The Feminist Forum Spring 2020

The Feminist Forum

Spring 2020

Awards Leading Ladies of NOLA Women on the Frontlines in the Time of COVID-19 Cover by Avery Cerniglia

The Feminist Forum 4

Feminist Manifesto

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Director's desk

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Patricia Boyett

Women on the Frontlines in the Time of COVID-19 Grace Riddick

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the dangers of The LGBTQ+ "PANic and defense" Delaney Harper

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The Discrepancy of Women in Financial Sevices Carrie Elizabeth Smith

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Leading ladies of nola

Authorization

Loyola University New Orleans Women’s Resource Center

The Feminist Forum Spring 2020 www.loyno.edu/womenscenter

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Feminist Forum is an unofficial publication of the Women’s Resource Center. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Women’s Resource Center or Loyola University New Orleans.

Submissions

Submissions are welcome and should be submitted to wrc@loyno.edu. The Feminist Forum editors reserve the right to all final decisions.

Loyola University New Orleans has fully supported and fostered in its educational programs, admissions, employment practices, and in the activities it operates the policy of not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex/gender, or sexual orientation.

This policy is in compliance with all applicable federal regulations and guidelines.

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Barbar a c. ewell creative writing award

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Nancy fix anderson women's studies essay contest winner

Delaney Harper

Lindsey Navaro

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Distinguished service to the wrc award Delaney Harper

Feminist leadership awards Avalon Harold & Carrie Elizabeth Smith

Outstanding alumni awards Hadori Bukle & Rula Thabata

outstanding feminist faculty member Dr. Constance Mui

outstanding feminist staff member Dr. Diana Ward

outstanding feminist Community partner NOLA4Women

Our Mission

In the path of the Ignatius mission at Loyola University New Orleans, we, as a feminist community, seek to educate ourselves through critical analysis; we endeavor to empower the oppressed through devotion to diversity and uplift; and we pursue equality through social justice.

Production Team Director/Editor in Chief Patricia Boyett

Editor in Chief Grace Riddick

Creative Director Emmaline Bouchillon

Art Team Gabi Hawkins Erika Torres Anna Sarquiz

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Feminist Manifesto of the Women's Resource Center

C Who We Are We are an intersectional collective of engaged feminists at Loyola University New Orleans that welcomes all people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, nationalities, gender identifications, sexual orientations, ages, and classes.

Our manifesto is a result of a persistent revolution. We build upon the work of those who came before us to push the historical struggle forward through our active engagement in the wider feminist discourse and the sociopolitical climate of New Orleans.

We believe in, promote, and work towards equality for all genders.

We accept, educate, empower, and learn from one another, as well as advance towards a community that embraces and practices gender equality.

We work to push the historical fight of feminism forward by using active engagement at Loyola, and in New Orleans, that builds from the work of previous generations in order to better ourselves and future generations.

C Our Goals We will combat gender discrimination by expanding the feminist conciousness and our knowledge through discussion and debate.

We seek to engage with all communities by creating a welcoming space for everyone.

We challenge ourselves and others to engage in advocacy and activism to facilitate individual and institutional changes in our society

C How We Enact Our Mission We enact our mission through collaborative relationships with student organizations, departments, and centers within the Loyola community in order to develop an array of intersectional feminist programs, events, and literature.

We immerse ourselves in the New Orleans community by participating in service, sharing scholarship, and engaging in feminist activism.

We discuss various topics at Feminist Fridays, we publish the Feminist Forum to open a greater dialogue, and we host our annual Feminist Festival to bring together feminists from various backgrounds to advance gender equality through forums, workshops, networking opportunities, artistic presentations, performances, and celebrations.

At the Women’s Resource Center we are modern feminists. We are distinct. We are of all ages. We are liberal, radical, cultural and eco feminists. We are an array of colors, creeds, classes, cultures, orientations, and gender identities. And we come together in our common mission to find the path to gender equality.

DIRECTOR'S DESK

Director's Desk

By Patricia Boyett

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n March 11, 2000, my colleagues and I received the news that Loyola University New Orleans would be moving to remote work on March 12 as COVID-19 began striking our city like it was attacking so many cities and towns across America. The news came a week before we were supposed to launch our fifth annual Feminist Festival.

I will always be grateful to our leadership, to President Tania Tetlow and her team, for making the decision to protect the students, staff, and faculty at Loyola by listening to the experts in the medical field and to our responsible city and state leaders.

Since that day, I have admired so much how President Tetlow, Provost Maria Calzada, all the deans and leading administrators, department chairs, and my faculty and staff colleagues have all worked toward fostering the close-knit social justice community we love at Loyola in imaginative ways that reach across vast geographies through technology. I have been deeply moved in the ways that Loyola students have responded to meet this challenge in their young lives with courage, determination, and collective care for the Loyola community.

In my Director’s Desk, I have always selected a contemporary feminist topic to explore. However, as we complete this semester remotely amidst a global pandemic that is forcing all of us to confront the fragility of human life and the meaning of our existence in this world, I decided to take this opportunity instead to celebrate the phenomenal feminists who work with me at the Women’s Resource Center at Loyola University New Orleans.

These amazing students have worked, not

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only to advance gender equity, but to foster some frustration over an obstacle to our a feminist community at the WRC. goals, and one of them says something so hilarious that it makes us all laugh. Their These past five years, I have looked joyful laughter rejuvenates me. forward each work day to meeting with my student staff members and listening to I value too, how these amazing students, their creative and intelligent ideas about who work at the WRC now and who have how to advocate for a cause, to develop a worked here since I became the director new project, to write a feminist piece, to five years ago, have collaborated with me design the next cover of our magazine, to cultivate a space that is open to a myriad to market a program, and to foster of perspectives. Feminists are a diverse community. I love when they flood into group of people who all pursue gender my office and gather around my desk to equality, but who often disagree about share some new wonderful ideas they have how to achieve that goal. At the WRC, we developed or just to tell me something remain committed to a principle that we funny one of them did. I treasure those hold dear at Loyola--that debating diverse moments when I walk into our living ideas forces us to think critically. That room space where the students often work principle allows for each of us to engage in and find them engaged in some deep respectful dialogue as we consider other conversation about feminism or when they perspectives and challenge ourselves to are laughing together. How often, I find reevaluate our own opinions when we myself recharged when we are confronting receive new information. I admire how

The Women's Resource Center Staff

DIRECTOR'S DESK

Bridget O'Connor an exceptional performance of Vagina Monologues and donated the proceeds Bethany Washington Women’s Studies Writing Awards to one of our wonderful community partners, Student Trauma Awareness & Response (START). They also initiated the WRC students have demonstrated the That First Year a feminist manifesto, which the WRC ability to disagree with each other and students completed over the years and remain friends. I admire too that at their When I arrived at the Women’s Resource that we now include in every issue of The young age, they understand that people Center, two interns, Bridget O’Connor and Feminist Forum. grow through experiences, that as human Bethany Washington, who had worked beings, we will all falter, but we are capable with my predecessor, enthusiastically Andie, who took over Feminist Fridays, of learning and growing. worked with me to continue programs after Lauren and Sian graduated helped they loved and to begin to develop grow the weekly dialogue through her I am deeply moved by how the students projects that I wanted to bring to Loyola, wonderful marketing skills. A music have fostered special bonds with each including our Feminist Festival that we industry major who planned to go to law other and become close friends. Their now host annually. Bethany, a business school, she brought a unique approach to kindness and openness in reaching out to major, who is as witty as she is bright, kept Feminist Fridays by encouraging people include new students who arrive to work at me laughing every morning and helped to express diverse perspectives on feminist the center and mentoring them moves me. me organize some of my favorite annual issues and to argue and debate points.

I also savor so very much the wonderful programs, including our Businesswomen’s Andie went on to law school at Loyola Law working relationships we have created.

Luncheon. Bethany also connected I love how they have nearly collectively me with so many magnificent student decided to call me PB as it makes it feel organizations at Loyola, including the then like we are a team. Yes, a team that business fraternities. Bridget, a sociology has leaders, but one that is open to the major, worked with me to make certain input and ideas of every staff member. As that the center was a place where survivors a team that aspires toward collective care of gender violence could feel safe, where and uplift, we seek to embody the spirit they could obtain resources, and where of Loyola’s mission: “living with and for they could find advocates. She was others.” fundamental in ensuring that our annual Take Back the Night event that we plan The friendships the students have fostered, with our counseling center, community Andie Slein their devotion to feminism, their talent partners, and six universities, grew every and genius, and their deep commitment year. to social justice has created such a special feminist community at the WRC. I Lauren and Sian were not part of the am grateful every day that I have the student staff, but they were strong partners privilege and honor of working with these with the WRC. They had brought Feminist exceptional students. This Director’s Fridays to Loyola the year before and Desk is dedicated to the WRC student had forged a strong relationship with staff. Please join me in celebrating these the center. In our living room space, amazing feminists. they hosted incredible dialogues about significant feminist issues every Friday.

In addition, they produced and directed Lucia Vives

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DIRECTOR'S DESK School, Los Angeles. Lucia Vives, a wonderful Loyola student, joined Andie as a co-moderator of Feminist Fridays. A philosophy major and a talented writer and singer, Lucia has brought many of her talents to the center, including participating in our Feminist Festival concert in 2016. Lucia has continued to intermittently serve as a moderator of Feminist Fridays when she is able to balance it with her budding career as a singer and model. Many other students at the center have served as moderators, including Hadori, Stephanie, Tyler, Sky Isabel, Audrey, and Carrie Elizabeth.

That first year as I began to grow the center and develop programs, I also struggled to structure the center like a company. I hoped to provide students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning to prepare for careers they might wish to pursue after graduation. In addition, I knew a business model would foster greater structure and efficiency.

Bethany was helping me in that regard, but she was graduating in May.

The Administrative Division It was at the beginning of 2016 when Hadori came into the intern office where I was organizing some files. She wore a suit and carried a briefcase. She introduced herself as a freshman business major who wanted to inquire about a position at the Women’s Resource Center, and she handed me her resume. Thoroughly impressed, I hired her immediately. She quickly earned the nickname CEO as she used her impressive organizational skills, her no-nonsense attitude, and her strong leadership skills to help me create a strong structure of teams at the WRC.

fabulous work ethic and is always willing to take on any task. Eryn and Peri, both freshmen, worked together every morning last semester and were often the first joyful faces I saw in the morning. Their work ethic has deeply impressed me as they never missed work, were always on time, took on any task I requested without complaint, and brought such happiness to the center in the morning. Sophisticated and smart women, they have developed so many wonderful ideas for our social media Hadori Bukle & Avalon Harold campaigns and helped Carrie Elizabeth and Crystal promote a variety of projects.

Operations & Management Team Hadori selected Avalon “Ava” Harold as her protégé and trained her to take over her position as student associate director of operations and management. Hadori graduated in 2019 and has already moved up the ranks in the business world. Ava, a strong, savvy, and determined woman assumed the position of associate director with an enthusiasm and determination that has moved me. As the WRC had grown to a staff that fluctuates between 30 and 40 students, Ava and I worked with several team leaders to develop divisions and teams and created a WRC handbook and manual. When I had to take an unexpected leave in the late fall for six weeks, Ava showed extraordinary leadership skills as I ran the center remotely and she ran it at Loyola. Ava oversees a team of dedicated administrators, including Carolyne and McKala, who have also written wonderful pieces for the magazine. It is always a joy to work with Ava. I am constantly amazed at the way she takes one of my ideas and creates spreadsheets and systems to schedule and track progress.

Marketing & Public Relations Team Carrie Elizabeth, a sophisticated and brilliant woman, runs our marketing team. A finance and marketing major, she has brought her exceptional talent to build upon the work of previous team leaders to create a solid and unique team.

Peri, Eryn, and Crystal also work with Carrie Elizabeth on the marketing team and have helped vastly expand our social media presence. Crystal runs our Meet The Staff Monday, developed by a previous team lead Hannah. Crystal also promotes Hadori Bukle Feminist Fridays and our events. She has a

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Peri Phengkeokaisone, Kyn Horton & Stephanie Adams

Carrie Elizabeth Smith

The Creative Division My deep interest in the creative world led me to connect with many phenomenal artists who helped me bring to fruition my dream of publishing this magazine.

Deniz, a brilliant woman who hails from Turkey and graduated in 2018, became my partner on this project. She is a phenomenal writer and taught herself graphic design. We spent a year developing the magazine with the input of many wonderful writers and artists at the center.

I think so often of the creative meetings in my office that went late into the evening as we pitched and discarded ideas and developed new ones. The work Deniz put into our magazine and her patience was

DIRECTOR'S DESK who have worked at the center, including Andie, Jessica, Shelby, Anna, Aubrey, and Erika, have contributed so many beautiful artistic pieces for our magazine and for our event posters. Andie along with Jessica, were my first staff recruits. Andie developed many posters for Feminist Fridays, which she co-moderated, as well as posters for a variety of events.

Jessica, a quiet and elegant woman, designed exceptional posters for the center, contributed photographs and graphic pieces and wrote a column for our magazine. Shelby drew many incredible portraits of people for the center, contributed art to the magazine, and drew beautiful posters for our advocacy work. Erika, a music education major, has a myriad of creative talents. She has drawn stunning portraits of women for our magazine, plays the saxophone, and Gabi Harkins, Emmaline Bouchillon & Lance Taylor sings beautifully. Both Erika and Anna also devoted themselves to advocacy work, The Art Team particularly advocating for survivors of gender violence. Emily, a talented Gabi, whose artistic talent is exceptional, will take over the creative director position graphic designer, who joined the center this spring has already produced some from Emmaline when she graduates this beautiful posters. And I could never forget spring. Gabi has designed many amazing Victoria W., a phenomenal photographer, posters for the center, for the theatre wonderful writer, and fascinating person. department, and for many departments A force of nature, Victoria has a fabulous and companies. She designed all the and unique sense of style, a wonderful graphics for our current columns and for sense of humor, and a deep conviction some of our other creative programs, like for social justice. She worked with us for our television show, At The Intersection. several years before studying abroad in She also designed our May 2018 cover.

Amsterdam.

Finally, Gabi worked with me, as well Deniz Sidi as many current and previous designers The Writing Team at the center, including Lance, Deniz, truly phenomenal. She trained another Emmaline, and designers at the Donnelly Grace, a senior history major, is a exceptional student at the center, Center to develop a crest and logo for the phenomenal writer and has served as the Emmaline, and she also worked with center. We finally settled on a phoenix associate director of our writing team Lance, a talented artist and graphic designed by Lance, some elements and editor-in-chief for our magazine for designer, who took over the position of included from designers at the Donnelly the past couple of years. Grace constantly creative director for a year, did the layout, Center, and a color scheme, background, amazes me with her incredible work ethic. and developed many of our posters and and symbols created by Gabi.

A bold and brilliant feminist, Grace has shirts for beautiful Feminist Festival and Our many other phenomenal artists contributed many powerful articles to the Take Back the Night. magazine that explore a variety of topics, including sexual assault, the history of Emmaline, the WRC’s current creative feminism at Loyola, as well as an article director uses her many talents to develop she co-authored with me for our fall issue our magazine, Feminist Forum. An artist, that explores feminism since the passage writer, and graphic designer, she has of the Nineteenth Amendment 100 years contributed fabulous columns, artwork, ago. I always enjoy debating feminism and poems to the magazine and completes and politics in general with Grace as she the full layout. Emmaline is also a giving is well-read and has a deep understanding and kind soul whose coaching leadership of the history of major issues. We do not style has helped foster the creative spirit at always agree, but we always have civil and the center and attracted many artists and interesting conversations. writers to work with us.

Erika Torres

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DIRECTOR'S DESK Delaney, a student with diverse and exceptional talents, has become our associate director of special projects. A brilliant writer, she has contributed a film column to the magazine, edited many articles and columns, and led our writing project with our community partner, NOLA4Women, “Leading Ladies of NOLA,” which celebrates a diverse group of phenomenal women in New Orleans.

Tess Rowland & Kiera Reeves Writers for the project included students in my First Year Seminar course in the fall Kaityln, a criminal justice major who 2019 and the WRC’s staff writers. Delaney brings her expertise to the column and contributed two pieces, organized all the Grace Riddick her advocacy work. Carolyne, a music writers for the project, and collaborated industry major, brings her wonderful Grace and Emmaline have worked with with Grace to edit the pieces. All the knowledge of the field to write our music me since their freshmen year and have essays for this project are included in this column. Carolyne’s growing knowledge served as mentors to each new class of of how to run an industry impressed Ava, magazine. For the past two years, Delaney students. They are tireless advocates for has also served as the project director who has brought her on to work with her feminism and fierce defenders of the many administration team as well. for our women’s filmmaker competition students they have mentored at the WRC. and screening that is part of our Feminist Grace and Emmaline also work beautifully Trent developed our first column focusing Festival. Finally, Delaney is the recipient together to coordinate the writing and art on the LGBTQ community, which they of this year’s Barbara Ewell Creative pieces for the magazine. How I miss our Writing award for her essay, “What It called: “Spilling the LGBTea,” that used many wonderful talks in my office about Means to be a Woman,” which is included humor and passion to explore feminism the center’s work, feminism in general, and in the queer community. Trent also in this issue. Delaney is wickedly funny their hopes for their future. But we have with an intelligent wit. She is also so contributed beautiful photographs to the made use of all the modern technology to compassionate and is constantly reaching magazine. Leo developed an amazing communicate remotely. out to people in need. column, “TransTalk,” which explored many important issues in the transgender We have had many wonderful writers for Delaney’s team has included many community. A new staff member, Jacob, our magazine who have contributed so wonderful staff members. Brittney, a began a new column to explore feminism many fabulous. features and developed brilliant history major, who has helped and the LGBTQ community; his debut interesting columns. Sarah, a brilliant develop and run Loyola’s annual Peace column “Trans-Forming Media” will be bio-chem major wrote a powerful piece on published in our fall issue. Gabriela, a new Conference with Dr. Behrooz Moazami Women in STEM. Although Sarah seems staff member at the center, contributed a came to work with us this year. A powerful shy and quiet when you first meet her, once phenomenal piece about feminism and writer who is devoted to social justice she trusts you, she lets out her hilarious produced so many beautiful and intelligent fashion as well as her work as a designer, sense of humor. She is also a deeply kind papers in my course, “A Comparative which will also be in the fall magazine. and compassionate person. Hadori History of Prejudice, Oppression, and Challen has worked with the center as developed the business column. Isabelle, a a staff member and volunteer and has Resistance,” that I was thrilled when she finance major, took over the column since contributed many wonderful pieces joined our staff. She contributed two essays Hadori left. Carrie Elizabeth, a finance and including a fascinating article about for the Leading Ladies project and served marketing major, wrote the column for Gabrielle’s Restaurant in New Orleans. this issue. Tess, a talented communications

The Development Division major, developed our feminist book club that included a book column and quarterly book club meetings. She worked with us for several years before she went to work for a variety of local news outlets and Loyola’s newspaper, The Maroon. Lauryn L. an elegant communications major, started our “Fashion Fits” column that Emmaline has taken over since Lauryn graduated. Several students have written for our advocacy column, including Sarah May

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The Development Division consists of several different teams that work on various projects. The division initially mostly focused on programming events on campus. However, we have expanded to develop various special projects, a television show, a podcast, and advocacy campaigns. We also have continued to develop and expand our on-campus programming.

