The Women and Gender and Equity Center's goal is to promote gender wellness and equality in the UNO community through campus events, outreach, and initiatives.
WGEC is a student-run, multi-service agency offering everyone an opportunity to explore and discover resources pertaining to women's lives. We proudly represent all who identify as women on this campus.
In an effort to actively support the campus with resources, the WGEC offers free reproductive and menstruation products including, but not limited to:
- Menstrual cups
- Tampons and pads
- Pregnancy tests
These items are available at the Women and Gender Equity office, 114 MBSC, or at events featuring The Big O campaign such as the moving reproductive and sexual health gazebo.
Alessandra Garofalo (she/her/her) Is a new board member of the WGEC. She is majoring in criminal justice. Outside of the WGEC, she is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. She is very passionate about women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and reproductive health. In her free time, she's probably with friends, watching true crime documentaries, or in line for an iced coffee somewhere.
Giselle Cruz (she/her/ella) is a fourth-year student majoring in chemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry. On campus, Giselle is also a Thompson Learning Community Scholar as well as a Thompson Learning Community Peer Mentor. She is passionate about advocating for gender equality, racial justice, and immigrant families. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, likes going outdoors to enjoy nature, and loves to travel.
Hakim Lotoro (He/Him/His) is a board member of the WGEC. He’s a molecular biology and biomedical sciences major as he works towards becoming a doctor. He has a passion for exploring intersectional studies and activism throughout the community. When he's not in school or working, you can find him near a soccer field or on twitter.
Htoo Say (he/his/him) is a board member of the WGEC. He is studying Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Outside of the WGEC, Htoo is the vice president of the Goodrich Organization and is a general member of multiple multicultural student organizations. He is very passionate about making the campus more accessible and diverse overall. In his free time, he likes to read manga and sip on matcha lattes.
Isha Dhakal (she/her/hers) is a Co-Director of the WGEC. She is also the Vice President of the Psi Chi Honors Society. She is very passionate about women’s health and mental health. She is studying Psychology with a mental health concentration, with minors in biology and chemistry. She is also on the pre-med track and is interested in becoming an OBGYN or a psychiatrist. In her free time, she likes to play badminton and listen to crime podcasts.
Ishani Adidam (she/her/hers) is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a minor in Public Health. She is passionate about advocating for menstrual products and creating a safe and inclusive campus. She really enjoys destressing and studying in small coffee shops in Omaha!
Jenna Abbott (she/her/hers) is a board member of the WGEC. This is her first year on the board. She is a second-year student majoring in Social Work with a minor in sociology. She is passionate about reproductive rights and victim advocacy! In her free time, she enjoys reading a good book with a tea latte.
Jill Stark (she/hers) is a junior vocal performance major, minoring in musical theatre, and is a transfer student from UNL. This is her first year in the WGEC and she has already learned so much. Jill has always been very passionate about reproductive rights and human rights, and being a part of this group has made her care about it even more. The environment of WGEC is so positive, welcoming, and non-judgemental! She will be in many productions on campus, including starring in "Into The Woods" in November 2022!
Franchesca Handlos (she/her/hers) is a Political Science major with a concentration in Foreign and National Security Affairs and a minor in Human Rights. In the future, she hopes to attend law school and continue working in the human rights field. Franchesca is particularly passionate about advocating for women's health care, victims and survivors of domestic violence, and immigrant families. When not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new walking trails, and reading.
Lydia Deichmann (she/her/hers) is a Board Member of the WGEC. She is studying Sociology, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. Outside of the WGEC, Lydia is the soon-to-be former-Sisterhood Chair and Active Member of Sigma Kappa. She also works as a Peer Educator for the GSRC on UNO’s Campus. She is very passionate about women’s issues, reproductive justice, and mental health. In her free time, she likes to hang out with close friends and try new hot drinks.
Kelsey Lowe is a senior studying molecular biology on the premed track with minors in psychology and medical humanities. She loves flamenco dancing and watching movies with her besties. She's excited to be part of the WGEC because she's passionate about sexual/reproductive health and wants to support that on campus!
Robert Badura (he/him/his) is a Board Member of the WGEC. He is studying Communications and Political Science with minors in LGBTQ+/Gender Studies and Leadership and Public Policy. Outside of the WGEC, Robert is the president of Maverick Productions, the director of sponsoring organizations for Dance Marathon, co-chair of fundraising for Delta Chi, and the vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa. He is very passionate about comprehensive sex education and removing the stigma on sexual health/reproductive rights. In his free time, he likes to watch the Real Housewives and attempt to bake macaroons!
Zoe Miller (she/her/hers) is a Co-Director of the WGEC. She is studying Public Health, with a minor in Sustainability. Outside of the WGEC, Zoe is the president of the Public Health Student Association and works as an intern for the Office of Sustainability. She is very passionate about reproductive health and justice including abortion access and comprehensive sex education. In her free time, she likes to play board games and sip on a chai latte.