian the Domestic Violence Prevention and victimization is our first step towards program for young adults. policy areas that align American Popular Culture 1900 to Present. as well, as Tafrihat-e Iraniyan: Moskerat va D Services (DVPS) Concentration and Minor launching a new research and professional with its fundamental Her work on Ida B. Wells was featured in an mokhaderat az Safaviya ta Qajariya (Tehran: enjoyed another year of dynamic students, development center within the Department of We remain grateful to the Mae and Robert issues. Since 2011, Dr. article in UDaily in September 2018. Her essay Namak, 2019). The Iranian Embassy in London engaged alumni, and the expansion of our Women & Gender Studies. Carter Endowment in Women’s Studies, Naccarelli has served as the Director of UD’s “Richard Le Gallienne: A Jongleur Strayed selected his co-edited volume, Russians in Iran: course offerings and practicum experiences. the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Services into the Modern World,” appeared in Literary Diplomacy and Power in the Qajar Era and Our graduates are now leaders across the state The foundation of the DVPS program has Department of Women & Gender Studies (DVPS) Program. In this capacity she teaches, and Cultural Alternatives to Modernism: Beyond (2018) as one of last year’s best books holding positions at the Wilmington Police always been to provide students with the for providing generous funding to support researches, designs curriculums and field Unsettling Presences (Routledge), and her on Iran. Department, the YWCA Sexual Assault opportunity to acquire first-hand field DVPS practicum placements. We are honored experiences in the field of gender-based violence. poem, “Hare Professor,” was published in the experience delivering direct services to to receive an additional $10,000 grant from Jean Pfaelzer, Professor of English, Women Response Center, Child INC., the Delaware Last year, she received an additional grant from journal Review Americana. She delivered survivors of violence and their families. We the Verizon Foundation, demonstrating their & Gender Studies, and Asian Studies, Center for Justice, and the Department of the Verizon Foundation to support the DVPS papers related to military sexual slavery during are committed to ensuring that students in continued commitment to the program and announced that her book, Driven Out: The Justice, among others. Launched in 2011, program. Additionally, with colleagues, she World War II at the American Comparative our program not merely observe but actually their investment in its future growth. Forgotten War Against Chinese Americans, the DVPS Program has now graduated 52 implemented the Faculty Peer Observation Literature Association and the American engage in the work of victim services and was included in The Chinese Exclusion Act, a Concentration students. It is rewarding to Program at UD, training faculty to provide Culture Association/Popular Culture prevention. This commitment ensures that co-production of Steeplechase Films and the watch graduates mentor current students and peers with formative feedback on teaching. Association (Washington, DC). In August they enter the field with a clear understanding Center for Asian American Media, released continue to build a skilled work force in the 2018, she gave the invited keynote speech of trauma, towards minimizing burnout and Chiara Sabina was awarded a 2019 University on PBS in May 2019. Dr. Pfaelzer writes, field of victim services and violence prevention. at a ceremony honoring summer interns turnover within the gender-based violence of Delaware General University Research “I am delighted to share the news that The who worked on educational projects for the The roots of our program developed through workforce. We believe our students make real grant for her project “A Holistic Community- Chinese Exclusion Act, directed by Ric Burns Washington Coalition for Comfort Women our partnership with the Delaware Coalition and lasting contributions to the community of based Intervention for Domestic Violence in and Li-Shin Yu and produced and written by Issues, Inc., a non-profit NGO (Vienna, VA). Against Domestic Violence and their training survivors and service providers. This guiding Quito, Ecuador.” The study uses art, music and Ric Burns, Robin Espinola, and Li-Shin Yu, She gave invited lectures at the Legion of Honor requirements to become a Domestic Violence principle was exemplified in the contributions dialogue circles as a way of confronting trauma, won the 2019 Erik Barnouw Award from the Museum in San Francisco, the University Specialist in the state of Delaware. This year we of Nora Carle, a 2019 DVPS Concentration and creates peer non-hierarchical support groups Organization of American Historians. It was a of London’s Society of Bibliophiles, The are expanding beyond advocacy and prevention Graduate. With the support of her instructor as well as cultural strengths to allow individuals pleasure to be deeply involved in the scholarship “Mobilities and Migrations” interdisciplinary training for intimate partner violence (IPV) Claire DeMatteis, who was recently appointed to begin to recognize and address violence in for this film, to work with Ric Burns and Li- 19th Century research seminar series at George to other forms of gender-based violence. Commissioner of the Delaware Department their lives with support from their communities. Shin Yu, in particular to focus on the resistant Washington University, and the Ebenezer We will expand internships focused on the of Correction by Governor Carney, Carle history of Chinese Americans, and to see the Maxwell Mansion in . In April experiences of sexual violence, and launch highlighted the needs of young people Patricia Sloane-White’s recent book, images from Driven Out: The Forgotten War 2019, she received the “Writing to Learn new course content, including “Sexual Assault experiencing adolescent dating violence, Corporate Islam, now appearing in paperback, Against Chinese Americans turn into a visual Award” from the UD Writing Center. Studies” in Fall 2019, taught by Angela Seguin, engaging state legislators and proposing a path was awarded an “Honorable Mention” for “Best narrative. It was an honor to appear in the film Assistant Director for Victim Advocacy with for minors to acquire Protection From Abuse Book of 2018” by the Asian Law and Society Anne Bowler, WGS Joint Faculty and with this phenomenal group of scholars.” the University of Delaware’s Student Health (PFA) orders. State legislators supported this Association. She was invited to speak on her Associate Professor of Sociology, involved and Wellness. The study of and professional need and signed a resolution to explore the Nora Carle