Special Projects Team

Grace Riddick, Delaney Harper & Emmaline Bouchillon

DIRECTOR'S DESK on the committee reviewing films for our annual women’s filmmaker competition and screening. Jordan, a brilliant bio-chem major joined us this spring and has already made an impression on the team leads and me as a responsible, kind, and intelligent team member. She also serves on the film review committee. Audrey, a theater major and ballet dancer, joined us last year and has served on the film committee and wrote two pieces for the Leading Ladies project. Audrey is a ball of energy and enthusiasm and brings such joy to the center.

Becoming Boss Babes Podcast Vanessa and Rhonisha founded the podcast Becoming Boss Babes and brought their project to the WRC. It has been such a joy to work with these determined and talented women and watch them develop this wonderful podcast. They received incredible support too from our administration. President Tania Tetlow was their first interviewee. Since that time, they have interviewed many other phenomenal women, including Michelle Edelman (PETERMAYER Integrated Marketing Agency), Kerry Cahill (The Walking Dead), Mary Staes (U.S. Marines), and Renata Granger (Director of Early Head Start). Vanessa and Rhonisha are talented, sophisticated, and intelligent women who represent so many of Loyola’s values, including pursuit of excellence, learning from experiences, and standing with and for others.

Our New Television Show At The Intersection Carrie Elizabeth, who runs our marketing and public relations team, and Tyler Sancehz, associate director of the programming, team brought to

The At The Intersection team the center one of our most exciting new developments: At The Intersection, a social media television show that explores intersectional feminism at Loyola and across New Orleans with segments like the Leading Ladies of NOLA and roadblocks.

Carrie Elizabeth and Tyler co-produce and co-anchor the show. Carrie Elizabeth, a finance and marketing major, who has an intelligence and sophistication far beyond her years and Tyler, a political science major and a wonderful writer, who has a knack for moving and inspiring a crowd and for making us all laugh with his quick wit, make a wonderful duo.

Tyler and Carrie Elizabeth put together a phenomenal group in both of their teams to produce the show. Sofia, a strong feminist from Puerto Rico, who though only a freshman, has so many talents that she serves as the director, cinematographer, and editor for the show.

Kynnedi “Kyn”, a bright and determined freshman with creative and business talents, took the lead in organizing all the creative forces as the production and stage manager. Victoria B., Peri, Eryn, Sabah, Crystal, and Stephanie all contribute to the show in a myriad of ways, including serving as reporters, publicists, and writers.

Along with Eryn who as previously noted also works on the marketing and public relations team, Victoria and Sabah will be some of the main reporters for the show in the fall. Victoria, a psychology major and a freshman, fosters wonderful

dialogues about multiple perspectives about feminism. She is as kind as she is bright, always has a smile on her face, and works to make other people engaged and comfortable. Tyler actually recruited Sabah to work at the WRC after interviewing her for the Leading Ladies at Loyola segment. Sabah is an intelligent and determined social justice activist and sociology major who has engaged in a variety of causes, and serves as copresident of the student organization, Step-up, a branch of Louisiana Step-up.

The Advocacy Team Stephanie directs our advocacy team with the enthusiasm and passion of the history teacher she is studying to become. I love how she takes great joy in organizing her calendar and schedule for her team and her weekly reports with an intricate color-coded system. She brings a great passion to advocacy and is always among the first people to sign up for Title IX training and Feminist Campus workshops.

Athena Merida

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DIRECTOR'S DESK has served as the president of Plus+, which I co-advise, has hosted many important programs, including Trangender Day of Remembrance. Natalie came to work at the WRC this spring. Natalie always has a smile on her face and is such a kind and gracious person. She started developing so many wonderful advocacy campaigns for us that we will activate in the fall. Natalie also has a wonderful sense of style. It’s always fun to see what new sleek coat or pair of unique shoes she is wearing when she arrives for work.

Programming

Advocates on the Rape Culture panel On many occasions, she has served as an advocate for a classmate who has suffered from gender violence and has directed them to me and to various on-campus and off-campus resources. And she has developed and executed important letterwriting campaigns for a variety of issues, including the call to renew the Violence Against Women Act.

with Tulane University to bring the Elect Her workshop to New Orleans again.

The twenty-two attendees learned how to run for political office through seminars and various exercises. Athena recruited students to attend the workshop, helped me organize it, and wrote about it in a piece in our fall issue.

Athena, a senior who served as our director of advocacy for a time, before handing the position to Stephanie. She has worked with me since her freshman year and has brought a wealth of wonderful ideas to the center along with her engaging personality. Her joyful laughter and her enthusiasm are infectious and will serve her well in her future career in higher education. This year, she served as the president of the Women in Politics student organization that I advise. In partnership with the Women’s Resource Center, Women in Politics collaborated

Serena, Sequoya, Noelie, Daniel, and Kaitlyn worked with me for several years at the WRC and helped me expand programming and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault. They became trained Title IX advocates, wrote wonderful pieces for the magazine, and helped me facilitate important programs like Take Back the Night and an all-student panel that raised awareness about rape culture and how to change that culture. Parker, a brilliant writer and dedicated advocate, contributed powerful work on transgender issues for our magazine and served as an LGBTQ advocate and trainer. Leo, who

Serena Hill

Sequoya LaJoy

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Many wonderful students have worked with me in our programming that includes Feminist Festival, Take Back the Night, Sexual Assault Awareness Week, Love Your Body Week, and a variety of programs throughout the year.

All the students at the center contribute to programming in some aspect. They serve as project and program managers, moderate panels, and sometimes present their own work at an event. Rula, Lucia, Athena, Tyler, Serena, Sequoya, Hadori, Brailey, Ava, Rae, Destiny, and Noelie are just a few of the students who have presented their work and/or moderated panels. I am always so proud of their work ethic, their poise, and their brilliance.

Rae organized a talk on gun violence and gender with MOMS Demand Action for our 2019 Feminist Festival. Sequoya arranged a series of events, including a powerful panel on indingeous women.

Rula and Athena became some of our most creative and active program directors.

Rula helped me bring back the Elect Her workshop to New Orleans. After that

Rula Thabata

DIRECTOR'S DESK

Rula Thabata at Take Back the Night workshop, Rula and several other students founded the fantastic student organization, Women in Politics. She served as vice president and later president of the organization. Rula and Athena helped me organize “Women Rising in the Political Arena.” The program featured Professor Sean Cain and his research assistant Mallory Dickerson and Councilwoman Cyndi Wynn as well as Dr. Tammy Savoie and Elsie Dunbar, both graduates from Emerge Louisiana, which teaches women how to run for political office. Rula and Athena co-moderated the panel. Rula has worked with a variety of local political and community organizations and helped put me in contact with so many extraordinary women. She also contributed brilliant pieces to our magazine.

The Center

Photo from Take Back the Night

The Women’s Resource Center has become for me, more than just a center or a job, it is a mission and a second home. It is the place I looked forward to entering each day during the work week. My student staff have become more than staff members to me, but partnering feminists in a cause. Their brilliant work, their devotion to the center, and their engaging and colorful personalities bring such innovation and hope to the work we do

Rula Thabata & Avalon Harold and make the center a special and joyful place on campus. Whether I was debating a political issue with Sabah, Grace, and Athena, listening to Tyler and Carrie Elizabeth enthusiastically pitch a segment for a television show, holding a creative meeting with Emmaline and Grace and their team, exploring special projects with Delaney, watching Stephanie and her team develop advocacy initiatives, or sitting in awe of Ava as she produces spreadsheets and business models to organize us all, I was ever so happy and grateful for those amazing days of my life.

I look forward to the day in the fall semester when we gather again at the Women’s Resource Center. Until then, as we struggle to confront the challenges and the suffering wrought by the pandemic that separated us, I think of how we might act in a grassroots way to find meaning in the experience and work to create a more just world. I know that we will persevere and that we will emerge from these difficult days stronger than ever. For it is embodied in our motto: “Like Phoenixes We Rise.”

Since we have moved to remote work, we have been able to keep the center active online. Certainly, technology has closed the geographical spaces between us. Yet I miss our physical center. I miss our meetings and watching these phenomenal students develop these incredible ideas. I miss our programs and seeing the fruition of our work together in panels, festivals, and campaigns. I miss the dialogues of Feminist Fridays. I miss witnessing the students form incredible bonds of friendship with each other. And I miss their laughter most of all.

In this Director’s Desk dedicated to the WRC staff, I wish to say to all the students who have worked at the center, you are among the shining lights of your social justice generation. Your passion for equality and justice and your devotion to creating a community and a world that knows joy, compassion, love, and hope far more than it knows the inverse of those words inspires me every day. I am in awe of you. It has been the honor and privilege of my life to work alongside you.

Photo from Take Back the Night

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COVER STORY

Women on the Frontlines in the Time of COVID-19

By Grace Riddick Photo courtesy of Pexels. By CDC. https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-yellow-protective-suit-wearing-white-face-mask-3992948/

Please note that the opinions expressed in this piece are the opinions of the author, Grace Riddick. The persons in the photographs were not interviewed for this piece, and thus, did not express any opinions about their work or actions in the photographs. We included these photographs to celebrate brave and dedicated essential workers during this crisis.

W

omen have been on the frontlines for centuries. In the mid nineteenth century, Florence Nightingale was the main woman fighting on the frontlines of the Crimean War to keep soldiers alive. Nightingale advocated for better sanitary conditions at the facilities where she treated British soldiers, all while constantly treating a staggering amount of soldiers for battle wounds and disease. Setting a precedent for the field of nursing, Nightingale’s actions shed light on the current coronavirus pandemic. As COVID19 spreads across the U.S., healthcare workers, sanitation workers, food service workers, service industry workers, and countless others on the frontlines are fighting to flatten the curve, help those infected by the virus, and better sanitary conditions in the workplace.

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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that women make up approximately 78 percent of all healthcare workers and 52 percent of all food service workers in the U.S., therefore they have a greater risk of contracting the virus. In addition to the health risks, the economic effects of COVID-19 have left women financially vulnerable. As the economy adapts to the changes in industry demand, fields that women dominate, like healthcare and food service, the injustice of the wage gap becomes more evident. During times of crisis like the current global pandemic, equal pay is more important than ever.

It has become evident that all frontline workers are concerned with sufficient pay and protection and as a result, there is a possibility for a labor movement that could cross class lines.

Additionally, now that schools are cancelled across the country, many women with children are also finding themselves as caretakers for their children.

Although some working mothers have partners to assist with childcare, those without assistance are now employees 24/7, whether that be in the field battling the virus or at home taking care of their children. Regardless of each woman’s role in the frontlines, whether they have children or not, the systemic inequities already present in society prior to the COVID-19 outbreak are emphasized in times of crisis.

One example of said inequities appears in healthcare. Nurses, due to the practical role of their job, have more “hands-on” contact with patients. Subsequently, nurses are high-risk for contracting coronavirus

COVER STORY from their patients. Nursing is a field dominated by women, and those being told to re-use protective masks, and other protective equipment, have had enough.

Adrianna Rodriguez at USA Today reported that on May 7 a handful of nurses stood outside the White House, while practicing social distancing, to protest the lack of PPE. In a demonstration to show the effects of a lack of PPE for nurses, the protestors laid out eighty-eighty pairs of shoes to represent eighty-eight nurses that had died from the virus.

In Texas, at Las Palmas Medical Center, nurses protested the conditions at the hospital on May 8. According to Justin Kree, reporter for local news station KFOX14, nurses at Las Palmas protested the hospital requiring them to re-use masks and proceed with elective surgeries even if the patients had not been tested for the virus. Ashley Bartholomew, one of the main nurses who protested these conditions, was suspended when she “asked to be relocated to a different assignment for safety reasons.”

The current treatment of nurses and the lack of protections offered to them is putting everyone at risk for contracting the virus, but mostly women. Nurses deal with patients “hands-on” more than doctors. The possibility of contracting the virus is high for nurses, and as a result many are protesting having to risk their lives in order to go to work.

On the other side of the frontlines, sanitation and food service workers are witnessing similar injustices. Unlike healthcare workers that spend years building the mental fortitude to handle disease and death, sanitation and food service workers have not had access to the same training due to the practicalities of their jobs. Deemed essential employees during this crisis, these workers are now risking their lives to go to work with little to no PPE. Sophia Chang, a reporter for the New York City news site gothamist, disclosed that in New York City, schools are still serving lunches to low-income students and many workers fear contracting the virus.

Jessica Jaramillo worked in the cafeteria of Queens Vocational High School in Long Island City. Jaramillo contracted the virus and was hospitalized on March 29.

She died on March 31. Chang stated that Jaramillo’s sister, Carol Powell, noted that Jaramillo was asked to submit a doctor’s note to her employer regarding her autoimmune disease to explain “her high-risk condition despite her existing medical record on file at the DOE.” Despite feeling ill already, Jaramillo went to her doctor and submitted a note to her employer requesting a leave of absence. Her request was granted but she passed soon after.

Jessica Jaramillo’s death is one example of any food service workers who have fallen ill and passed away. But behind the realities of the medical threat of the

Photo courtesy of Marcy Winograd, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

virus, many found themselves, and are still finding themselves, at risk due to poor planning from their employers and a delay in providing employees with PPE. On April 17, reporters at ABC News told the story of a McDonald’s in California where 56-year old Sonia Hernandez had to work with no PPE. As a result, she ended up in the ICU where she was put under sedation and put on a ventilator in a fight for her life. Adriana Alvarez, a 27-year old single mother, has worked at a McDonald’s right outside of Chicago for the past 10 years. Alvarez noted the case of Hernandez to ABC news reports as an example of the vulnerabilities food service workers are experiencing. Alvarez, already a leader of the Fight for $15 movement, joined an online protest to fight for better protections for food service employees.

Single mothers like Alvarez are having to fight for their lives while raising children who are at home all day due to school shut-downs. The job never ends for women like Alvarez, so the lack of protections and insufficient wages are a series of injustices that they have to endure every day.

In addition to the harsh realities of being a woman on the frontlines, every frontline worker is dealing with the extreme stress and burdens of coronavirus. The head of the emergency medicine department at a hospital in Manhattan, Dr. Lorna Breen, committed suicide after witnessing so many people die from the virus as well as many people barely made it out of the ambulance. John Mondello, a 23-year-old EMT in the Bronx, also committed suicide because of the massive mental burden that frontline workers are experiencing.

In fact, many hospitals are already trying to prepare for a wave of stress disorders that many hospital workers are likely to develop. Anna Silman, a writer for Intelligencer, spoke of Dr. Albert Wu, M.D., expert in infectious disease and professor at Johns Hopkins University, who stated “There’s this feeling of being vulnerable at the same time you’re exposed to all this stress — like you’re rushing off to war but you’ve left your armor at home.” President of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Marc Perrone, told CNBC reporters that “He’s spoken to employees who can’t sleep.

Others said they feel stressed or burned out.” The mental toll of seeing patients and co-workers die on such a massive scale

15

COVER STORY Native Americans are suffering as well and the residents in Navajo Nation in particular are experiencing major losses.

Grace Baek, a reporter for CBS News, described the residents’ fight against coronavirus, “About 30% of the population in the Navajo Nation does not have running water in their homes during a time when hand-washing is critical. It also has one of the highest COVID-19 infection rates per capita in the U.S., after New York and New Jersey.” The effects of no running water could be detrimental to preventing infection because many residents have had to break social distancing rules in order to retrieve water for basic needs. Baek notes that the nation would need an estimated 2.7 billion dollars to provide water and sanitation to all homes, but Congress only allocated a little less than 4 percent of the needed amount.

The inequities have not stopped with black Photos courtesy of Becky Boyett, Registered Nurse, Louisiana. and Native American populations. Latino groups are also finding themselves more has left many frontline workers with stress and instability for women. Now more than vulnerable to the virus. Miriam Jordan and Richard A. Oppel Jr., two reporters for that many fear will not go away once states ever is the time for states to address these the New York Times, noted this issue in begin to flatten the curve. economic disparities. If left unaddressed, an interview with Dr. Eva Galvez, a family then women on the frontlines are simply physician in Oregon. Dr. Galvez found The United States is witnessing a growing sources of cheap labor for employers. that of all the people she had tested for the labor movement that is crossing class The unique labor demands that the lines. Right now, people need healthcare pandemic has produced means that rising virus, half of those being Latino people, she found that Latinos were 20 times workers more than ever before. People frustrations amongst essential workers also need food service employees, grocery could create a labor movement that crosses more likely to have the virus. Dr. Galvez concluded that the higher rates came from store workers, warehouse workers, and so class and gender lines. jobs that require a lot of interaction with many more as well. But the difference in the various job sectors on the frontlines A movement across class and gender lines other people; many people who are a part of the Latino population in Oregon work are evident. Food service jobs have never would entail a movement across racial at jobs like food service, transportation, entailed working with disease and PPE, divides as well. and meatpacking plants. and most are paid significantly less than People of color are being healthcare workers. With the media and disproportionately impacted by COVIDThese disparities could appear in the the government deeming food service 19. The statistics are staggering and growing protests as workers on the workers “essential,” many employees of highlight a deeply troubling problem. In frontlines demand protection, therefore various grocery stores and restaurants fact, many cities, especially New Orleans, making the movement stronger and larger. are finding it hard to feel appreciated are witnessing a growing disparity in The diversity of demographics most at risk when they have been stranded with no the percentages of deaths and infection for gender, economic, health, and racial protections. between black and white populations.

According to one nola.com article written inequities is creating the perfect political opportunity to change the existing system As demands for PPE increase for

by Jeff Adelson, Youssef Rddad and all frontline workers, they are also Faimon Roberts, “Nearly 57% of the 1,405 and protect those most vulnerable to the virus. demanding hazard pay. According to people who have lost their lives to the political reporter Chris McKenna, one coronavirus in Louisiana are black, while As news on coronavirus and its effects example of this occurred in New York at African-Americans make up only 33% of on different job sectors change every the Orange Regional Medical Center when the state's population.” Especially in New day, there are a few questions that employees signed an online petition for Orleans, the disproportionate impact on hazard pay. Since women make up most of black residents is reminiscent of Hurricane can be maintained throughout the the frontline workers, a lack of hazard pay Katrina - a trauma that still lives on in the developing coverage. One question is, will women come out of the pandemic with on top of the existing gender wage gap that city. disproportionate effects on their physical varies amongst race and ethnicity, could and mental health? Furthermore, will the produce even more economic inequalities

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COVER STORY death toll for women be higher due to the already present systemic inequities that leave them vulnerable? Alisha Gupta at the New York Times pointed out a study that showed that after the SARS pandemic, “Of the more than 8,000 probable SARS cases around the world in the early 2000s, more than half were female and about 21 percent of total cases occurred among health care workers, according to the W.H.O.” The likelihood of a higher death toll for women from coronavirus is high, but as protests emerge and people discuss that possibility more and more, many are seeking to prevent this catastrophic impact on women. Other questions ask the same thing, but with different demographics.

