Douglass Students Represent Rutgers Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Department at National Women’s Studies Association Conference  

Earlier this winter, three Douglass students represented the Rutgers Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Undergraduate Department at the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) Annual Conference in Puerto Rico.

“Attending the NWSA in Puerto Rico was one of the most memorable moments of my life,” said Max Mendez DRC’26, a Douglass senior. “Before starting college, I was not aware that Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies was an academic field, and now as a senior, I got to represent the WGSS Rutgers undergraduate department.”

Max traveled to the conference with their fellow Douglass students, Ellen Walsh DRC’26 and Ashwathi Renjith DRC’26. All three are studying WGSS and are involved in Douglass Discovery Programs that offer experiential, collaborative learning opportunities in the humanities, arts, and social sciences

The wide variety of panels, ranging from “Emergent Genealogies of Trans Identities” to “Cinema as Modes of Resistance,” sparked Max’s curiosity and fueled his continued journey as a WGSS scholar.

“Sitting in and listening to many of the thought-provoking panels was one of my highlights,” they said. “I had the opportunity to ask questions and network with other academics from universities across America.”

At the conference, Max also heard lectures from familiar faces, including some of his Rutgers professors.

“It was extra special as well to be present in some of the panels featuring Rutgers professors, including Dr. Ileana Nachescu, Dr. Brittney Cooper, Dr. Al Valentine, and Dr. Zakia Salime,” he said. “On top of these experiences, I got to meet other people interested in the same studies that I am and travel to a vibrant city with so much culture.”

The knowledge shared at the conference will continue to inspire Max, whose life as a WGSS scholar will last long after their graduation, starting with a collection of literature they curated during his time in Puerto Rico.

“I also got to buy many, many books on feminist, queer, and disability studies,” they shared. “I would go every year from now on if I had the chance!”