4 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 5 Graduating Class of 2019 Awards Congratulations, 2019 Graduates! By Marie Laberge

he Kathleen Doherty Turkel Award working as a Workplace Equality Intern at Tfor Social Justice Activism was the Human Rights Campaign, while pursuing established to honor the work of Dr. Turkel, a Master’s degree in Public Administration who recently retired from the Department of with a Nonprofit Management Specialization, Women & Gender Studies after 35 years of through the 4+1 graduate program at the teaching at the University of Delaware, where University of Delaware. she has been an inspirational teacher and mentor to thousands of students. The Award Endowed by University of Delaware’s past is presented to a student majoring in Women president E. Arthur Trabant in honor of his & Gender Studies in recognition of their mother, the annual Nellie Thompson Rudd social justice activism on campus or in the Award acknowledges a graduating senior larger community. The inaugural recipient with a major or minor in Women & Gender of The Kathleen Doherty Turkel Award for Studies, who has demonstrated excellence Social Justice Activism is Kelly James, who in scholarship, leadership, and service to the graduated with majors in Women & Gender Department of Women & Gender Studies Studies and Public Policy as well as minors in and to the University of Delaware. The 2019 Political Science, Legal Studies, and Sexuality Nellie Thompson Rudd Award was presented & Gender Studies. At UD, Kelly has been to Deborah Mack, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Women & Gender active with Students Acting for Gender Nat Veiga, selected by the Capstone class, delivered the Equity (SAGE), serving as its president, Studies with a Concentration in Domestic Graduate Address to the Graduating Class of 2019 as well as serving as LGBT Outreach Violence Prevention and Services. After Coordinator for Planned Parenthood graduation, Deborah plans to pursue Generation Action and as a member of the Certification as a Domestic Violence WOMEN & GENDER DVPS MINORS AND Marching Band. Also the recipient of a 2018 Specialist and to work as an advocate with STUDIES MAJORS SGST MINORS CONCENTRATIONS James R Soles Stipend and Fellowship award Child Inc. to gather experience before from the Department of Political Science & pursuing a career working with women issues. Shelby Adams Kelly James Amanda Criscitiello International Relations, Kelly is currently Morgan Baumann Tri Pham Alexandra Luce Alison Cantwell Nat Veiga Veronika Lynch Nora Carle Deborah Mack Amanda Criscitiello Ashley Peloso Deborah Mack Sara Del Valle Olivia Rogal Awards of Special Merit were conferred to Alexandra Eichenstein Jennifer Valencia four outstanding 2019 graduates in Women Hannah Fisher & Gender Studies. The recipients were Sara Megan Geiser Del Valle, Alexandra Eichenstein, Ashley WOMEN’S STUDIES MINORS Peloso, and Olivia Rogal. In addition, Kelly James Claire Armann Maegan Miciotta Nat Veiga was selected to deliver the 2019 Alexandra Luce Mary Katherine Bartell Kelly Myers Convocation Graduate Address, by the Veronika Lynch Kerigan Butt Amanda Paul Women & Gender Studies 2019 Capstone Deborah Mack Class, with shared insights: “We have learned Madison Cann Jaylin Rumph Ashley Peloso through our studies what critical thinking Ella Collins Bradford Schmidinger really is, how to analyze not only 25-page- Tri Pham Olivia Davis Felicia Snyder long essays but also the world around us and Olivia Rogal Melanie Greenblatt Ashley Stahmer the relationships and interactions we have Carly Sinisgalli every day. We learned to expand our simple Morgan Gregg Leah Strayer Jennifer Valencia definition of ‘interdisciplinary,’ to see issues Trina Harmon Jennifer Urban on both interpersonal and systemic, global Lucy Vavala Alexis Lipnicky Kasey Verducci levels. These are skills we only could have Nat Veiga acquired here, in this department. Whether Carly Mazer Tanvi Walia we choose to work in law enforcement, or local Christine McCann government; public health, or public service; write a novel, teach in Spain, or – like me – attempt to make a dual career as an advocate and a personal trainer, I know we will take what we’ve learned these past several years into every path our future has paved for us.” Kelly James (L) and Nat Viega, 2019 Convocation Speaker