Like, will the death toll for people of color in America be higher due to the already present systemic inequities that leave them vulnerable? As news outlets already report that a higher death toll for people of color is occurring in various cities and states, it is now a matter of how to address and prevent it.

The result of examining the deep inequalities in the United States that the pandemic has illuminated is a list of immediate demands for the government, hospitals, restaurants, and more.

First, all essential workers need to be provided with PPE. Unlike the global experience with SARS, coronavirus spreads asymptotically meaning that PPE is a necessity since transmission of the virus can occur between people that have not presented any symptoms. Since asymptomatic transmission spreads the virus in a deadlier fashion, PPE can greatly reduce the spread and therefore flatten the curve faster. Secondly, all workplaces should enact hazard pay so frontline workers do not experience economic vulnerabilities. The risk of contracting the virus in addition to the mental burden of financial insecurity has left many in fear for the wellbeing of their families and themselves. Finally, all frontline workers should be provided with a greater access to mental health services to reduce burnout, increase mental wellbeing, and assist with the symptoms of any existing mental conditions. As noted by Vermont news station WCAX3, on May 2 Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) stated that he “will direct all health insurers to waive copays and deductibles for mental health services for essential workers.” Other states should follow Cuomo’s actions in

order to help those on the frontlines who are dealing with the mental burden of pandemic.

Although there is a lot of work to be done, even after the pandemic officially ends, these three basic demands should be fulfilled to protect frontline workers.

Numerous essential employees feel abandoned and disregarded due to the lack of protections. These acts are the first necessary steps in helping those who are helping everyone else. Women on the frontlines are especially vulnerable since they make up approximately 78 percent of healthcare workers and 52 percent of food service workers in the United States.

Additionally, many of the jobs women are performing on the frontline, like nursing, put them at an even greater risk since they experience more contact with those who are infected. But as the news on coronavirus develops, the nation is seeing first-hand how various groups are especially vulnerable to the virus. Black Americans and low-income populations are at a higher risk as well. The demands

from various gender, racial, and economic groups are merging and have the potential to grow into a larger movement that people will no longer be able to ignore. As coronavirus ravages these populations, the intolerance of the situation grows, the political opportunity for a movement increases, and the possibility for change appears more attainable than ever before.

Photos courtesy of Becky Boyett, Registered Nurse, Louisiana.

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COLUMNS

The Dangers of the LGBTQ+ “Panic Defense”

By Delaney Harper

J

ames Miller assured the court that he was not, in fact, gay. In his affidavit, 69 year old Miller explained that he and David Spencer, his neighbor, were musicians and were playing together on September 21, 2015 when Miller said that “[expletive] just started happening.”

When the police arrived at Spencer’s home at 3 a.m., they discovered that Miller had fatally stabbed Spencer. In Miller’s trial 3 years later, he claimed that his 32 year old neighbor had leaned in to kiss him, throwing him into a panic that ended up with a dead body and 10 years of probation. The defense argued that he acted in self-defense, utilizing what has been named the “panic defense” against LGBTQ+ victims of assaults and homicides.

This strategy is not uncommon. The LGBTQ+ “panic defense” is a legal tactic and rationale that defers criminal liability to a moment of impulse. It’s the claim that the perpetrator, upon learning or assuming the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity, had lost self-control which led to the assault or murder of the victim. Through this, the perpetrator can blame the subsequent assault or murder on the victim. It’s not a sole defense against criminal liability, but it is used to bolster other defenses. It is sometimes referred

18

to as the “gay/trans panic defense,” but it’s a tactic used against the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Therefore, the name “gay/trans panic defense” can be seen as exclusive to those who do not identitfy as gay or transgender. Perhaps the most well-known example of the “panic defense” is in the torture and killing of Matthew Shepard in 1998. The hate crime legislation that resulted from the outrage of that case pales in comparison to an easy out for anti-LGBTQ+ perpetrators. In 2019, Loyola student Brendan Heffernan wrote the opinion piece “Gay Panic Defenses must be banned in Louisiana” for The Maroon. Heffernan emphasisizes the need for a ban in Louisiana on the litigation tool as he describes the way in which the killer of Island Nettles, a transgender woman, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and avoided the very hate crime crime legislation put in place years ago.

States like California, Texas, New York, and Illinois recently passed legislation to prohibit the use of the “panic defense” in efforts to take violent crimes committed against the LGBTQ+ community more seriously. Yet, Louisiana, for one, has fallen by the wayside despite growing violence against the community, particularly against trans women of

color. Federally, a bill called the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act was introduced to the Senate and the House of Representatives on June 5, 2019. The bill has since been stalled. Meanwhile, families of transwomen Chyna Gibson and Ciarra McElveen and Ja’Quarius Taylor, a young gay teenager, mourn and search restlessly for the killers across Louisiana. Some might claim that a ban on the defense is unnecessary due to the few cases that use the “panic defense” in Louisiana courts; however, as seen in cases like Gibson’s, McElveen, and Taylor’s, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals rarely moves past the investigative stage to begin with, thus skewing statistical data. If authorities investigate a case and bring a perpetrator forward, then the ban would ensure that the case brought before a jury would be one that has a greater chance of justice instead of legal rationale that blames the victim. People within the LGBTQ+ community already have to keep their eyes peeled for bigots who may very well take their life—the “panic defense” insures that the perpetrator can get away with the murder.

COLUMNS

The Discrepancy of Women in Financial Services

By Carrie Elizabeth Smith

I

t is no secret that most jobs are male-dominated. Shockingly, nearly half of the people in the field of finance identify as female. As a black female studying finance and marketing, I recognize the challenges I will face in a business career both due to my race and gender. I wanted to explore why women make up nearly 46% of financial service employees, yet less than 13% of these women hold senior or executivelevel positions. To understand how this discrepancy arises, it is important to note the patriarchal factors that play a role.

Male dominance, male identification, male centeredness, and obsession with control all reinforce the idea that males should hold all of the positions of power and authority. These patriarchal factors suggest that men possess a stronger work ethic than women, are responsible for the progression of society, and must be in control of all situations including finances and education. As a result, society has been conditioned to center and uplift the male in which consciously or subconsciously women have been deemed as inferior or not as capable.

The most difficult challenge women face in financial services is the lack of gender diversity. According to McKinsey & Company, 73% of white men hold C-Suite level positions, in comparison to white women who hold 17%, and even more disparagingly, women of color who hold only 1% of C-Suite level positions. This

disparity is a result of the four patriarchal factors previously mentioned as well as racial discrimination that creates a culture of bias. Lack of representation for women and women of color in higherlevel positions is one of the most difficult challenges women have to overcome. It is hard to become what is not seen and it is even harder to strive in an environment in which no one looks like you nor can they relate to your experience. In most companies, the lack of women at executive level positions makes it exceedingly more difficult for women to move up levels in a firm. In addition to already not having representation at higher levels, white women and women of color are 24% and 34% less likely to attain a promotion than men, respectively, despite being equally or more qualified. This is due to the lack of support or sponsorship women receive in entry-level positions as well as the fact that young women do not have the role models that would provide them with the path toward executive-level leadership.

The absence of female representation in executive positions has made the field of financial services an unattractive career option for women thus additionally contributing to the cycle of gender disparity.

With all of the challenges women face in finance, it should not be a deterrent from entering this field. For every challenge, there is a reason why women should stay in finance and should continue

to pursue finance as a career. Women bring more diversity, more socially conscious investing, better investments, more financial stability, and better risk management. The gender gap is a tremendous challenge however, it is also an opportunity to not only permeate existing spaces but to create your own.

Financial services are also so much more than just making money, it is about using this position to make real economic and social change. This career path provides constant intellectual stimulation and an opportunity for tremendous growth as an individual. Women are shifting the culture of finance and are creating a future of financial services that includes women who are pursuing their own initiatives, starting their own companies, and eventually obtaining more executive-level positions. The challenges of the patriarchy will not dissolve overnight but with the incredible strides women in business have made, the likelihood of closing the gap between women and men in high-level positions of finance seems more attainable day by day. As a black woman who will soon enter the field of financial services, I am hopeful that though it may seem that women have just barely scratched the surface of executive-level positions, the room for growth is an opportunity in itself.

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LEADING LADIES

Leading Ladies of NOLA

T

he Women’s Resource Center at Loyola University New Orleans and the Donnelly Center worked with NOLA4Women to shed light on women who changed New Orleans in a positive way. Students working at the Women’s Resource Center and several students in Loyola University New Orleans’ freshman seminar courses in the fall of 2019 wrote the essays, and students working at the Donnelly Center created the artistic elements and the layout. During the month of March 2020, we featured women, ranging from household names like Lindy Boggs and Leah Chase to lesser-known women such as Shaie-Mei Temple and Frances-Joseph Gaudet on our social media pages each work week day. We compiled all of those essays in this spring issue of our magazine and hope our readers enjoy them. Each of these women made interesting and important contributions to the city that sparked the writer’s interest. Although all of these women have passed away, their impact on the city of New Orleans remains and continues to inspire those of us who reside here as well as those who visit the historic and vibrant streets of the Big Easy.

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LEADING LADIES

Shaie-Mei Temple

By Audrey Reames

“I am a Chinese, Asian, American, female engineer.

That’s just who I am. In New Orleans, I find that with all these imperfections, it’s a good place to be.”

-Shaie-Mei Temple, 2001.

S

haie-Mei Temple was a humble, peaceful, and influential leader who inserted her heart

and soul into everything she did. Her intense determination and love of Asian cultures led her into a life of advocating for people’s differences, proving that potentially hindering differences have no power in holding one back from achieving great things. Although she unfortunately passed away at the age of 52 due to complications with meningitis, she left behind a meaningful legacy for Asian-Americans everywhere. Born in 1949 to a traditionally Chinese family in Taiwan, her father left upon finding out that she was not a boy. Temple had a determination her father could not imagine.

Upon achieving her high school diploma, she made the brave decision to move to the U.S. and pursue a degree in engineering at the Lowell Technical Institute in Massachusetts. She fell in love with America’s growing diversity and rich cultures, but she realized early on in her career that as a young, Asian woman working in a male-dominated field, securing good employment would be a challenging task. Nevertheless, she asserted her power and earned herself important positions in multiple fortune 500 energy companies, such as Arco and Citizens Utilities.

21

LEADING LADIES

Francisca de Salazar y Magaña

By McKala Meziere

T

he Salazar family moved from Mèrida, Yucatan,

the Spanish Colonial times, also burned. Another

Mexico to the colony of New Orleans in 1782,

tragedy struck their family in 1793. Francisca’s

during the Spanish Colonial period. Under her

mother, Maria Antonia Magaña and her younger

father’s tutelage, Francisca de Salazar y Magaña is

brother, José Casiano, died. The same year of

the first known artist to study in Louisiana. She is

her father’s death, 1802, Francisca painted a copy

the first child of her parents, born in the late 1770s,

of her father’s famous portrait of Bishop Luis

just a few years before the move to New Orleans.

Ignatius Cardenas y Peñalver, which was intended

Her father, José Francisco Xavier de Salazar y

to be hung in St. Louis Cathedral. However, the

Mendoza, became one of the most prominent

painting was burned in the 1988 Cabildo Fire,

painters not only in New Orleans, but in Louisiana as

which destroyed the entire third floor. This painting

a whole. The Salazars are the only known painters

was the only painting that was signed by her. The

that painted portraits in North America during

lives of the remaining Salazars after the Louisiana

the Spanish Colonial period. However, because of

Purchase is not clear. The last mentions of any of

inconsistencies in the work and the large amount

the Salazar family is in her father’s will written in

of her father’s paintings, historians concluded

1802. Francisca de Salazar y Magaña’s death is not

that he must have had help from his children,

even recorded in any records.

specifically Francisca. The family did not only live in New Orleans, they thrived in a time where many artists did not thrive. As demonstrated in the 1791 census in Louisiana, they were one of only three painters residing in New Orleans at the time.

In 1788, the Good Friday Fire (the Great New Orleans Fire) erupted and destroyed about fourfifths of the city of New Orleans due to the highly flammable wood the city used to build homes and buildings along with the illegally hidden gunpowder in homes. The fire left the majority of the residents homeless, including the Salazars.

The Cabildo, which served as city

22

hall during

LEADING LADIES

Maria Francesca Cabrini

By Grace Riddick

“Mother Cabrini is one of the remarkable women

In order to target the specific needs of the

of this century. One hardly knows how to begin to

community, Cabrini and the Sisters established

describe her, but there is an intangible something

an orphanage in the French Quarter on St. Philip

about her which suggests the Catholic saint. It is

Street. As they began to notice the deeper needs

the lives of just such women that are immortalized

of the community, the women also established

by canonization.”

missionary outposts in 1855 in the rural outskirts

T

of New Orleans. Traveling by carriage, the women he description of Mother Cabrini from a New

would trek to outlying areas and care for the poor

Orleans newspaper in 1905 sums up the feeling

and Italian immigrants by providing them with

of worship many New Orleanians felt for her. Born

any immediate care they needed, such as literacy

in 1850, Maria Francesca Cabrini, later canonized

lessons and religious comfort.

as St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, came to New Orleans in 1892 to help the Italian immigrants in the city.

When Cabrini found that the orphanage on St.

Just one year prior in 1891, a mob in New Orleans

Philip Street could no longer provide the amount of

lynched eleven Italians as a product of anti-Italian

resources the community needed, she constructed

hate that had became more widespread as a

a new orphanage on Esplanade Avenue, later to

result of the assassination of police chief David

become Cabrini High School in 1959. During the

C. Hennessy. Although authorities never identified

early 20th century it was the custom to only house

the Italian men they arrested as the killer and that

orphans until they were fourteen years old. This

evidence failed to support these arrests, a mob

custom derived from a common belief that once

abducted eleven Italian men and lynched them.

children turned fourteen, they were “dangerous”

Thereafter, Italians in New Orleans lived in fear.

and able to live on their own. Once again ignoring widespread customs and opinions of this time, as

It was because of the lynchings that Cabrini

she did in treating Italian immigrants and those

decided to move to New Orleans so that she

with yellow fever, Cabrini established an “industrial

could care for those Italian immigrants in need

school” that served as a bridge for children in

of sanctuary and resources during a time of

between their time at the orphanage and the

widespread xenophobia in the city and across

working world. This way, the children were not

the nation. Once in New Orleans, Cabrini and the

completely abandoned at fourteen and they had

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart found that

the opportunity to earn wages.

the Italian community had been heavily affected by the yellow fever epidemic.

Cabrini’s work continued until 1917 when she passed away, leaving behind a long list of accomplishments and setting new precedents for what it meant to care for those in need.

23

LEADING LADIES

Micaela Almonester Pontalba

By Brittany Giardina

T

wo balls shattered her breast, Her father Don Andrés Almonester was courts. She then returned to New severing

an

artery.

Blood a regally revered philanthropist who Orleans from 1849 to 1851 to build the

began pouring out of her left side; left behind wealth and property that infamous Upper and Lower Pontalba nevertheless, she got up and ran back would soon cause a stir (both for her apartments. toward the alcove where her bed and her mother). stood. As Pontalba came after her she

Here,

Micaela

made

her

lasting

began screaming “Don’t! I’ll give you When Micaela was 16 years-old she impression: the implementation of everything.”

was married off to her cousin, Célestin intricate, organic, cast-iron designs

“No,” he answered, “You are going to Pontalba, and moved to Château Mont on the balconies. These became a die!”

l’ Évêque in France where her life would recognizable characteristic, saturating take a tragic turn. Here, she was her New

Orleans

architecture

ever

Micaela Almonester Pontalba’s story is wealth. Or, more specifically, Micaela since. Micaela signed this aesthetic one of female resilience in a time when was the access to her wealth. In the precedent by placing her monogram Napoleanic code nearly reduced a wife 23 years between her marriage and “AP” so eloquently in the design. to property. In 1834, Micaela was shot attempted murder, Micaela suffered at However, not only do her buildings four times by her father-in-law, his last the hands of her emotionally unstable embody the facade of the Vieux Carré, attempt to satiate his greed. Yet 15 husband and his equally awful family. they act as a physical reminder of years later, alive and now the Baroness Eventually, she was coerced into female ambitionand strength. de Pontalba, Micaela constructed the relinquishing control of her properties famous Pontalba buildings gracing the and inheritance.

The Baroness de Pontalba died in Paris

sides of the Plaza de Armas, or more

in 1874. Micaela Almonester Pontalba

commonly referred to as Jackson Prior to her attempted murder, Micaela remains, for the most part, an unknown Square.

Micaela’s

New

Orleanian had escaped to the United States and female figure behind such a vital part

architectural legacy may live on, but to New Orleans from 1830 to 1832. of the New Orleans’ visual landscape. her story of strength is not

There, she underwent many legal Yet her story of durability and resilience

common knowledge.

disputes with her husband, fighting has become part of the everyday. for independence and claim to her Whether that be a Sunday morning

Micaela Almonester was born in 1795 properties. After surviving this less mass and then brunch at Stanley’s or when New Orleans was still under than ideal marital circumstance, four a quintessential photo-opt in Jackson Spanish rule. She entered this world bullets, insufficient medical treatment, square, the Almonester-Pontalba mark when her father was soon to depart and legal headaches, Micaela freed is indelible. from it and to a mother whose herself.

She

was

finally

granted

persistence surely influenced her own. separation in 1836 through the French

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LEADING LADIES

Marie Corrine Claiborne

By Abbey Herbert

B

orn in Louisiana on March 13, 1916, Marie Corinne

Throughout her career, Boggs fought tirelessly for gender

Claiborne “Lindy” Boggs became one of the most

and racial equality. Boggs fought for the

passing of

influential political leaders in Louisiana and the United

the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and later The Equal Credit

States. She managed political campaigns for her

Opportunity Act of 1974, Head Start as well as many other

husband, Hale Boggs, mothered three children who all

programs to empower and uplift women, people of color,

grew up to lead important lives, and became the first

and the impoverished. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

woman in Louisiana to be elected to the United States

originally prevented creditors from discriminating against

Congress. In her later career, she served as ambassador

applicants based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

to the Holy See. Throughout her eventful and unorthodox

Boggs demonstrated her zeal to protect women’s rights

life, Boggs vehemently advocated for women’s rights

by demanding that “sex or marital status” be incorporated

and minority rights during the backlash against the Civil

into this law. She succeeded. Boggs dedicated herself to

Rights Movement and the second wave of feminism.

including women and other minorities in conversations in which they had previously been excluded.

On January 3, 1973, Hale Bogg’s seat in Congress as House Majority Leader was declared empty after his plane

Boggs served as a powerful and inspiring woman who

disappeared on a trip to Alaska. Nearly two months later,

overcame and minimalized sexist hurdles to fight for

Lindy Boggs announced that she planned on running

women’s equality. Her three children, inspired by their

for congressional office, and more specifically, that she

mother‘s zestful persistence, became prominent in the

planned on running for her late husband’s seat in the

political atmosphere: Cokie Roberts worked as a journalist

House of Representatives. The public questioned Boggs

for National Public Radio and ABC TV; Thomas Hale Boggs

and often asked if she had any doubts about running given

Jr. became a Washington lawyer; Barbara Boggs Sigmund

that Louisiana had never elected a woman into a federal

became the mayor of Princeton, New Jersey. Boggs

congressional office before, and that expectations of her

inspired women throughout Louisiana by cracking the

soared due to her husband’s prominence in the House.

glass ceiling, thus providing hope, the main catalyst for

She responded,“The only thing that almost stopped

change.

me was that I didn’t know how I could do it without a wife,” referencing the colossal amount of work she did managing and organizing her late husband ‘s campaigns.

Boggs served in nine consecutive congresses from 1973 to 1991-- from the 93rd Congress to the 101st Congress.

Besides being reelected eight times, her career marked other feminist milestones when she presided over a national party’s convention, which no woman had done before. She chaired the 1976 Democratic National Convention where delegates chose Jimmy Carter as the presidential nominee.

25

LEADING LADIES

Henriette Delille

By Audrey Reames

P

rior to the Reconstruction era when New

founded the Sisters of the Holy Family. This

Orleans first saw an official attempt at

Christian organization devoted to education and

integrated public schools, free black children

caring for the sick, the poor, and the marginalized,

sometimes received education in the Catholic

advocated for equal rights to the more privileged

or private schools in the city. It was illegal to

sects of society.

educate African Americans in this era. Thus, Henriette Delille’s religiously-motivated efforts

Delille made an effort to provide healing for

in education and social justice for the free black

everyone despite race, sex, age, or handicap.

and enslaved children of the Antebellum period

These aspirations eventually led to establishing

made her a pioneer of her time. People of color

the Lafon Nursing home of the Holy Family, “the

were fundamentally disadvantaged in all realms

oldest nursing facility of its kind.” Elderly women

but through Delille’s efforts, the free black and

of color, and others struck with Yellow Fever, found

enslaved children of New Orleans would have the

safety and care in this home. Delille also performed

opportunity to receive basic education and an

many religious ceremonies, such as baptisms and

exposure to the Catholic faith.

marriages, for the enslaved and poor who did not have the means to attend church. She personally

Born in 1812, Delille grew up with strong female role

inspired students, orphans, slaves and other

models to look up to in her life. Delille, of African

marginalized individuals to live up to their full

descent on her mother’s side, had a mother who

potential despite the oppression they confronted.

was a free person of color and a French father.

Following Delille’s death, Gaudin and Charles

Henriette, with the privilege of being a free person

continued the Sisters of the Holy Family, which

of color, had the opportunity to receive informal

with time and effort, expanded into other states.

schooling under Sister Ste. Marthe Fontiere, an

Henriette Delille is even being considered by the

Ursuline-community Catholic, who opened a

Catholic Church to hold Saintly status.

small school for free girls of color in 1823. With the strength and knowledge attained from passionate, religious-based education, Delille at age twentyfour discovered her vocation in life.

Inspired by the Catholic faith and her aspirations to help people of color receive a better quality of life, in 1842, Delille along with two free women of color, Juliette Gaudin and Josephine Charles,

26

LEADING LADIES

Francis Joseph Gaudet

By Delaney Harper

T

here, where the Louisville and Nashville Railroad

for the department of police and public buildings, the

intersects with Old Gentilly Road, a 150-acre plot of

sheriff, and the president of the Prison Reform Association.

land once housed and educated homeless children who

They revered her and formally backed her work.

were often thrown in jail for vagrancy. The woman behind the Colored Normal and Industrial School, later known

Gaudet soon realized that incarceration rates did not

as the Gaudet Normal and Industrial School, is Francis-

only affect adults. Many of the children she oversaw

Joseph Gaudet, who in recent years has been canonized

were homeless. In the turbulence of the Progressive Era’s

by Episcopal churches across New Orleans for her work in

reformation of child labor laws, these homeless children

local prison reform. Gaudet, a woman of Native American

often lingered in streets at all hours of the day. Gaudet

and African-American descent, was not a native New

met children in prison courtyards, intermingling with

Orleanian but settled in the Crescent City in 1869.

adult offenders for weeks before their trials. It seemed the city did not know what to do with these children. If

Working as a seamstress, she did not intend on fulfilling

they were found innocent in their trials they were released,

a cause she later considered her Christian duty. Instead,

but if they were found guilty they were sent to the Boys’

she felt compelled by God to mobilize change when she,

House of Refuge. One boy wrote to Gaudet in a panic

on her way to visit a sick friend, encountered a mother

and asked her to save him from the children’s home,

desperately pleading for her only son, who authorities had

requesting employment to help out wherever he was

loaded into a train en route for state prison. The next day, the

needed and hoping to learn about God. Her solution? Do

newspaper headlines rattled her as she began to recognize

as he asks and do not stop there. Gaudet bought a plot of

the reality of mass incarceration of African Americans. Her

land in New Orleans and fundraised to pay off the debts

initial work with prisoners began as a religious mission:

by sending in letters to local newspapers, like the Times-

Gaudet believed in true and total forgiveness, and through

Picayune in 1904. Donations allowed the school to expand

scriptures and promised absolution she provided a reason

its scope, eventually boarding, teaching, and employing

for change. Upon imprisonment, she believed that one

the motherless, homeless, abused, jailed, and hopeless

feels immense shame, but her work, anchored by religion

plucked from the French Quarter.

and hope, allowed the imprisoned to strive for a better self. Liberating prisoners from shame extended beyond religious parameters; Gaudet often begged for clothes to give to prisoners. In some cases, prisoners need clothes so they could attend their own trial. She caught the attention of many, but most notably the mayor, the commissioner

27

LEADING LADIES

Nancy Parker

By Alana Tessman

N

ancy

Parker,

an

extraordinary

and

called the area home. I’m living out my love affair

compassionate journalist who won five

with New Orleans, and sharing her magic with my

Emmy Awards, died tragically at the age of 53 in

three children, who were all born here.” Parker’s

a plane crash in August 2019. As the city mourned,

passion for New Orleans bonded her with her

John Snell, a fellow WVUE anchor, observed: “You

viewers. One viewer recalled: “I never met her in

can tell a lot about a person by how they treat that

my life, but I feel she’s my friend, my sister. I love

individual who can do absolutely nothing for them.

her so much.” Parker’s passion also inspired her to

Nancy Parker treated everybody the same way.”

serve on many boards that fought for good causes, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Dress for

Parker began her career as a senior in high school

Success. She also supported causes that touched

in her native Alabama where she anchored an

her own life. Her mother, Patsy Parker, is a 23-year

evening program on the local radio station, WJHO.

cancer survivor, and her battle drove Parker to

She graduated with honors from the University of

volunteer as emcee of the annual American Cancer

Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and

Society’s Hope Gala for nearly a decade.

worked briefly in the press office of Congressman Bill Nichols before returning to her first love—

Over a thousand people gathered for her funeral

storytelling. She landed a job as a reporter in

to pay tribute to her spectacular life. The city

Columbus, Georgia and climbed the ranks from

she loved so much and covered so well caught a

reporter to anchor in Montgomery, Alabama. In

glimpse of her own story in the mournful eyes of

1990, she took a 5 o’clock anchor position in Baton

her husband, Glynn Boyd, and their three children,

Rouge, Louisiana before moving to New Orleans

Parker, Pierce, and Piper. Boyd rose and asked

in 1996 as weekend anchor at WVUE. During her

the mourners: “Can I serenade my wife?” and

career, she covered many important events,

sang “Three Times a Lady.” Nancy Parker was an

including Pope Paul II’s visit to St. Louis, the

exceptional leading lady of New Orleans with her

beatification of Saint Katherine Drexel in Rome,

storytelling of struggle and triumph, her devotion

and Hurricane Katrina. She also wrote children’s

to social justice, her dedication to her craft, her

books, including the series The Adventures of Yat

kindness to her colleagues, and her love for her

and Dat, and produced documentaries. She won

family and the people of New Orleans.

her first regional Emmy for her documentary, “The Story Home,” which follows descendants of slaves as they purchase the plantation constructed by their ancestors in St. John Parish. Parker loved her adopted home of New Orleans. After first visiting the city at 11 years-old, she recalled that “the spell never wore off. The city marked me. Her horns and drums summoned me back. For 20 years I’ve

28

LEADING LADIES

Oretha Castle Haley

By Brittney Giardina

Y

ou find yourself driving along a street in Central City surrounded by cultural havens. You are in

the midst of a rich locality saturated in a history well beyond the stop signs and street lamps. You pass by the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

The New Orleans Jazz Market. The AshĂŠ Cultural Arts Center. This is Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.

Oretha Castle Haley, born in 1939, embodied strength and activism that radiated, not only throughout a city, but across a nation. She played an integral role in the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans and influenced decisions that affected African Americans nationwide. She was a person of immense courage, one whose story is embedded into the very fabric of present freedoms.

While enrolled in Southern University,

Haley

was more than a student; she was an activist, fighter, and defender of liberty. She participated in numerous boycotts and protests, namely ones that spoke out againt the businesses on Dryades Street for racial discrimination (this street was later renamed Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard in her honor). Not only was she on the ground fighting for the rights of wrongfully marginalized people, but she also operated behind the scenes.

Haley became a key figure in the New Orleans Civil Rights Movement. She, along with other student activists, founded the New Orleans Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in an attempt to intensify the movement. Along with this organization came a new wave of protesting: sit-ins.

29

LEADING LADIES

Sarah Towles Reed

By Jasmine Pierce and Sofia Luciano Santiago

I

n 1917, Sarah Towles Reed broke a Louisiana law prohibiting teachers from marrying when she wed Elkerna Reed.

Reed’s passion also drove her to reform education. A

Refusing to choose between her career and a husband, she

fan of the John Dewey educational philosophy, Reed

kept their marriage a secret. In the summer 1921, Reed lost

encouraged critical thinking. Her students sat in an arc

her father and her husband within two weeks of each other.

and engaged in debates about political ideologies and

She coped by legally taking her husband’s surname. The

structures. She took students on field trips to the courts

Orleans Parish School Board fired her. Reed successfully

where they witnessed how the rule of law functioned in a

petitioned the board for her reinstatement by arguing that

democracy. Although many students loved her teaching

the law no longer applied to her since she was widowed, not

style, she came under attack during World War II and

married. Refusing to play the role of obedient female, Reed

the Cold War as administrators, community members,

became a vocal advocate of academic reform and equity.

and some students sought to suppress progressivism and independent thought. Several students revealed

Born in West Feliciana Parish on March 8, 1882, Reed’s

that Reed taught “that there should be no class or racial

education began in her family’s living room alongside

distinctions, that blacks and whites should mingle and

her ten siblings as their highly educated parents, Daniel

be permitted to attend the same schools, theaters

and Sarah Ker Towles, cultivated their children’s thirst

and meeting places.” One group even accused Reed of

for knowledge. The family moved to New Orleans in 1895

subversion, a charge that briefly led to her suspension.

where Reed attended Sophie B. Wright Public School. She

Yet Reed fought back by insisting that questioning and

received a scholarship to Sophie Newcomb College at

challenging ideologies and fighting for fair treatment was

Tulane University and attained a bachelor’s in 1904 and a

patriotic. The decades Reed had spent cultivating critical

master’s in Greek and Latin in 1906. After teaching for many

thinking and lobbying for pay equity proved fruitful

years, she earned a law degree from Loyola University Law

as many students and teachers came to her defense.

in 1925. Educated and determined, Reed fought the

Such support dismantled movements against her and

sexism and racism that plagued her society.

encouraged her activism. In the 1950s, Reed helped forge an interracial movement of white and black teachers to

After Reed forced the Orleans Parish Board to reinstate her,

achieve pay raises and to elect reform candidates to the

she demanded that female teachers receive the same pay

school board. After her retirement, Reed remained active

as their male counterparts. In 1925, she co-founded the

in unions and in lobbying.

New Orleans Public School Teachers Association (NOPSTA) and formed coalitions with the Louisiana Teacher’s

Reed had a significant impact on New Orleans. As historian

Association and the High School Association. In 1928, Reed

Edith Rosepha Ambrose argues, Reed “spent her entire

led 50 teachers to Baton Rouge where they convinced state

working life as a teacher, a profession where women have

legislators to pass, and Governor Huey Long to sign, Act 110,

long outnumbered men, but where men still hold most

which forbade gender discrimination in teacher salaries. In

of the top administrative positions.” Reed’s persistent

addition, Reed worked with black women teachers as they

determination to equalize and reform education “helped

fought for pay equity formed a union.

bring Louisiana’s school system into the modern era...”

30

LEADING LADIES

Marie Laveau

By Brendan Heffernan

A

wealthy Creole family hangs from girders. Madame life worth learning the truth about. If anything is known Delphine LaLaurie watches as the bodies of her for sure about Marie Laveau, it’s that she was an absolute

daughters and husband limply sway, and she falls to the powerhouse. Charismatic, business savvy, and wise, ground in horror. Slaves she brutally tortured for years Laveau worked as a hairdresser in New Orleans’s wealthy surround her. Marie Laveau, a free woman of color and the households in the nineteenth century, gathering gossip powerful Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, stands center- from both wealthy white women and their slaves. Her stage and directs the mob. Under the guise of satisfying access to so much sensitive information mixed with her LaLaurie’s vanity, Laveau had presented the sociopathic natural charms made her one of the most powerful people socialite with a potion that would ensure her husband’s in the city and ensured she was feared nearly as much as fidelity. LaLaurie collapsed to the floor of her Royal Street she was loved. mansion and awoke hours later, trapped under the gaze of Marie Laveau--the contents of that vial was no love potion. Laveau’s main legacy is as a priestess of Louisiana Voodoo, She’s bound, gagged, and dragged to a coffin as Laveau a tradition which combines West African spirituality and rouses the fierce crowd with her explanation, rage pulsing Roman Catholicism. She gave counsel to those seeking with each word: “For your sins, Madame Lalaurie, you are assistance in matters varying from love to politics and damned to live forever.”

held weekly religious ceremonies with her followers in her backyard to conjure spirits. As a major figure in

Marie Laveau was a woman who spent her life passing freely Congo Square, a central location in the lives of both free between different worlds: black and white, rich and poor, and enslaved people of color in New Orleans, she sold fact and myth. Much of the information we have about charms and traded gossip with the masses every Sunday. her comes from the oral tradition of voodoo practitioners, Laveau also held large ceremonies, consisting of bonfires, and many stories have been embellished, dramatized or drumming, singing, dancing, ritual bathing, and communal completely fabricated. The myths surrounding Laveau have feasts, on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Though some of become hard to separate from her actual life, and pop- the white establishment worked to demonize her, painting culture depictions in recent years have only perpetuated her as a devil worshipper, Laveau was a genuinely altruistic and exacerbated the blurry lines of fact and fiction, most person and a devout Catholic. Some historians speculate notably her portrayal in the always campy FX drama that she watched over fifteen orphans and raised two of American Horror Story. The show portrays her as an evil her own, baptizing each of them and paying for a young sorceress commanding the powers of hell, murdering orphan boy’s Catholic education. innocent people and torturing those who’ve wronged her, as in the fictional confrontation between her and Madame Marie Laveau played many roles in the city of New Orleans.

LaLaurie. AHS has little concern for historical accuracy and She was a leader, a legend, a mother, and an open heart. Her attaches her name to a completely fictional image. Laveau image has taken on a life of its own, but at its core, Marie was a larger than life figure, but she still lived a real life, a Laveau was a force for good in her community.

31

LEADING LADIES

Kate Chopin

S

By Katie Rose Hogue

et in the 19th century in New Orleans, Louisiana,

When Chopin first published this uncensored anti-

Kate Chopin’s The Awakening examines a

patriarchal story, it was incredibly controversial

woman’s many hardships in a Creole patriarchal

and quickly ridiculed by the general public. Chopin’s

society, in which women were viewed as the

literary risk seemed a failure to her, and she never

property of their husbands and were forced to live

lived to see its success. Then, as the feminist

under very constraining conditions determined

movement gained momentum again in the 1960s,

solely by the desires of their spouse. She utilizes

women across the country connected with

her unique perspective as a woman born into a

Chopin’s exploration of female experiences, and

world unprepared for her bold presence through

they carried her independent attitude and fresh

her protagonist, Edna Pontellier, and she often

persepctives into the feminist movement. Upon its

uses her as a conduit for her own observations.

resurgence, readers were invited to question those

Like Edna, Chopin was a free spirit, and many

who dictated their lives.

criticized

her

unconventional

womanhood.

Unfortunately, Edna is not only negatively shaped

Chopin’s work is revered for its contributions to

by her status as a woman in her marriage, but

literature, beautifully combining local colorist

also her status as a non-Creole married to a

literature of her generation and setting a

Creole man. Strikingly similar to Chopin, who was

precedent to the literary style that flourished in

from St. Louis, Missouri, this dynamic makes her

the era of American realism. The Awakening is

a very unusual and misunderstood character

vital to American literature due to its meaningful

because she doesn’t seem to fit in with anybody

insight and historical accuracy of Southern life,

in her community. Her self-awareness becomes

particularly that of Louisiana, and for its role in the

a very difficult concept for Edna to cope with as

United States’s own feminist “awakening.”

she begins to desire to grow as an individual. A struggle between her inward circumstances and outward circumstances clash as she attempts to develop as a young woman, her “awakening.” In her attempts to bloom into her full self, Edna begins swimming, painting, and doing things for herself.

However, these actions are not enough, and her oppressive circumstances prohibit her from selfactualization. Chopin describes Edna’s struggle poetically as it becomes evident that her dreams are impossible.: “Edna began to feel like one who awakens gradually out of a dream, a delicious, grotesque, impossible dream, to feel again the realities pressing into her soul.”

32

LEADING LADIES

Janet Mary Riley

By Sebastian Mac

S

ince 1808, Louisiana Civil Code established

attorney in the New Orleans area, employers told

the husband as “lord-and-master” of both

her repeatedly that they “do not interview women.”

spouses’ property, meaning that he had “the right

In 1955, Riley accepted a teaching position at

to control, manage, and alienate the community

Loyola University and became the first female full-

property without his wife’s consent.” Janet Mary

time faculty member.