6 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 7 What We’re Reading Student Spotlight: Rachel Evans By Deborah Arnold

he Women & Gender Studies faculty and Washington, D.C., where she also interned Tstaff are pleased to share our annual book full-time for U.S. Senator (DE) Chris Coons. and media recommendations from our summer “Working in the U.S. Capitol was a unique reading, composed of titles to be enjoyed dream fulfilled,” Rachel acknowledges. “I throughout the year. watched floor votes in the Senate gallery, met numerous Senators, and also followed Senator Coons throughout his typical day on the Hill. By the end of my experience, I transformed WHITE FRAGILITY: WHY IT’S SO HARD FOR from a novice intern to an intern comfortable WHITE PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT RACISM, enough to give directions to navigate the Robin Diangelo Senate office buildings as well as many D.C. Recommended by Pascha Bueno-Hansen neighborhoods with ease. Each neighborhood presents their own aesthetic, with many Published last year, this book is a New York immensely charming cafes, restaurants, and Times bestseller. I taught Diangelo’s article historic locations.” on the same topic in the WGS capstone class a few years back and it opened up a space for In anticipation of her experience as a Plastino students to collectively reflect upon whiteness Scholar, Rachel explored many of D.C.’s and find a language to talk about it. culinary offerings. “I completely fell in love with the glamor of the city. Weekend visits should include Georgetown Cupcakes and JEZEBEL UNHINGED: LOOSING THE BLACK artistically beautiful lattes. There are so many wonderful spots in D.C. and I encourage FEMALE BODY IN RELIGION AND CULTURE, Photo by Rachel Evans; taken August 2019 at Persephone Books, London, Tamura Lomax which sells novels by forgotten female authors the exploration of them all.” In early August Recommended by Emerald Christopher-Byrd 2019, writing from Feya’s, founder/chef Zahra Kahn’s London “pastel haven” where “no VIBRATOR NATION: HOW FEMINIST SEX- DEAR JANE, Marina DelVecchio I spent this summer conducting research and dream is too big, no destination out of reach,” TOY STORES CHANGED THE BUSINESS OF Recommended by Margaret Stetz looking for contemporary works focused Rachel sent an Instagram-worthy photograph PLEASURE, Lynn Comella on stereotypes. Jezebel Unhinged gives an representative of the feminine and feminist- Recommended by Patricia Sloane-White This harrowing 2019 novel takes the form accessible and contemporary analysis of the of letters written to the fictional Victorian Rachel Evans (L) with David Plastino oriented cafés where she is interviewing impact religion has on Black women and girls. Searching for books to use in my new fall protagonist, Jane Eyre, by a young Greek- young women as part of her research – and where, in the spirit of a Plastino Scholar, she Specifically addressing popular culture and the 2019 course, “Sex, Money, and Power,” I American girl—a survivor of sexual, physical, onnect the dots between a British reality including fashion magazines, reality television is enjoying the experience in pursuit of her Black church, Lomax demonstrates the adverse discovered Lynn Comella’s study of how and emotional abuse—who finds strength dating show, cafés designed to mimic series, and social media sites,” Rachel notes. C passionate interests. impact religion has had on the bodies of Black feminist entrepreneurs with enterprises named and relief from loneliness in identifying with the Rocco period’s feminine floral accents, “As a Plastino Scholar, I intend to embark women and girls. “Babeland” and “Good Vibrations” created Charlotte Brontë’s heroine. It is a testament to and a women’s-only boxing club, and you will on a dual academic and creative four-week a movement for women to safely explore, the power of the literature of the past to serve understand the expansive intellectual curiosity excursion to London, where young women talk about, and profit from sex. Comella as support and consolation in the present. that defines Rachel Evans. A UD Senior with have adopted hyper-feminine spaces that KILLING COMMENDATORE, Haruki suggests the sex-toy store created a sex-positive dual majors in Women & Gender Studies and allow them to express their body-positivity Murakami environment in which feminist retailers were Political Science, Rachel’s proposal to examine within the constructs of a consumer culture. also sex educators who could “double as social media consumption and its impacts on food By redefining their experiences through a Recommended by Jennifer Naccarelli AMERICAN JOURNAL, Tracy K. Smith activists” and sell products that were “framed consumption and feminist body-positivity feminist lens, women have created alternative Recommended by Deborah Arnold As with Murakami’s previous works, the as tools of liberation.” experiences was selected for a 2019 Plastino feminine spaces in cafés designed with boundary between the real and the magical In this anthology of contemporary poetry Scholars Award. Created in 2007 by a generous women’s deliberate consumption in mind. is so expertly woven that the reader is left compiled by 2017-2019 Poet Laureate of the gift from UD alumnus David Plastino, Class of Documenting their experiences through wondering which world the protagonist is 1978, the Plastino Scholars Program provides Instagram photos of themselves, their WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH, Elizabeth United States and Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy occupying. As readers enter yet another of support to undergraduate students interested surroundings, and their plates of food becomes Acevedo K. Smith, the critical relevance of this genre Murakami’s alternative worlds, we follow in pursuing self-designed, off-campus a feminist body-positive act of consumption.” Recommended by Chiara Sabina is represented through the work of diverse the mysterious journey of a portrait painter American writers (including incoming Poet experiential learning opportunities that will Rachel hopes to discover insights which she processing the failure of his marriage and I am drawn to the mixing of cultures, the Laureate Joy Harjo, the first Native American allow the pursuit of a passionate interest that will contextualize in her culminating creation determining the future of his career. In the celebration of people of all walks of life, and to hold that honor), whose voices require us to goes beyond the scope of an academic course, of a digital online “zine,” to share the outcomes home of a famous Japanese artist, he discovers the realness of this book which has been “sit still, listen deeply, and imagine” ourselves internship or enrichment program. Rachel, realized during her first international travel a painting that serves as a portal to a parallel characterized as a “love letter to food and a “in someone else’s unfamiliar shoes” across who is the first Women & Gender Studies experience during Summer 2019. world in which the struggles of the subjects in tribute to young, single mothers.” The main diverse communities, towards honoring major selected as a Plastino Scholar, designed a The recent academic year has been exceptional the painting, and the individuals drawn into it, character juggles her culinary talent and difference and fostering a foundation of unique experience with a global connection. for Rachel in realizing her goals and dreams. provide harrowing adventures that help make desires with the realities of school, work, and compassionate understanding. “Young women are particularly vulnerable as During the Spring 2019 semester, she sense of life’s disappointments, reconfigure the motherhood. The book “turns the stereotype passive visual consumers of representations participated in the University of Delaware’s Photo by Rachel Evans, “Happiness Pancakes” experience of loneliness, and reevaluate the ‘teen mom’ on its head.” at Feya, London necessity of romantic love. of women’s bodies in contemporary media, Domestic Study Abroad Program in