Riley, a female attorney, fought to redefine archaic statutes in state law. Through such efforts, she

Because of her expertise in marriage and

advanced feminism in the city of New Orleans and

property law in Louisiana, she served as chair of a

across Louisiana.

subcommittee studying marriage and divorce laws and provided recommendations to the Louisiana

Born on September 20, 1915 in New Orleans,

State legislature in 1973. Through that work, Riley

Louisiana,

hometown

and her allies on the committee managed to

throughout her childhood and most of her

include an equal rights clause into the new state

adulthood. She attended John McDonough High

constitution. Soon after, Riley took perpetual vows

School and Ursuline College, the sister school

to the Society of Our Lady of the Way, a secular

of Loyola University of the South. She moved to

institute for unmarried women, and remained an

Baton Rouge to study library science, and in 1945,

advocate of equal rights for women until her death

she accepted a position as the librarian at Loyola,

at 92 years old in 2008.

Riley

stayed

in

her

and in 1947, she started teaching legal bibliography.

Encouraged by Dean Vernon Miller, she enrolled in Loyola’s law school part time and was one of the few female students. Despite the hostilities she confronted from some students, she graduated in 1951.

Throughout her career, Riley worked to improve civil society. As soon as she was hired at the Loyola law library, she joined the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).As an interracial group of students and faculty from black and white Catholic schools in Southern Louisiana, the members “agitated for

desegregation

of

archdiocesan

events,

organizations, and institutions.” Riley understood oppression. While pursuing a position as an

33

LEADING LADIES

Ella Brennan

By Kynnedi Horton

E

lla Brennan, or “Hurricane Ella” as she was often called out of earshot, is a household name in

the city of New Orleans. Brennan, author and star of Miss Ella of Commander’s Palace, passed away on May 31, 2018, leaving behind a legacy rich in flavor and accomplishments. Her acclaim is rooted in her role in pioneering Commander’s Palace, a New Orleans originated restaurant that first opened its doors in 1893. Commander’s opened with an atmosphere of southern hospitality, a theme that Brennan would take into all of her future restaurants’ menus and included infamous dishes like bread pudding souffle with whiskey sauce.

The context of the era emphasized a woman’s place as “in the kitchen,” but when applied to Ella Brennan, the phrase lost its stereotypical gender norms. Brennan showed that women in the kitchen could be successful in business. For example, Brennan pioneered her family’s small Irish immigrant-run business into a chain restaurant and large conglomerate. Brennan’s introduction to the industry came when her oldest brother, Owen Brennan, offered her a clerical job at his saloon in the French Quarter. Ella’s mother was at first unsettled with the idea but eventually relented and allowed Ella to accept her brother’s offer.

The atmosphere Ella found in the French Quarter, comprised of a colorful array of races, religions, and people from all walks of life, further encouraged her love of exciting dining experiences. As Brennan famously said: “I don’t want a restaurant where a Jazz band can’t come marching through.”

34

LEADING LADIES

Fannie C. Williams

F

By Carmen Lejeune

annie C. Williams was an engaging woman

in three White House Conferences, two of which

with a passion for education: one moment

focused on Health and Protection and Housing.

she would be meeting with the President of the United States, and the next she would be scolding

Williams was a trustee at Dillard University as well

a young student for drinking soda.

as a representative of the American Missionary Association

and

president

of

the

National

Born in Biloxi, Mississippi on March 23, 1882,

Association of Teachers in Colored Schools, where

Fannie C. Williams moved to New Orleans, where

she was given the opportunity to fulfill her mission

she attended high school and the university

nationally.

currently known as Dillard University. In 1921, after leapfrogging from Fisk Elementary School in the

On a local level, Williams was an active member in

Gulf to the Marigny School in Louisiana, Fannie

the community, serving multiple organizations in

C. Williams was appointed principal of Valena C.

New Orleans, including the Family Service Society,

Jones Elementary School, where she spent three

the American Red Cross, and the Girl Scouts. As

decades. During her tenure, Williams started a

a member of the National Education Association

health program that allowed students to obtain

for the Study of Education, Williams cared deeply

free health care and celebrate Child Health Day

about her community and believed that education

on May 1st. Williams encouraged students to

was necessary for success in any field. To honor

drink milk and water and eat hot lunches, and

her legacy, Dillard University opened Williams

she opened up a nursery school and kindergarten

Hall Dormitory in 1946. In 1977, Williams received

classes. Williams also helped start Troop 99, the

awards from the American Teachers Association

first African American Girl Scout Troop in New

and the National Teachers Association.

Orleans in the name of “holistic development of children.”

After her death in 1980, Fannie C. Williams Charter School opened and earned its right as a Charter

Williams’s commitment to holistic education didn’t

School in 2010. Williams’s passion lives on in this

end with her students. She taught teachers at

school, which follows the same mission originated

multiple universities during the summer, including

by its namesake. Her spirit also thrives in the

Southern University as well as other colleges

organizations and students she influenced.

across the South. Under Williams’s guidance, the teachers went on to complete degrees and

achieve higher positions in the education system.

In addition, Williams worked with government officials. As one of the first advocates for African American education in the South, she participated

35

LEADING LADIES

Dorothy Mae Taylor

By Amy Espinal

“We have no guarantee of the pursuit of happiness.

She was able to make an immense amount of

We have no equal opportunity under the law. We

progress in the city from helping African Americans

have no guarantee of a decent place to live.”

register to vote, to desegregating public spaces in

D

New Orleans. Taylor achieved one of her greatest orothy Mae Taylor wrote these words in

accomplishments in New Orleans when she

a letter to Jimmy Carter, the President of

presented a bill to the state of Louisiana in 1991 in

the United States, in 1979. She expressed her

which she hoped to ban discrimination and racism

concerns to him about his disinterest in abiding

in Mardi Gras krewes and parades. Private clubs

by his campaign promises of ensuring basic

that made up Mardi Gras krewes and organized

human rights to all citizens of the United States.

parades were white and male-dominated. They

She criticizes his neglect of the poor, specifically

excluded other races from taking part in one of

African Americans, and demands the President

the most celebrated holidays in the city. Taylor

include them in his mission.

held public hearings with some of the private club members of Mardi Gras krewes, and they admitted

Taylor, born in New Orleans in 1928, left a great

that even in the forty years they participated in

legacy in the Big Easy. Taylor hoped to make

these clubs, they had never admitted a non-white

the public aware of the disadvantages black

member. Taylor ultimately ensured the passage of

communities faced in the United States as she

a non-discriminatory ordinance in 1992, giving all

did in the letter written to President Carter. She

people the right to take part in and celebrate Mardi

was the first African-American woman elected

Gras. Her accomplishments in office and for Mardi

to the Louisiana House of Representatives and is

Gras were a major shift in the history and politics

remembered today as an activist, educator and

of the South, leading to positive change for people

political leader. was also the first African American

of color.

woman to head a state department in Louisiana,

36

the Urban and Community Affairs, and one of the

As a leading lady of New Orleans, it was Taylor’s

first women elected to the City Council in New

goal to inspire a revolution for change in black

Orleans. Her successes also include advancing

communities. Although she passed away in 2000,

equity in education. Taylor convinced the Orleans

Taylor is still remembered throughout the city. To

Parish School Board to provide more funds to black

honor her legacy, many have spoken of creating

and underprivileged schools to purchase supplies

a statue for her along the main Mardi Gras route.

and resources for students. In addition, Taylor

Others have suggested replacing the statue

pushed the New Orleans Recreation Department

that once stood of Robert E. Lee on Lee Circle to

to provide more resources for African Americans.

Dorothy Mae Taylor.

LEADING LADIES

Cokie Roberts

By Delaney Harper

I

f asked, Cokie Roberts, journalist and a founding

privilege to service other women, lifting them up and

mother of NPR, would teach those who were

“paying it forward,” as Sikka put it.

curious about the proper way to pronounce “New Orleans.” She considered herself a resident expert

“Paying it forward” transcended state lines for

on her hometown; even in Washington, Roberts

Cokie Roberts. For decades, she frequented news

asserted herself as a woman who was nomadic by

stations like PBS and ABC, appearing as a political

trade and a New Orleanian at heart.

commentator, eventually receiving the Edward Weintal Prize for Diplomatic Reporting in 1988.

Born Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Boggs

While leapfrogging between stations, maintaining a

to Hale and Lindy Boggs, both of whom served in

position on NPR, and hosting dinners for 30 guests

the United States Congress and jointly represented

nearly every Sunday, Roberts remained tethered

New Orleans for 50 years, her upbringing was one

to New Orleans. She often listened to the traffic

of hobnobbing. She brought into her work an acute

segments on local stations just to hear the street

insight into both the operations of Capitol Hill and

names that reminded her of home: St. Charles, where

the people who worked within its numerous gilded

she attended Sacred Heart Academy; Bourbon

hallways. Women of all ages and all parties have

Street, where her mother lived. When she could,

commented not only on her integrity as a journalist,

Roberts came back to her hometown to participate

but also on her firm compassion as a woman.

in conventions, panels, and seminars that focused on empowering local New Orleans women in their

In a field especially dominated by men and in an era

professional lives. One of the women personally

preoccupied with the war in Vietnam and political

mentored by Roberts is Tania Tetlow, President

unrest, female journalists sought to create their own

of Loyola University. She was originally a protégé

corners of that small, networking-driven world. One

of Roberts’ mother, Lindy Boggs, but when Boggs

of the main corners was the hair and makeup rooms.

passed away, Roberts filled her mother’s mentoring

This was where some of Roberts’s mentorships

shoes out of nothing less than mutual respect and

blossomed. As she sat needlepointing before the

friendship. When Loyola inaugurated Tetlow as the

early morning news programs started, Roberts

university’s first woman president in 2018, Roberts,

discussed with female colleagues her anecdotes and

in her throaty, impassioned voice, lifted her up with

advice, and she listened as the other women shared

stories of a “precocious” teenager, emphasizing the

their own. Madhulika Sikka, a journalist for The

fundamental importance of precociousness in young

Washington Post, reflected on Roberts’s awareness

women as they take their turn in their relay race.

and positive utilization of the personal privilege

Indeed, Roberts spent her long career passing the

Roberts brought to her career; she chose to use this

baton and cheering from the sidelines.

37

LEADING LADIES

Leah Chase

T

By Brittney Giardina & Kynnedi Horton

he Crescent City never sleeps, and neither did

and gumbo. The Civil Rights Movement had made Dooky

the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase. From

Chase much more than just a restaurant.

political activism to perfected creole recipes, the opening of Chase’s restaurant, Dooky Chase, in 1941,

Marked by events such as the Little Rock Nine and the

marked the fruition of the Chase family’s aspirations.

Selma March and leaders whose names would live the

It quite literally served the people. Chase was involved

test of time, the national movement towards equality

in every aspect of life in New Orleans. Her countless

was the backdrop to the New Orleans’ stage of activism.

honors and awards allow her memory to live on, as well

Louisiana often served as the place of precedent for

as the accounts of those who interacted with her in

other civil rights stirrings in the nation. For example, the

everyday life. Music producer Quincy Jones, civil rights

1953 Baton Rouge bus boycott inspired many activists

activist Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall,

across the South, and the New Orleans branch of CORE

and former presidents George W. Bush and Barack

(a key member being the influential New Orleans activist

Obama are among the many elite and respected to

Oretha Castle Haley) proved vital to the larger movement.

have dined at Dooky Chase.

In the cultural center of such an indispensable city, there was Leah Chase and her devotion to others.

Leah Chase sought to create a place where people of color could have the same dining experience as their

In addition to housing the fight for equality, Dooky Chase

white counterparts: a nice place to eat, get dressed

also preserved a large swath of artistic and cultural

up, and truly go to dinner. And she did just that.

history. Her restaurant housed an impressive collection

Consequently, Dooky Chase became the place to go

of African American art and Leah herself served on the

for cultural icons and activists, mostly because, at

board for NOMA.

that time, it was the only place. Leah’s care, passion, and vivacious personality certainly helped. In her own

Because of her love of both food and freedom, Leah

words, she describes her intimate interactions with

Chase received honorary degrees from Loyola University

famous figures: “I knew what they all eat. Lena Horne

New Orleans, Dillard University, and Tulane University.

loved her fried chicken. Sara Vaughan loved her stuffed

Chase was also awarded the Times-Picayune “Loving

crabs.”

Cup” Award in 1997, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000.

In times of extreme adversity, Dooky Chase served as

Throughout her life, Chase followed her father’s creed:

a safe haven for all races. Freedom Fighters, as well as

“you pray, you work, and you do for others.” And in the

the other activists and patrons, discussed protests,

end, she more than succeeded.

demonstrations, and politics, over a plate of seasoned, creole cuisine. The mixed-race atmosphere of Dooky Chase encouraged conversation about the moral encumberment of segregation between blacks and whites, all the while eating Leah Chase’s stuffed shrimp

38

LEADING LADIES

Doris Jean Castle

By Grace Patrick

D

oris Jean Castle, a New Orleanian hero and civil

she joined the 1961 Mississippi Freedom Rides,

rights activist, was born in Tennessee in 1942

traveling on interstate buses throughout southern

to a working-class family that relocated to New

states to protest segregated bus terminals and

Orleans, Louisiana when Castle was five-years-

attempting to use “white only” restrooms and

old. Her father, John, worked as a longshoreman

restaurant counters at the terminals. Despite her

and her mother, Virgie, worked as a waitress at

arrest in Jackson, Mississippi during the rides,

Dooky Chase Restaurant, which soon became the

Castle continued to fight segregation.

heart of civil rights activism in the city of New Orleans. Oretha Castle, Doris Jean Castle’s older

In 1963 in Louisiana, she joined the protest of the

sister, introduced her to the Civil Rights Movement

New Orleans City Hall cafeteria. After refusing to

after she participated in the Consumer’s League

leave the cafeteria, Castle was forcibly removed

of Greater New Orleans boycott of Dryades Street

from the premises. She later became one of

because it refused to employ black workers. This

three challengers to successfully sue a facility for

boycott, one of the first large-scale forms of

segregated policies. from the premises. She later

direct action towards civil rights activism in the

became one of three challengers to successfully

city of New Orleans, inspired Doris Jean, who soon

sue a facility for segregated policies.

“follow[ed] big sister” to meetings.

Doris Jean Castle, a courageous woman, risked Doris Jean became one of the first members of

arrest and her life to desegregate the South. She

New Orleans’ Congressional of Racial Equality

has forever left her mark on the city of New Orleans,

(CORE), served on the chair of the organization, and

paving the way for more equal opportunities for

protested segregated Canal Street businesses.

people of color in the South.

The Castle’s family home on Tonti Street became a meeting point for activists in the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans. At the age of eighteen, Doris Jean Castle became a national activist when

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LEADING LADIES

Blanche Leathers

By Grace Riddick

“I got to know the river and I got to know my boat; She was the flying Natchez, the fastest boat afloat; I got to know the roustabouts, I got to know the crews, And how to stow the cargo, it’s what I had to do.

I got to know the river, and know just where to look; I got to know the river and read her like a book; The shallows and the deeps, every snag and every log, And I loved her in the moonlight and I cursed her in the fog”

C

harles Ipcar’s Ballad of Captain Blanche Leathers

on board. Along with the duty of keeping the passengers

accurately summarizes the adventurous life of the

safe, Captain Leathers’ main obligation was to transport

first licensed woman skipper in the United States. Captain

passengers and goods to other river towns. The passengers

Blanche Leathers, otherwise known as the “Lady Skipper,”

of the Natchez could drink their whiskey and mint juleps

got her license in 1894 and from that point on, she would

knowing they were in the capable hands of Captain

become one of the best navigators of the Mississippi River.

Leathers. With the role of New Orleans as a port city,

Leathers navigated the Mississippi on the famed Natchez

Captain Leathers was arguably in charge of transporting

with nothing less than a firm grip and an iron fist. After

the goods that were the foundation of the New Orleans

taking over for her husband who had to spend more time

economy. Also, the Natchez served as one of the highlights

on shore in New Orleans, Leathers simultaneously placed

of New Orleans’ unique culture. Leathers indirectly served

herself in one of the most overtly masculine careers of the

as a tour guide for the Mississippi by captaining a mobile

time and

representation of New Orleans culture, and for that reason

successfully made a name for herself.

New Orleanians valued and appreciated Captain Leathers.

Steering

the

Natchez

through

the

ever-changing

As one journalist from the Times-Picayune reported of

Mississippi meant not only did Leathers frequently

Captain Leathers’s “maiden” voyage on the Natchez: “The

navigate her ship through what appeared to be

novelty of seeing a captain in petticoats in command of a

different waters each time, but she did this numerous

steamboat attracted a great crowd to the levee, and the

times in complete darkness. Throughout the challenges

lady was given an ovation that she might well feel proud

of every ride, Leathers had to direct a large crew of men

of.”

and sometimes be in charge of over five-hundred lives

40

LEADING LADIES

Alice Dunbar-Nelson

By Solange Boissiere

A

lice Ruth Dunbar-Nelson, an icon of the Harlem

She modeled many of her Creole characters on actual

Renaissance and intersectional activism, had a

“prototypes” that she explored in her nonfiction works.

profound influence on the culture and the nation’s perception of New Orleans in the early twentieth century.

However, these coded interactions between characters

Born in New Orleans during the summer of 1875 to a freed

“nearly or fully obscure their racial overtones. Thus, a

slave, Patricia Wright, and a white father, Joseph Moore,

local audience, privy to the well-known prototypes, will

she was well-educated and a part of the multiracial New

experience a racialized reading of the same stories that a

Orleanian Creole community. Her upbringing informed her

non-local audience will find racially unmarked.” She also

perspectives and literary works and drove her to become

focused on class struggles and gender divisiveness. Her

an activist for racial and gender equality.

devotion to racial and gender activism was not limited to pen and paper; she campaigned for the passage of

After graduating high school at 14, Dunbar-Nelson

the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill of 1924 and served as a field

earned her teaching certification from Dillard University,

representative for the Women’s Committee on the Council

a pioneering historically black college. While working as

of Defense and as executive secretary of the American

a teacher in New Orleans public schools, she published

Friends Inter-Racial Peace Committee.

Violets and Other Tales, a collection of short stories drawing on New Orleanian culture. Throughout her life, she hopped

Dunbar-Nelson

from New York, D.C., and Delaware, publishing literary

marginalized groups, not only because of her gender and

works like The Goodness of St. Rocque and Other Stories,

race, but because of her fluid sexual orientation. Her three

Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence, and Une Femme Dit (A

marriages were all to men, but she also had an intimate

Woman Speaks). Many of her stories painted vivid images

relationship with Edwina Kruse, the female principal and

of New Orleans, its racial history, and Louisiana Creole

founder of a school where she taught. Dunbar-Nelson

culture and customs. As many Americans had misinformed

rejected the idea that a person could have a “singular”

views around the elusive racial nature of New Orleans, her

black identity and stood against reducing a black person’s

works proved immensely important. Her mixed heritage

struggles to race alone. Many years later, Kimberlé Crenshaw

provided her with the personal experience to present a

coined the term “intersectionality” to describe the concept

balanced, realistic perspective on race relations in the city.

of interlocked marginalized identities that writers and

understood

the

struggles

of

many

activists like Dunbar-Nelson wrote about. Dunbar-Nelson’s Dunbar-Nelson

used

dialogue

and

interactions

of

nuanced literary masterpieces have much to teach the

characters that were authentic to New Orleans society.

modern world about the intricate and intersectional

However, the culture so differed from the rest of the nation,

struggles that her Creole characters represented. As she

that critics outside of New Orleans could not understand

created so many of her characters from her experience

it. As scholar Krisitina Brooks argues, Dunbar-Nelson used

in New Orleans, her writings open a window into the

“hidden or coded local knowledge of the interconnected

complicated racial history in the Crescent City.

relationship between race and ethnicity in Creole identity.”

41

AWARDS

Women's Studies Writing Awards The Women’s Resource Center is proud to publish the powerful work of this year’s recipients of The Nancy Fix Anderson Women’s Studies Essay Contest (Lindsey L. Navarro) and The Barbara C. Ewell Creative Writing Award (Delaney Harper).

The Barbara C. Ewell Creative Writing Award

T

his award honors Dr. Barbara C. Ewell, Professor Emerita of English, a founding member of the Women’s Studies Program and the Women’s Resource Center. She is author of Kate Chopin, a bio-critical study, lots of articles on Renaissance poetry, various North American writers, and feminist pedagogy. She has co-edited two collections, Louisiana Women Writers: Critical Essays and Bibliography and Southern Local Color: Stories of Region, Race and Gender. As the Dorothy Harrell Brown Distinguished Professor, she continued to instruct and advise adult students in the Humanities Program and also teaches in the Women's Studies Program. She received the Dux Academicus Award in 2003. Entries for this award may be any work of creative writing, including poetry, fiction or drama. Entries must be the student's original work, published or unpublished, relating to the subjects of women and/or gender. Entries for either contest should be sent electronically to the co-chair of Women’s Studies,

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AWARDS

Delaney Harper

D

elaney Harper is a sophomore history major at Loyola and has worked with the Women’s Resource Center for two years. She began as a staff writer for the Feminist Forum and wrote a film column about feminism in unexpected films. Currently, she serves as the Associate Director of Special Projects and has led and contributed to projects such as the partnership with NOLA4WOMEN to feature women who have positively impacted New Orleans, as well as events such as the film festival in the annual Feminist Festival. As a native of Pearl, Mississippi, Harper explores southern history in particular and has participated in writing conferences and competitions hosted by Millsaps College and the Eudora Welty Foundation. She also studies the LGBTQ+ and civil rights movements around the world. As a budding historian and screenwriter, she enjoys challenging the boundaries of storytelling, including film and television set recreation.

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AWARDS

What it Means to be a Woman

By Delaney Harper

T

hroughout her life, she will be infested with blowflies. A single fly deposits 250 eggs in one birth. They buzz inside her. They were inside her since birth. A mother’s gene.

There was a dull throb in her ears like tinnitus, and it grew louder as the years ticked by. Sometimes the flies were like music, her own little Muzak ditties and late-night serenades. She thought she owned them; they were her best friends, her show and tell—though, Ms. Newbury told her she’d missed the point of show and tell when she tried to present her flies to her kindergarten class, and when she got home that day Mother scolded her, saying that the flies are a woman’s private matter. Ladies don’t speak of such things.

If her blowflies served as a countdown for an inevitable expiration, waiting to fulfill their role, the Terror was the first to start the clock. He was the first to hurt.

It was her fault. She only had herself to blame. He choked her because she was too loud, he shoved her because she was in the way. She was seven, and she never learned. One time, when she fought back, the Terror dragged her by her hair to the bushes out back and pushed her into the soil, forcing her face in the dirt and her body into the thorns. He said, “This is where I’ll bury you.”

The flies would disperse as the eclipse by his hands drew nearer, folding her into his palm and sliding to and fro like a streetside hustle. From the time she could Other times there were days when her count her flies, she also counted the flies seemed to hate her. They pounded minutes between breaths as the Terror did against her like they were imprisoned what he did best. At eight, she held those by her organs and bones, they felt like numbers close to her heart. She knew that wasps in her skull. Prisoners shoving someday, the Terror would kill her. She their shoulders into their papier-mâché imagined she would not live past twenty. penitentiary, desperately trying to break But the flies assured her that she was the surface and escape. She was angry by merely the victim of the artisan soul. Too nature, and it was hard to lock that part soft, too impressionable was she that even of herself away when her flies were just as her horror could not be her own. The flies angry. The girl tried ice packs and Advil loved her, in their way, but they loved the for her headaches, and when Grandmother Terror more. When he bruised her, when said that it may be the Devil in her temple, he choked her, when he stole pieces of her may be the root of all that rage, she tried little by little, they could sleep. The hands Jesus, too. Nothing worked, and the flies that grabbed hold and squeezed gave peristed. them their God-sent sign that then and only then could they cease their dreadful Then the Terror came. Truthfully, he had buzzing. It was nothing against their host. always been there, but he was Mount Tradition was tradition.

Vesuvius and the girl was Pompeii. They shared an inherent rage, but his was one Her nightmares were the price of silence. that demanded another’s pain, like a At night, when the Terror slept, her mind sacrifice. Such rage frightened the flies, so focused on the ocean of quiet, an ocean when the girl morphed into a lamb on a she found herself drowning in. She could slab of stone, she froze, her flies scattered, walk out into that ocean and stay there and she experienced the first great silence until the tides overwhelmed her. The water of her life. was warm. There were box jellyfish and stingrays, stonefish and flower urchin, and

44

they rubbed against her legs and slipped between her toes as she walked farther into her ocean. As their smooth sides glided across her skin, injecting their poison, the water rose to a steady boil. When the eclipses came, the tide grew. It would be easy to let the venom take over, let her muscles lock up, paralyze and drown her in a tsunami of boiling numbness. But the girl knew that she wasn’t ready to sink into the water just yet. She had twelve more years of swimming.

That’s when the Teacher came. He asked the girl what her name was, and when he looked at her, she felt safe. For a while, the Teacher made her feel like she could live past twenty after all. When the Terror came, he wrenched her from the eclipse of his hands, and he let her sit in the sun as he stood between them. Sometimes he even made her flies feel special. They rarely felt anything, and adoration is enough to make even blowflies dismiss their duty for a moment. But his lessons began and he taught her that there can be an eclipse of the sun, too. He told her to look away and he covered her eyes in case she peeked. He showed her that hands didn't have to choke and bruise to damage. That hands could hurt in other ways.

At first, the lessons were woven into daily life. The price was small: his breath was sour as he showed her the places she would grow. He told her she looked like her mother, and every ten year old girl believes her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. Every ten year old girl wants to be beautiful.

Each day when the lesson was over, she faced the Terror already in silence; her flies awoke, then rolled back over to rest once more. Her flies barely noticed the shift from palm to palm. Each day when the lesson was over, she felt like she deserved it all. She must have done something

AWARDS wrong, must have misunderstood the lesson, because the Teacher never saved her anymore. The Terror came and went as he pleased.

She began to know a different kind of noise when her flies begged her for rest.

She’d begun to learn what it meant to be used, and her flies had gotten used to their deep slumber as she drifted through The Teacher’s gloom only lifted when each lesson. They believed she could he saw a chance to teach. The girl knew learn to live in that silence, that pain was to look out in the world around her, temporary when you knew what true desperately trying to pick up clues for suffering meant, but they were wrong. The the lesson, when the Teacher became the pain and the suffering did not leave with sanctuary he promised he was. the Teacher. She saw him in every corner, heard him in every silence. His and the Even sanctuary grew costly. The Teacher Terror’s voices harmonized into a demonic grew impatient. The girl began to crave the lullabye, into a song of cyanide and milk. buzzing of her blowflies as he taught her The lyrics were warped like the sound of a lesson after lesson, each lesson instilling television through a wall. Night by night, into her that her worth depends on her there were subtle changes in cadence or usefulness to the men around her. He grew tone, but the melody always ended the angry when she didn’t understand, and he same way. grew angry when she understood enough to lie there silently. He punished her She barely dreamt, but she could feel the for the pain he caused—she needed blowflies pinwheeling like turkey vultures teaching in the first place, and he had a life in their dreams. They migrated as she to live. slept. They filled her lungs with their eggs and when she woke she could not Eclipses came often, and she began to feel breathe. To them she grew to be a host as if she walked through a revolving door: slowly dying. They too knew her days were on one side was the Terror, and on another numbered. As their population grew day was the Teacher, and the only way out was by day, they calculated. Even maggots through. She and her flies grew dizzy. knew how to count to twenty.

She longed for reprieve, for noise so loud she could disappear. In one lesson, the Teacher taught her the art of fantasy. She was limp as he turned up the television; he too wanted noise, but his was a cruel noise, a noise to conceal a truth and preserve a lie. She lost herself in it all the same. She imagined a kind stranger who neither heard the buzzing of the flies nor tried to silence them. In her fantasy there were pools of angel tears so pure and so sweet that it melted the aberration from her. She prayed to those angels to please, please, liberate her from filth, but even in her prayer she knew she would never be clean. Some things you just know. When the lesson was done, it hurt to walk so she didn't move for a very long time.

At twelve, the girl began to bleed, and the lessons stopped. The Teacher stayed in his dark place, and when she needed sanctuary he turned the other way. She had become currency for years, to be traded for peace from the Terror, no matter how brief. And then the Teacher left. His farewell lesson was rejection. She was no longer worth the paper she was printed on.

flies, no ocean. The endings were never truly endings at first. She was predictable and understandable, and people loved her so much in their own ways that she felt real enough to come back to when her other stories ran their course. The girl spent her years in those fantasies until she became a ghost in those, too. Being a good, predictable, understandable person became a hindrance. She was a husk, and the love from the people around her soured as she worked to maintain their love. The villains always found ways of coming back.

An alleyway, a Thursday. A hand flicked the flies away with teenage inexperience.

He was the Reminder. He told her he knew a thing or two about pain, about quiet. She believed him because she was sixteen, and she wanted a choir to sing to. He may well have told her the truth, but he was not a man whose actions mirrored his words. He rubbed her against a brick wall, he pushed her further into it as she balanced on loose blocks of concrete.

A security camera blinked nearby, as if still asleep, then looked the other away.

He had invited her to the alleyway and the girl accepted his invitation because everything felt crooked and she was lonely. She knew he wasn't a bad guy, but she wasn’t sure if he was good, either. He saw her as a souvenir, a character in his charming, cocktail party anecdote. So be it. Let her be the sentimental shot glass from some beach town. But for her flies, the Reminder evoked dreams of great and beautiful things like houses for four and picnics for two. She wished she could give her flies what they dreamt—then she may finally have her turn to rest—but she This was the motto of her madness. This couldn’t. The Reminder served a purpose, was what her flies repeated in the pitch and and that purpose was brief. When he unsteady repetition of windchimes. They completed his mission, he would leave in laughed as she looked at herself in the search of another box to check. No one mirror. They mocked her. On some level owns just one beach town shot glass. of consciousness she heard them and absorbed their message and thanked them She went limp once more. He kissed her for their time, but the rest of her wandered and she hoped it would be over soon, that aimlessly through ghost towns and he would leave, and then she could leave. weddings, through forests and abandoned But then again the alleyway would still be castles. She was the hero in her fantasies, there. the quiet beauty who could outmaneuver the villians and remain truly good in When he moaned, she thought of the her marrow. There was always a guide, a movies. She thought of women on their liberator who saw her true potential and beautiful sides, buried under motel sheets. convinced her to see it within herself. No White sheets. Her skin hissed beneath The Terror grew older, his sprees more infrequent. What the episodes lacked in number they made up for in ferocity. He could smell the looming death, he could hear the labored breathing. She repulsed him. Though denial was his main lesson, one he taught well and with passion, he also taught her the truth that year to year, change to change, childhood to adulthood, her existential offering was a sin; the only appropriate punishment was to take more from her.

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AWARDS his touch, and she was no longer just white. Mouth shaped badges covered her; purple, some green. He tried to memorize those badges as if she was an atlas for a well-planned trip. She tried to forget them, to cover them up with makeup and scarves. Those badges looked her in the eye and told her that her flies were silent, that she was silent, that she had said yes.

She had no right to live a life without hiding. To fulfill her only duty as a cheap souvenir was as sinful as denying her duty completely.

they insisted that she never understood that she was to blame for all of her pain.

“Quantity, over time,” they said, “begins to equal worthiness.” She imagined a savior She wanted to be someone. She didn’t want and her blowflies were there all along. to be a fraud. So she welcomed strangers As things do to survive, they learned to into her life, brought them home with her. communicate. To overcome. To mold.

A man’s skin rubbed against hers. Just like Incessant buzzing was their evidence cicadas. Cicada wings rub together, and of evolution, but their silence revealed all at once God’s most dutiful insects sang purpose. If that isn’t salvation, then there’s together in a rehearsed euphony. Those no telling what is. A white sheet and a were the insects men heard, too. This companion cannot deny purpose forever. particular man was nameless to her, barely The water from the ocean of quiet was a had a face. She knew she was just as empty baptism.

When he was finished, the Reminder tried in his eyes. He was a means to an end. to grab her hand, but hands had lost all Her flies barely hummed when they heard The men show her the future: The girls, the goodness to her. They had become the cicada’s song, and through this nearflies, the purpose, they all end the same sabre-tooth tigers, the boogeyman. His silence, the girl had learned to assemble way. People will call it a tragedy when they hands seemed a gateway to flickering who she could be from her stomach. Years find her body, spread-eagle in the dump. streetlights and her face in the dirt, no use ago, she’d set a precedent of a life best The flies, exiled. The purpose, fulfilled. for romance. No eyes but the stars. The lived in fantasy. At least this way there was The blowflies do what they must. They moon was just as hopeless. It mocked her someone who could share in her reverie, if tear away rotten things, but they do not as he asked her to go to the alleyway again only for a moment. But a leashed pet gets decompose completely. The flies leave sometime. She agreed because her flies told yanked back eventually. The bars were remnants as reminders of the purpose; her it’s what she ought to do, what she was crawling with people—some of which she rotten flesh is their legacy, and soil is the good at. They told her that his uncalloused once tried to convince herself could be her girl’s purpose once she has given all she hands could not compound her marring. liberator—who took her only offering and can give. Men are their employers, and looked her over, silently asking, “What else from the moment of conception the flies But he could sense her tainted soul, and is there?” They were never a guide. When understand that their goal in their brief soon after the Reminder found another all was said and done, the girl always fell lives is to cater to their employer’s inherent girl whose skin did not bruise as easily. asleep alone, still lost. right to own, and, afterwards, they’re there When it did, the badges looked like to clean up the mess. Women are simply flowers, and this other wore them proudly, She turned nineteen, and she could feel the owned. Women are moldable but they like eyes peeking out from under lashes in the world ending. She turned nineteen, are not clay. They are what they are, and pillow-talk conversations. The other heard and she felt her life was stolen from her; when people say it’s a tragedy, it’s because the flies too, but only out of a duty to her the Terror, the Teacher, the Reminder, they weren’t listening, or when they did gender. It was almost a relief to be free of they all pulled the rug out from under her, they never asked what it was. Eclipsed or lifelessly pandering to the Reminder’s then rolled her up and buried her in it. not, deserving or not, there are no true desires, desires that he was sure he They each had an unrelenting hand on her witnesses. was entitled to. Then the girl became chest, pushing her deeper into the water. overwhelmed with the realization that she People call it a tragedy but at least the would dust in the corner of his memory.

The Terror and the Teacher watched as she scavengers are there to clean up the mess.

The crushing weight of the reality that she hid beneath the blankets. They no longer A customary occupation, always carried did not belong there hit her cold and hard. had to eclipse. The moon was on their out. They eat up as much as they can.

She just didn’t belong. A fraud. side now. They watched as the strangers Their hunger is condemned because it’s came and went, they followed her to the ugly, but at the end of the day animals are There was a dam in the girl that threatened strangers’ houses and back again. They never pretty on shelves, no matter how to collapse. She had not seen the ocean of laughed as she tried to distract herself stuffed they are, or what marbles are sewn quiet, the tides of numbness in years. Her with all she had to give, as she tried to into their eye sockets. No, let her rot in flies learned the Shepard tone and made construct a person she could never be. the dump. Honest. The stars will whisper, music that always felt on the verge of They told her not to grow angry at her but they see this sort of thing all the time. crescendo, but that building of intensity blowflies, they told her to listen. She Everyone is spread-eagle from space. continued into restless nights as the girl burrowed deeper into the noise but felt the Teacher’s presence in her room. could not escape the unaffectionate voices The heat of her time under the white sheets She tried to buzz along with her flies. The of madness. has cooled. Taxidermy watch dogs look girl searched desperately for loopholes, away as she is covered by another sheet. for ways to satiate her flies and finally live She was weak, they told her. All of her Useless moon. Useless cameras. No more in peace without the price of her dignity. kind are weak, but don’t blame mother or tides, no more dams. No crescendo, only She begged them to understand that the mother’s mother. In all her fantasies, she the Shepard tone. quiet could slowly kill her. They told her, imagined a savior and displaced the blame;

46

“My girl, we are not the ones in need of understanding. You are no one without a man at the end of your leash.”

AWARDS

Art by Avery Cerniglia 47

AWARDS

Women's Studies Writing Awards

The Nancy Fix Anderson Women's Studies Essay Contest

T

his award honors Dr. Nancy Fix Anderson, Professor Emerita of History (1974-75; 1979-2006), a founding member of the Women’s Studies Program and former chair of the Women’s Studies Committee. A popular teacher and committed scholar in women’s history, she was one of the first women faculty to receive Loyola's prestigious Dux Academicus award (1994). The contest is open to all Loyola students. Entries should be non-fiction prose, such as research papers, position papers, reports. Essays should have been written in a course for academic credit during the academic year in question or in the previous Spring or Summer term, and validated by the instructor of the course to be authentic and original. Topics can be in any academic discipline, but must concern an issue specific to women or gender.

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AWARDS

LINdsey Navarro

L

indsey Navarro is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She has been passionate about feminism and social justice since a young age, and she intends to incorporate elements of both in her future profession. As a Latina woman, it is also important to Lindsey that feminism is intersectional and that spaces are made for the voices of people of color. Lindsey is a criminology and justice and psychology double major, and she is currently working on an encyclopedia article about transgender sex workers. She is an aspiring professor,and looks forward to being in the classroom and helping students reach their full potential. Lindsey is also passionate about issues such as prison reform, immigration reform, environmental reform, and destigmatizing sex work.