8 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 9 Thank You, Donors!

Published by Department of On behalf of the faculty and students of the Department of Women & Gender Studies, we Women & Gender Studies extend our sincere thanks to those whose generous support ensures our commitment to Staying Connected education and community outreach, as we continue to thrive and advance the University of 34 W. Delaware Avenue Delaware’s comprehensive engagement priorities of cultivating tomorrow’s leaders, creating Newark, DE 19716 childhood studies, including LGBTQ high as well as minors in Psychology and Domestic solutions to challenges, and transforming lives to make the remarkable happen. 302-831-8474 school students. Were it not for the University Violence Prevention & Services, plans to work of Delaware’s Women’s Studies Program, I on a campaign in the 2020 election cycle prior www.wgs.udel.edu certainly would not be in the position I am to furthering her education. today. Thank you for providing me with a Editor wonderful and fulfilling path to follow.” Sanika Salim (WOMS 2017) has accepted a job with the UNICEF-DC regional office, Deborah Arnold Rebecca Guarino (WOMS/Math 2015) where she will be Associate for Community graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sociology Engagement, in charge of implementing Editorial Assistant and Education, with a concentration in UNICEF programs in Washington DC, Education Policy, from Teachers College Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Rachel Evans Columbia University, NY. Delaware.

Amy Hopkins (WOMS 2015) is a Victim Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) William H. Art Direction/Design Services Specialist with Wilmington Police Wightman III (WOMS 2005) recently Lukas Emory Department. While at UD, Amy, who completed a three-year mobilization leading graduated with degrees in Women & Gender the Army Liaison Team at the Dover Port Studies and Public Policy as well as minors in Mortuary, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Domestic Violence Services and Prevention LTC Wightman’s multidisciplinary team and in Journalism, was a victim’s advocate for supported surviving Family Members as WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES AND THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SOS and contributed articles to The Review they witnessed the return of their loved one PREVENTION SERVICES PROGRAM on topics including domestic violence, sexual to American soil. They further coordinated Ingrid Castro (WOMS/PSYC 1994, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Kristin Elizabeth Kelly assault, and women’s health. In her new all US Army support to the port mortuary’s SOCI1995), writes, “This year marks the Verizon Foundation Janet Louise position as Victim Services Specialist, Amy operations. LTC Wightman additionally 25th Anniversary of my graduation, with will be working with victims of violent crime sustained operations at the adjacent Joint Joseph A. Dewson III Lawrence J. Minore five other students, as the first class with including assault, robbery, homicide and Personal Effects Depot through staff Caitlin Del Collo Dr. Elizabeth M. Perse & Mr. Jeffrey A. the newly established Women’s Studies sexual assault. development and sharing subject matter Bergstrom major at the University of Delaware [before Nancy L. Delucia expertise. He also served as the Armed Forces Drs. Qaisar and Monika Shafi the Program became The Department of Jessica Ann Downes Meghan Jusczak (WOMS/ENGL Honors Medical Examiner’s personal effects supervisor Women & Gender Studies in 2010]. In 1990, Michael K. and Heather N. Shank 2017) received a 2019 Fulbright English for 15 months during several multi-fatality Susan K. Garter I started as a Psychology major, and I took Major William H. & Mrs. Jennifer D. Teaching Assistantship to Romania. After incidents including the USS McCain collision Masanao Hasegawa my first Women’s Studies courses during the Wightman III graduating from UD in 2017, Jusczak became and two aircraft accidents. LTC Wightman 1993 Winter Session because my housemate a journalist and now works with City Year, shares that “Today’s Army is more diverse told me I would like them. Loving what I an AmeriCorps program, in Philadelphia. In than at any time in history. Soldiers routinely THE KATHLEEN DOHERTY TURKEL AWARD learned in those courses, I was fortunate to UPDATES? addition to teaching English at the Universities operate in ambiguous environments shaped FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISM continue taking women’s studies courses Are you a Women & Gender of Baia Mare and Oradea, Jusczak will pursue an by the intersections of sexuality, race, class, with prominent faculty, including Lynn Gerald J. Grant, Jr. Esq. & Mrs. Sheila A. Grant Studies alum with some independent research project in environmental nationality, religion, and age – the very topics Weber (Race, Class, Gender) and Sandra news you’d like to share in journalism. “I’m particularly excited to be I studied while at UD.” LTC Wightman Harding (Feminist Theory). UD faculty and our next newsletter? Email in Baia Mare because I hope to write a few credits his success and recent promotion to champion Maggie Andersen advised me on us: [email protected] articles specifically related to environmental the interdisciplinary perspective he gained graduate schools, and I attended Northeastern health and agriculture,” she shared. “There from the then-Women’s Studies program and University, completing my Ph.D. in Sociology was a devastating cyanide spill into the water his previous employment at the Delaware with Graduate Certificates in Cinema Studies supply there in 2000. I’m interested in talking Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Women and Gender Studies. I served as The University of Delaware is an equal with people, learning more from the local (DCADV). LTC Wightman now lives near Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality opportunity employer. community, and using my position as an Dover Air Force Base with his wife Jennifer, Studies (WGSS) at Massachusetts College of outsider to bring in different ideas.” an elementary special education teacher, and For the University’s complete non- Liberal Arts, where I am currently Professor their three children. He has returned to the statement, please visit and Chair of Sociology, teaching courses in www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html Olivia Rogal (WOMS 2019) was named as a part-time Army Reserves and looks forward WGSS, including Latinas in U.S. Society 2019 Fulbright scholar alternate to the Czech to operating in the unpaid labor market and Children’s Geographies, and addressing Republic. Liv, who graduated with majors in managing home, family and community gender and girlhood in my published work on Women & Gender Studies and Public Policy involvement.

10 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 11 Department of Women & Gender Studies Nonprofit University of Delaware Organization 34 West Delaware Avenue U.S. Postage Newark, DE 19716-2522 PAID University of Delaware

Department of Women & Gender Studies

“Freedom Making” Mural in James Smith Hall, University of Delaware; created by members of the LGBTQ+ and Racial Activism Living Learning 12 Community, the Visual Arts CONNECTIONS Living Learning / Community, DEPARTMENT and OF UD WOMEN students &from GENDER all-gender STUDIES University / UNIVERSITY of Delaware OF housing. DELAWARE / FALL 2019 CONNECTIONS / DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN & GENDER STUDIES / UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE / FALL 2019 PB