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Identifying and Proposing Solutions for Issues Posed by Transgender Inmates

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ransgendered people are persons who identify with a gender different from that which they were assigned at birth. Transgender people face a multitude of discrimination, bigotry, and negative stereotypes based on their gender identity. Not only is this true in regards to normal society, but also in a correctional setting. Transgender inmates are the target of violence and harassment at a larger volume than cis-gendered inmates. Though PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) aims to address the rate of violence and sexual harassment against transgender inmates, provisions such as proper healthcare and housing for inmates are either too vague, abridge upon the personal rights of transgender inmates, or are not properly maintained by the state.

Louisiana aims to address these issues and provide proper care, in all aspects, for transgender inmates.

Misgendering of Transgender Inmates The process of assigning a transgender inmate to their appropriate correctional facility is, in itself, a large part of the problem. Though sporadically decided on a case-by-case basis, largely speaking, transgender inmates are housed according to their assigned gender at birth. Inmates are strip-searched in front of both correctional staff and (sometimes) other inmates for security reasons, and to determine their gender via their genitalia (Scott, 2013; Sexton, Jenness, & Sumner, 2010; Tarzwell, 2006). In turn, inmate genitalia, rather than gender identity, is used to classify transgender inmates

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as male or female. (Routh, Douglas; Abess, Gassan; Makin, David; Stohr, Mary K.; Hemmens, Craig; Yoo, Jihye).

This process of classifying a transgender inmates’ genitalia is dehumanizing and also exposes their identity to correctional officers and potentially other inmates, increasing the knowledge of their identity and the likelihood of targeted harassment. Oftentimes inmates have not yet undergone sex reassignment surgery, so though they may possess genitals normative to a specific gender, he or she may not necessarily identify with that gender or even resemble typical characteristics associated with that gender. For example, a female-identifying transgender inmate may have male genitalia, and vice versa. In this case, their presence in a correctional facility other than the gender he or she resembles or identifies with creates a safety risk, as other inmates will more than likely flock to this inmate and make him or her a repeated target of sexual violence or harassment. This process also increases the probability of harassment of transgender inmates by correctional officers, who oftentimes lack the proper sensitivity training or understanding in dealing with transgender inmates. In one account, a male-to-female transgender inmate was strip-searched and taunted by Identifying and Proposing Solutions for Issues Posed

by Transgender Inmates correctional officers who referred to her as “titty man� and made other similar demeaning remarks ((Scott 2013) (Routh, Douglas; Abess, Gassan; Makin, David; Stohr, Mary K.; Hemmens, Craig; Yoo, Jihye)).

Lack of Proper Healthcare for Transgender Inmates The comprehensive care of transgender inmates includes many elements, such as hormone therapy, counselling, and possibly sex reassignment surgery. One main problem with receiving access to such care is that if it is even available to transgender inmates, they are required to obtain an official diagnosis of gender identity disorder as a mental illness (Maruri 2011). Classifying transgender inmates as mentally ill or having a gender identity disorder is not only dehumanizing, but it also upholds typical stereotypes that the transgender community actively works to dismantle.

Many transgender inmates have poor health arising from substance abuse, poverty, and mental health disorders which existed before incarceration (Alexander & Meshelemiah, 2010; Brown & McDuffie, 2009; von Dresner et al., 2013). Typically they have received little, if any, treatment for their conditions, including diagnostics (Routh, Douglas; Abess, Gassan; Makin, David; Stohr, Mary K.; Hemmens, Craig; Yoo, Jihye).

Care for these issues may be extremely limited, or even ignored by correctional staff who either simply cannot afford to provide care for these inmates, or are ignorant on transgender issues and deem it easier to ignore rather than address these issues. In addition to this, many transgender inmates are unwilling to receive the diagnosis mandatory to receive care, and if they do, the diagnosis is oftentimes overlooked or ignored by correctional staff members who believe

that these requests are simply a means of securing body altering procedures for vanity and cosmetic purposes Identifying and Proposing Solutions for Issues Posed

by Transgender Inmates (Routh, Douglas; Abess, Gassan; Makin, David; Stohr, Mary K.; Hemmens, Craig; Yoo, Jihye). Lack of proper care can result in high rates of depression, suicide, and other mental health related issues for transgender inmates.

Violence Faced by Transgender Inmates Amongst the many issues faced by transgender inmates is violence not only from other inmates, but from correctional staff as well. While roughly 4% of adult inmates report being sexually assaulted while incarcerated, 35–40% of transgender inmates report the same ((Beck, Berzofsky, Caspar, & Krebs, 2013; Beck, 2014)(Malkin, &Dejong 2018)). This is a prevalent issue among male-to-female transgender individuals forced to serve out their sentence in a male correctional facility. Their feminine features make them and presence amongst the general population increases the probability of becoming a target for harassment. In an effort to combat this, some states have designated transgender individuals to solitary confinement. While this decreases the likelihood of violence, it brings about possible psychologically damaging effects from isolation and limited human interaction. Some states have also provided separate bathroom facilities for transgender inmates in an effort to minimalize occurrences of rape and sexual harassment. An alarming study from The National Inmate Survey concludes that transgender inmates are at similar risk to be assaulted by staff as by other inmates, particularly in local jails (Melkin, & DeJong 2018). Though the occurrence of violence against transgender inmates is disproportionately higher than that amongst cis-gendered inmates, there are provisions under PREA that make it unlawful to ignore the special circumstances of transgender individuals and Identifying and Proposing Solutions for Issues Posed by Transgender Inmates protect trans inmates from violent assault.

While PREA was a big step in corrections, it did not force states to immediately change their prison policies—though states did face a loss of federal funding

if they were not in full compliance with PREA mandates by 2015 (Malkin, & DeJong). By June of 2015, only ten states reported being in compliance with PREA: Arizona, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington (United States Department of Justice, 2015).

insensitive or derogatory language when addressing transgender inmates. An additional solution previously mentioned would be to designate separate bathrooms for transgender inmates, but allowing inmates to decide for themselves whether or not they would like to be subjected to solitary confinement. This would decrease the rate of violence and sexual assault while still assuring that the mental health of transgender inmates is being Current Policies in Louisiana considered. Another resolution in regards Regarding Transgender Inmates to the mental health of transgender inmates would be to establish mandatory Although Louisiana reports being in counselling sessions whereby the inmate full compliance with PREA, there are no is free to discuss any issues he or she faces specific policies that address transgender as a transgender inmate and receive advice inmates (Routh, Douglas; Abess, Gassan; Makin, David; Stohr, Mary K.; Hemmens, from a mental health professional on how to cope with those issues. In addition to Craig; Yoo, Jihye). This is not out of a lack this, allowing transgender inmates to of necessity, however, as there are several reported instances of transgender inmates decide for themselves whether they would of Louisiana suing for improper protection prefer to be housed in a male or female or care. For example, a transgender inmate correctional facility reduces the instances of derogatory and unlawful practices such sued Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel as strip searches while also ensuring the Edwards and members of his staff in comfort of the individual. This would 2017. “The 2017 lawsuit said jailers failed also assist in lowering the amount of to segregate the inmate from the male lawsuits against correctional facilities by general population at the jail, despite transgender inmates who feel as though her gender identity, her having told their gender identity was either ignored the booking officer she was depressed or disregarded. Also, male-to-female and despondent, or her history of psychological disorders. It said the inmate transgender inmates housed in a female correctional facility as opposed to a male was beaten and raped by other prisoners. correctional facility may face a reduction When she encountered deputies, they in terms of violence and sexual assault. ignored her complaints, and her bloodied face and clothes. One deputy ‘responded References that if she did not shut up he would shoot Iyama, K. (2012). We Have Tolled the Bell for her’”(McGill 2018). The likelihood of Him: An Analysis of the Prison Rape Elimination lawsuits such as these surfacing could be Act and California's Compliance as It Applies to Transgender Inmates. Tulane Journal of Law thwarted by the establishment of specific Sexuality 21, 23-48. and explicit state policies in Louisiana regarding transgender inmates and how to Malkin, M. L., & DeJong, C. (2018). Protections for transgender inmates under prea: A properly care for them and protect them comparison of state correctional policies in the against violence in order to ensure a safe united states. Sexuality Research & Social Policy: and welcoming environment.

A Journal of the NSRC. https://doi.org/10.1007/

Prospective Solutions One prospective solution would be mandatory sensitivity training for correctional officers and establishing a zero tolerance for transphobic actions or language committed by correctional officers. This sensitivity training would increase knowledge of and provide proper guidelines for dealing with transgender inmates. This would also likely decrease the rate of misgendering inmates by using incorrect pronouns and using

s13178-018-0354-9 Routh, D., Abess, G., Makin, D., Stohr, M. K., Hemmens, C., & Yoo, J. (2017). Transgender inmates in prisons: A review of applicable statutes and policies. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 61(6), 645–666. https://doi. org/10.1177/0306624X15603745 Maruri, S. (2011). Hormone therapy for inmates: metonym for transgender rights. Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy 20(3), 807-832.

McGill, K. (2018, March 2). Transgender Inmate's Suit Against Louisiana Sheriff Settled. The Associated Press, retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/best states/ louisiana/articles/2018-03-02/transgender-inm ates-suit-against-louisiana-sheriff-settled

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The Women's Resource Center Awards

Art by Avery Cerniglia 52

AWARDS

Distinguished Service to the WRC

delaney Harper

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elaney Harper, a woman with an artistic soul, a brilliant mind, a passionate spirit, and a wicked sense of humor, is a magnificent force at the Women’s Resource Center.

Although she was a little shy when she first came to work with us her freshman year, her phenomenal writing for the magazine conveyed to Director Patricia Boyett and Associate Director of the Writing Team Grace Riddick that a whirlwind of talent and genius lay within Ms. Harper. Ms. Riddick and Emmaline Bouchillon (Creative Director at the WRC) volunteered enthusiastically to mentor Ms. Harper. She flourished under their leadership. Soon, her shyness dissipated, and she had us all laughing one minute with her quick wit and crying the next when she presented some powerful piece she had authored.

And Ms. Harper works and works and works. Dr. Boyett constantly has to remind her not to work when she is off the clock. But Ms. Harper constantly seeks to contribute more to the center, and she contributes in so many powerful and significant ways. Consequently, the WRC staff considered Ms. Harper the ideal 2020 recipient of the Distinguished Service to the WRC Award. “Delaney has the best work ethic out of anyone I've ever met, and it's matched with remarkable wit,” said Emmaline Bouchillon. “ Not only will she get her job done, but she'll make you laugh so hard you almost cry while doing it. The Women's Resource Center became my home at Loyola and I can think of no one better to represent the magic of that place than Delaney, a glorious and magical person. “

In addition to her phenomenal writing skills, Ms. Harper is also an exceptional leader who is diplomatic but determined style motivates others.

Dr. Boyett decided to create a new team--Special Projects--for Ms. Harper to lead that accommodated Ms. Harper’s many talents. The Special Projects team provides Ms. Harper with the opportunity to take on various projects that come into the center or that the center pursues. This year, she led the Nola4Women Leading Ladies of NOLA project as well as a project to review films for our annual Women’s Filmmaker Competition and screening. When we moved to remote work in March, Ms. Harper took on a variety of duties, including writing a column for the magazine, editing pieces, and developing advocacy campaigns.

Yes, we forgot to mention another one of Ms. Harper’s many talents: she is a phenomenal advocate. “A true feminist leader and inspiration for all, Delaney Harper has left myself and others in awe of her unequivocal dedication to the feminist cause,” said Ms. Riddick. “Delaney is always there for people, and her leadership has helped guide everyone at the Women’s Resource Center. I personally have never met someone with such a unique intellect and perspective, but Delaney’s distinct understanding of the world has elevated my view of feminism and the plight of women around the world,” Join us as we celebrate Delaney Harper. Aside from her schoolwork, writing, and her work at the WRC, Ms. Harper enjoys planning events, playing guitar, and participating in outdoor activities like

baseball, and travelling. She hopes to visit Ireland to trace her family history and Australia to study its social conflicts. Beyond Loyola’s campus, she has contributed to independent films and music videos as a script supervisor and assistant director. Ms. Harper has also volunteered at community colleges and medical care facilities in Mississippi. After she graduates, she hopes to continue to contribute to social justice initiatives across New Orleans and continue her studies on oppression and prejudice.

Dr. Boyett is certain that Ms. Harper will become one of America’s great historians and storytellers.

She has already won, in her first attempt, the Barbara C. Ewell Creative Writing Award hosted by the Women’s Studies program. Her powerful short story, “What It Means to be a Woman,” is included in the writing contest section of this magazine. WRC staff alum, Rula Thabata, recalled: “Delaney's writing skills and lens for perspective is impeccable. Paired with her vibrant personality, she is one of a kind.”

Dr. Boyett sees vast potential in Ms. Harper: “Delaney has the wit and the passion of a southern novelist and the critical eye and meticulous investigative skills of a historian. The depth of her writing digs into one’s soul and makes the reader consider the world in new ways. Her voice is truly unique and exceptionally powerful.” In addition, Dr. Boyett asserts that “Delaney is a fierce advocate for social justice who uses all of her incredible skills, brilliance, and compassion to create a more just world.”

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AWARDS

Feminist Leadership Awards

Avalon Harold

Avalon Harold and Carrie Elizabeth Smith, the co-recipients of the 2020 Feminist Leadership award, are phenomenal feminists who are devoted to the work at the Women’s Resource Center and to advancing intersectional feminism.

Please join the WRC in celebrating these magnificent women.

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valon “Ava” Harold, an Economics and Finance double major at Loyola University, serves as the Associate Director of Administration and Operations Management. She assists Dr. Boyett in overseeing and tracking all the projects, programs, advocacy work, and creative developments at the center. She aids the director in the supervision of an average of 30 student staff members each semester.

When Ms. Harold began working at the center her freshman year, Hadori Bukle, who served as the associate director at the time, saw so much potential in Ms. Harold that she was determined to mentor her to take over her position when she graduated.

She also quickly impressed Dr. Boyett, who enjoyed witnessing Ms. Harold flourish at the center and become a fabulous leader and mentor. As Dr. Boyett asserts, “Ava is a brilliant leader whose work ethic is phenomenal and whose exceptional organizational and creative ideas have assisted me in expanding the center’s reach and strengthening its core.”

In addition to Ms. Harold’s work in operations and management, Ms. Harold has served as a moderator and contributed articles to the magazine. She and Ms. Bukle co-moderated the WRC’s annual Businesswomen’s Luncheon that it hosts during Feminist Festival every year. Ms. Bukle and Ms. Harold worked beautifully together to develop thoughtful questions that they posed to the panelists during the event. Ms. Haorld and Ms. Bukle

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made a wonderful team, as they always have, and Ms. Harold has flourished in her own right since assuming the associate director position this year.

Ms. Bukle is quite proud of her former mentee and said, “Ava is a strong, natural-born leader.

Her professionalism and passion allow her to lead organizations to success. Although productivity is important to her within the workplace, she enjoys spreading her bubbly personality to maintain high morale. Ava’s curious nature allows her to engage employees in reflective conversations, which provokes innovative thoughts and ideas. She is truly destined to be successful, and I am excited to see her thrive in a career in finance.” Ms. Thabata echoed such sentiments. “Ava is a natural born leader.

She is a feminist icon, both kind and firm [and is phenonemal in engaging in difficult conversations and facilitating change.”

Ms. Harold has already taken many steps to establish a career in the business world. In the summer 2018, she completed her first internship at a financial advisory firm, where she experienced client reviews and meetings first-hand. The experience introduced her to wealth management as a viable future career path. During the Summer 2019, Ms. Harold accepted an internship in Lisbon, Portugal for a distressed asset valuation, buyout and management firm. She gained valuable work experience in a large company.

Furthermore, Ms. Harold is an active member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity,

and a newly inducted member of the College of Business’s honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma. She is also on the Dean’s List and has been awarded multiple scholarships for her academic success.

Ms. Harold is a wonderful mentor and has taken on several students at the WRC under her wing.

Mentoring comes naturally to Ms. Harold as she has spent much of her pre-college life in her hometown of Los Angeles, California mentoring girls, advancing women’s sports, and giving back through community service. Every summer, she worked and continues to work at a YMCA sleep-away camp where she mentors girls ages 7 to 14. During her senior year at Notre Dame High School, she founded the first women’s lacrosse team and served as captain and assistant coach. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, she worked with her father, a chef, to provide food to homeless populations in Los Angeles. For her exemplary community service, she won Notre Dame High School’s Service Award.

Ms. Harold and Ms. Smith have brought their phenomenal skills, their brilliant minds, their incredible work ethic, and their creative ideas to deepen and expand the work of the WRC in a myriad of amazing ways. They have earned the great respect of their peers and the director. It would not surprise the director in the least if both Ms. Harold and Ms. Smith became national and even global leaders.

AWARDS

Carrie elizabeth smith

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arrie Elizabeth Smith began working at the Women’s Resource Center her freshman year. She deeply impressed Director Patrica Boyett with her creative ideas and exceptional work ethic that Dr. Boyett promoted her during the second semester of her freshman year to co-lead the Marketing and Public Relations team. Dr. Boyett promoted Ms. Smith again at the onset of her sophomore year when she named her the sole associate director of the team. A double major in finance and marketing, Ms. Smith has brought a wealth of skills to the position. Consequently, she has also assumed leadership positions in various mediums across Loyola. She served as a College of Business Senator for the Student Government Association, the Director of Public Relations for the Black Student Union, and the Campus Representative for the Princeton Review.

Ms. Smith is as creative as she is business-minded, so she also worked with another fabulous student leader at the WRC, Tyler Sanchez, to develop an intersectional feminist talkshow, At The Intersection. As the co-producer and co-anchor of the show, Ms. Smith has proven particularly skilled at developing interesting ideas for the content and for the marketing of the show. In addition, her experience as a dual finance and marketing major has made her a fantastic manager of the project. She always ensures the completion of all the administrative aspects, including working with Tyler the production manager, Kynnedi Horton, and the director and cinematographer Sophia Santiago, to develop proposals, treatments, and promotional videos.

after life at Loyola. Lemon Pepper won the “Student Organization of The Year” Magis Award in 2019 for its outstanding dedication to service and for providing students with creative programming that addressed social issues.

Each year, Ms. Smith continues to expand her career and social justice activities. During the academic year 2020-2021, she will serve as a Residential Assistant as well as the Vice President for the Black Student Union. She plans to earn a real estate license within the next year and to become a Certified Public Accountant after graduating college in 2022. The WRC director and student staff certainly expect that Ms. Smith will continue to flourish at Loyola and throughout her life. “Carrie Elizabeth,” Dr Boyett asserts, “ is a consummate professional and always comes to every meeting and event fully prepared, carries herself in a refined, mature, and confident manner, and inspires others on her team to meet her high standards. Her amicable personality puts people at ease and makes them want to collaborate with her and engage in the development of creative ideas. I expect Carrie Elizabeth to soar

to the heights of the business world and perhaps the political world as well. She has the brilliance, compassion, strength, and sophistication to lead.”

Ms. Smith also impressed many of her peer leaders, including Rula Thabata (former Associate Director of Programming) Hadori Bukle (former Associate Director of the WRC) until she graduated last year.

“Carrie Elizabeth defines and embodies leadership,” said Ms. Thabata. “She has an eye for creativity and a vibrant personality bringing together pragmatism and empathy.” Ms. Bukle considered Ms. Smith among the top recruits to the WRC and marveled at her work. “Carrie Elizabeth is an exceptional worker and student who is determined to make an impact within the business world,” Ms. Buckle recalled.

“Her grace and tenacity will allow her to break the glass ceiling while maintaining diplomacy with all participating parties in her industry. Without a doubt, she will succeed in any career she chooses. I cannot wait to see her strut her stuff in the workplace as the boss or as the fearless corporate lawyer.”

Ms. Smith proved an ideal partner for this intersectional feminist program as she has spent much of her life advanding gender and racial equality. In her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Smith attended Atlanta Girls’ School for 6 years.

During this time she served in student government, co-founded the club Melanin Matters, and interned at the ACLU of Georgia and Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP. Her favorite accomplishment is cofounding Melanin Matters in 2015, a non-partisan club that helps students develop strong advocacy skills through discussions on topics such as womanism, cultural appropriation, police brutality, and human trafficking. With the help of her fellow peers, Ms. Smith was able to successfully bring Stacy Abrams to speak at one of her school assemblies.

Additionally, Smith designed a month-long Black History Month curriculum that would be presented

by Melanin Matters for the remainder of her high school career.

Upon her arrival in New Orleans, Ms. Smith continued to advance social justice. She enjoys volunteering with different organizations around New Orleans such as the Crescent City Cafe and the New Orleans Edible School Yard. She is also a member of one of Loyola’s most impressive and active student organizations, Lemon Pepper, which is a group of progressive and/or marginalized students who are dedicated to being prepared socially and professionally in intolerant spaces

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AWARDS

Outsatnding Feminist Alumni H

adori Bukle and Rula Thabata quickly became superstars at the Women’s Resource Center. Director Patricia Boyett credits them with helping her build the center from a small office with two student interns in 2015 to a thriving center with 30-plus student staff members each semester that now runs like a company. Just one year after their graduation, they are already making significant impacts in their communities. Ms. Bukle and Ms. Thabata also became close friends and have continued that friendship even though they now live hundreds of miles away from each other. WRC Associate Director of Special Projects Delaney Harper, who worked closely with both Ms. Bukle and Ms. Thabata, was thrilled when they jointly won Outstanding Feminist Alum. As Ms. Harper noted: “Rula is a person whose presence is so powerful and so radiant that she challenges everyone in the room to be their best selves. Hadori’s guidance and mentorship to myself, along with many others at the center, has left me feeling like a more confident and prepared woman. She offers enough support to allow us to advocate for ourselves as she proudly watches us from the sidelines.”

rula Thabata

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ula Thabata served as the Associate Director of Programming when she worked at the WRC. During her time at Loyola and beyond, Ms. Thabata has worked on policy and equitable changes for women and working people in Louisiana. She was a student representative on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee since her sophomore year.

She then interned as a research assistant for the Institute for Equity and Equality in Education, and she advocated for equal opportunity as part of Students for Education Reform. She has interned with Emerge Louisiana, and the Louisiana Supreme Court’s Judicial Administrator’s Office. Ms. Thabata studied abroad in Ireland and was an Ignacio Volunteer in both the international program in South Africa and Urban Immersion program in New Orleans. For her efforts, she was awarded the 2017 Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader, 2018 Rev. Matteo Ricci, S.J. Diversity Award and 2019 Janet Mary Riley Award for the Advancement of Women's Issues. She was also one of two recipients of the Ignatian Award for Outstanding Senior, the highest honor a university grants to students.

After graduating from Loyola University New Orleans in May 2019, where she finished magna cum laude with a political science major and minors in Middle East Peace Studies and Sociology, she became a fellow in the public policy project at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights She began working on national campaigns surrounding education, the Census, and racial justice. Upon returning to New Orleans, she worked on political campaigns for state representatives. As she is passionate about community and equitable care, Ms. Thabata accepted a position as an admission counselor at Tulane University where she focuses on diversity, equity and access. A brilliant student with a passion for civil rights law and public policy, she plans to attend law school in the near future.

The WRC’s Associate Director of the Writing Team, Grace Riddick, considers Ms. Thabata deeply deserving of this award. As Ms. Riddick asserts, “Rula Thabata worked relentlessly for the betterment of the Loyola community as an undergraduate. Now an alum, Rula brings the same persistence and empathy to others in the New Orleans community. Rula is always there to help others and her feminist ideals have made, and continue to make, the world a better place. Rula has become a feminist inspiration to many, myself included, and she will certainly leave you with a fiery passion to make your mark on the world and help others in need.”

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AWARDS

Hadori Bukle

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s. Bukle graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University New Orleans in 2019 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing. During her time at Loyola, she served as Associate Director of the Women’s Resource Center. As associate director, Ms. Bukle helped manage the 30-plus student staff, including the other team leads and student workers. In addition, she coordinated events with over 400 attendees. Additionally, Ms. Bukle is a member of the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and the honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma.

While working at the center, Ms. Bukle mentored several students, including Ava Harold, who became her protege. Ms. Harold has great admiration for Ms. Bukle and credits her passion and exemplary work ethic as contributing greatly to the growth of the center. “In my eyes,” Ms. Harold said, “Hadori is an outstanding example of power, success, leadership, and kindness. Even as an alum, Hadori never backs down from injustice. She treats everyone with respect, and empowers the people around her to be better and rise up to their fullest potential.” Ms. Harold also recalled fondly, “I had the honor of being her coworker and assistant, and I have the even bigger honor of being her friend. She is truly the epitome of this award’s recipient.”

Ms. Bukle is currently a project manager at Aetna, a CVS Health Company within the General Management Development Program. She works in Phoenix, Arizona under the Medicaid Provider Data Services department.

Her department is responsible for the configuration and maintenance of provider data within a system used to support claim processing and provider directories. Her biggest project yet involves improving current documentation for Provider Data Services. Within the General Management Development Program, Ms. Bukle is a member of the mentoring, recruiting, and curriculum committee where she is a Rotation 1 Champion. Ms. Buklei is the co-lead of the intern mentoring sub-committee on the mentoring committee. In her mentoring role, she is responsible for creating mentorships for 79 interns. In addition to her membership on the recruiting committee, Ms. Bukle is an active member of the recruiting process improvement sub-committee. Making an impact and promoting social justice continues to be a priority for her. As a member of the Black Colleague Resource Group and co-lead of the GMDP Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup at CVS Health, Ms. Bukle is determined to encourage change for underserved groups.

Dr. Boyett recalls fondly those early days that she worked with Ms. Bukle and Ms. Thabata to begin building the center. She misses their strategy sessions when she marveled as they brought their different talents and perspectives to programs, recruitment, and leadership development. Yet she has enjoyed witnessing how much they have continued to flourish and impact the world in positive ways since they graduated from Loyola. She is also grateful to them for the many ways they recruited phenomenal students to work at the center and mentored them. Thus, the center continues to grow under the magnificent group of students who continue to work at the WRC. In addition, as Dr. Boyett and the students at the center seek to sustain connections to amazing WRC alum like Ms. Thabata and Ms. Bukle, the center grows every year beyond Loyola.

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AWARDS

Outstanding Feminist Faculty Member

Dr. Constance mui Professor of Philosophy Rev. Scott Youree Watson, S.J. Distinguished Professorship in Arts and Sciences

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he WRC chose Dr. Constance Mui as the Outstanding Feminist Faculty Member. Dr. Mui is the heart of feminism at Loyola University New Orleans. She was one of the “founding mothers” of the Women’s Studies Program in 1989 and of the Women’s Resource Center, which she fought to bring back to campus in 1995 after its closure in 1980. An indefatigable feminist, Dr. Mui never shirks from demanding equality for women. The director of the WRC, Patricia Boyett, is so grateful to Dr. Mui and all the founding foremothers. Dr Boyett asserted, “Dr. Mui is an exceptional scholar, a phenomenal professor, and a courageous feminist.

Her unwavering support for the Women’s Resource Center has allowed it to flourish.

She has also been a phenomenal and gracious mentor to me.”

Dr. Mui is one of the most beloved professors on campus and has opened

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the minds of so many students to the perpetuation of patriarchy. Many students credit her with raising their feminist conscience. As Grace Riddick, the Associate Director of the Writing Team at the WRC and the Editor-inChief of The Feminist Forum, states, “Dr. Mui’s teachings have left numerous students, myself included, with a better understanding of feminist theory and history. Always there for her students, Dr. Mui has helped so many to comprehend the fundamentals of feminism - an essential skill. Dr. Mui inspires her students, and her kindness inside and outside of the classroom certainly leaves an impression on everyone she teaches.”

Emmaline Bouchillon echoes such sentiments. “Dr. Mui's ‘Philosophical Perspectives on Women’ class was one of the most eye opening experiences I've had to date. Once someone shows you how to see, it's impossible to go back. Dr. Mui is intelligent, fierce, and one of the best leaders on Loyola's campus. To be her student was a pleasure, and I'm so grateful to call her a mentor.”

We invite you to learn more about Dr. Mui: Dr. Constance Mui is a professor of philosophy and holds the Rev. Scott Youree Watson, S.J., Distinguished Professorship in Arts and Sciences. She specializes in continental philosophy, and has published articles on phenomenology, Sartre, Strawson, Beauvoir, Marcel, the problem of embodiment, and feminist theory. Recent publications include Gender Struggles: Practical Approaches

to Contemporary Feminism (with Julien Murphy, 2002); “A Feminist-Sartrean Approach to Understanding Rape Trauma,” Sartre Studies International (2004); “Willing the Freedom of Others After 9/11: A Sartrean Approach to Globalization and Children’s Rights” (with Julien Murphy), Feminist Philosophy and the Problem of Evil, ed. Robin May Schott (2007); “Pornography, Objectification, and the Sartrean ‘Look’,” The Problems of Resistance: Studies in Alternate Political Cultures, ed. Steve Martinot and Joy James (2001); “Enduring Freedom: Globalizing Children’s Rights” (with J. Murphy), Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy (2003); “Sartre and Marcel on Embodiment: Reevaluating Traditional and Gynocentric Feminisms,” in Feminist Interpretations of Jean-Paul Sartre, ed.

Julien Murphy (1999); “Rethinking the Pornography Debate: Some Ontological Considerations,” Bulletin de la Société Américaine de Philosophie de langue Française (1998). Dr. Mui is recognized for her work in developing and adopting a viable philosophical framework for feminist theory based on Sartrean ontology.

Dr. Mui’s professional service includes leadership positions in many organizations. She has held several offices in the North American Sartre Society, and was president of the society in 2003 to 2005. She served on the Diversity Committee of the Society of Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy from 2001 to 2005. Currently, she is president of the Central Division Sartre Circle, as well as Reviews Editor for the journal, Sartre Studies International.

AWARDS

Outstanding Feminist Staff Member

Dr. Diana ward Chief Student Conduct Officer and Title IX Coordinator

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he Women’s Resource Center chose Dr. Diana Ward as the recipient of the Outstanding Feminist Staff Member award. Dr. Ward has worked closely with the WRC by providing training to the center’s Title IX advocates and LGBTQ advocates. In addition, she always makes herself available to explain the legal points on Title IX issues, to share a variety of resources for students involved in Title IX cases, and to help LGBTQ students and LGBTQ advocates access various resources.

The WRC’s Associate Director of Special Projects Delaney Harper, who has worked closely with Dr. Ward on Title IX training for the WRC, said of Dr. Ward: “she serves as a beacon of security, comfort, and inspiration. I know I am not alone in saying that Dr. Ward is an indispensable member of the Loyola and New Orleans community and an incredible person who embodies the Loyola mission. Her kindness and determination are surely worthy of recognition and admiration.”

Dr. Patricia Boyett contends that Dr. Ward “epitomizes intersectional feminist values by ensuring that all persons, regardless of their gender identity, orientation, race,

ethnicity, religion, nationality, or class, are treated equally. She is a tireless advocate for educating the Loyola and larger New Orleans community about Title IX and about gender identity. In addition, her knowledge of the law and her devotion to justice makes her a fair and just arbiter.”

Dr. Ward is greatly admired and has won this award twice. We welcome you to learn a little more about Dr. Ward.

Dr. Diana Ward serves as the Chief Student Conduct Officer and Title IX Coordinator. In her role, Dr. Ward oversees and manages Title IX investigations and conduct procedures of alleged infractions; she manages, updates, and educates others on the Student Code of Conduct and develops and facilitates trainings related to student conduct, student rights and responsibilities, and Title IX; she advises the Student Justice Board; additionally, she assesses student trends within the University conduct process.

Dr. Ward is originally from a small town in Illinois. She attended Tulane University, earning her B.A. in Anthropology. Dr. Ward then earned her

M.Ed in Educational Administration and Leadership Development from Arizona State University. She earned her PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans. She has done extensive research on matters relating to Education Law. She began her career as a middle school teacher before moving into student conduct. She trained teachers, principals, and district leaders in restorative justice processes. Later, Dr. Ward investigated employee conduct issues. In 2015, she began teaching in the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Human Development at the University of New Orleans.

Now working within higher education in student conduct, Dr. Ward is excited to partner with students to grow their moral and ethical decision-making skills, as well as to expand their knowledge around their rights and responsibilities as Loyola students. Integrity is something Dr. Ward believes in strongly, and she strives to inject it into all parts of her life and work.

She is eager to work with students to improve their Loyola experience and their world.

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AWARDS

Outstanding Feminist Community Partner

NOLA4women

Photo courtesy of NOLA4Women

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AWARDS

he Women’s Resource Center selected Nola4Women as the Outstanding Feminist Community Partner. Director Patricia Boyett attended several sessions of Nola4Women’s “Hear Our Voices” conferences and found the organization impressive and inspiring.

Consequently, she was thrilled when Nola4Women invited the WRC and the Donnelly Center at Loyola University New Orleans to partner with Nola4Women on the Leading Ladies of NOLA project this year. The WRC director and the WRC special projects team led by Delaney Harper worked closely with the Donnelly Center alongside Kathy Seligman and Sylvia Frey, two of the founders of Nola4Women, to design the project.

goals: improve access to healthcare, Louisiana. She revealed that Louisiana is accelerate opportunity, address trauma, and the deadliest state for women in America. increase security.

Women are murdered by men at twice the national rate. The state has one of the At the close of the summit, the attendees highest maternal mortality rates and does had developed a series of methods for not mandate paid maternity leave. It is achieving these goals. Recommendations to 49th in the nation for children’s well-being improve socioeconomic statuses and career and has a high poverty rate for children. opportunities included: ensuring a living It has the highest incarceration rate in the wage for all women by addressing racial world. Speaker Alisha Fernandez Miranda and gender wage disparities, providing discussed solutions to these issues, all of better paid maternal leave, and increasing which mainly focused on investment in access to caretaking facilities for the elderly girls and women. Such investment tends to to assist women who tend more often to pay exceptional dividends because women care for elderly parents. In addition, the tend to act in more collaborative ways for attendees recommended that the city take the good of society. a more holistic approach to healthcare and to education, create community-based In addition to these exemplary health care systems and safe spaces for developments, NOLA4Women works During Women’s History Month, the women to connect and network, encourage closely with educational and cultural WRC’s marketing team worked with women from minority populations to institutions across New Orleans. In Nola4Women’s web designer, Nora pursue careers in healthcare, foster equity the “Heroes of New Orleans” project, Kaboulov, to feature essays written by in disciplinary actions, and shift from Nola4Women collaborated with students Loyola students on women who had a punitive to restorative responses. They also in junior high and high school to write significant impact on New Orleans. The recommended the creation of a city office essays about female heroes in New project is featured in this issue of The for women and girls.

Orleans. Similarly, Nola4Women worked Feminist Forum. It was an absolute joy to with Loyola students via the Women’s work with Nola4Women on this project and The summit led to two significant Resource Center and the Donnelly Center to continue to participate in Nola4Women developments. First, it fostered the creation on the Leading Ladies of NOLA project. conferences and meetings. The WRC of the Greater Nola4Women Fund, a Nola4Women has also worked with nearly considers Nola4Women a great force to partnership between Nol4Women and the 40 educational and cultural institutions advance girls and women and to improve Greater New Orleans Foundation. This on the “Women of New Orleans: Builders their lives. fund, as Nola4Women asserts, “is the very and Rebuilders” project that included first fund in the city to invest specifically in lectures, exhibits, performances, and blogs Four women, Florence André, Sylvia Frey, bold, creative solutions to benefit women celebrating the amazing historical and Kathy Epstein Seligman and Martha and their families in critical areas such contemporary women of New Orleans.

Sullivan, developed Nola4Women with as maternal and child health, physical, the mission to “foster bold solutions for the mental and economic safety and security, Nola4Women is truly an exceptional marginalized women and children in our healthy development of girls and advocacy.” organization that seeks to uplift all girls communities,” and to serve as an “advocate Second, with funding from the W.K. and women. To that end, it focuses on for the safety and security for all women Kellogg Foundation, Nola4Women and the the many intersections of the identities and girls.” Launched on International Greater New Orleans Foundation launched of girls and women and addresses the Women’s Day in 2016, Nola4Women began the New Orleans for Maternal and Child additional forms of oppression girls and hosting “collaborative conversations” to Health initiative “to change the poor health women with marginalized identities “develop consensus-based solutions to outcomes for women and children in our confront. By working with educational and ensure a stronger, healthier city.” city. Nola4MCH’s goal is to strategically cultural institutions across the city, it has align investments within the philanthropic contributed to raising awareness about the Throughout 2018, Nola4Women hosted a community to improve the health status of contributions of women throughout the three-part series of conferences,“Hear Our women, infants, youth and families in our history of New Orleans and to highlight Voices,” in which women gathered to share community.” the phenomenal work of women of color. stories, research, and studies and develop In addition, through community-based solutions to struggles affecting girls and Nola4Women continues to host important consensus building conferences and events, women. Highlights of the conferences conferences and seminars. On February Nola4Women has constructed projects included discussions of access to healthcare 11, 2020, Nola4Women hosted an event at and programs to pursue equal rights and and education and the impact of historical the Church at the Hotel Peter and Paul that opportunities for all girls and women. The trauma. The conferences culminated with explored the state of women in Louisiana WRC is proud to celebrate NOLA4Women the Global Summit on Women and Girls and how to continue to advocate for change. as its Outstanding Feminist Community at the end of 2018 in which the attendees One of the speakers, Julie Schwam Harris, Partner of 2020. discussed major areas they considered lonigtime feminist activist and founder the most concerning. Through their of the Legislative Agenda for Women, conversations, they developed the following shared some concerning statistics about

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A Women’s Commentary

The Feminist Forum Volume VII