The beginning of a new semester and academic year is always an exciting time, full of possibilities and new plans. We’ve been very busy expanding and building new programs to create an exciting selection of activities. It is also a great time to reflect on successes and lessons learned, to say goodbye to people who continue their journeys elsewhere, and welcome new people into our community.
UNM continued to take huge steps toward dealing with sexual violence this past year. We joined forces with other departments and community partners to have a collective voice aimed at compliance, advocacy, response, education. Together over the last few months we have made tremendous strides and are excited to celebrate the opening of Lobo Respect Advocacy Center. Speaking of which, our Gendered Violence Prevention Program graduate assistant, Angela Catena, has accepted the Training and Development Specialist position at the Center! Angela has been one of the strongest voices and advocates on campus in changing the culture to reflect safety, responsible education, prevention, and RESPECT. We couldn’t be more proud of her!
Our student staff have been busy with their projects this summer! Nandi, our Mentoring and Leadership graduate assistant, has renovated the Impact mentoring program and received such a positive response. I have LOVED getting to know the group of dynamic leaders, and many of the incoming mentees. Mallory, our Marketing Program Assistant, is handling all of our social media, marketing, blog, and newsletter! She has done an incredible job of rejuvenating our online presence and finding creative ways to reach you. We also have a new Women’s Health Program Assistant! Lillian recently took on this new role and was instrumental in adding our 20th lactation station on campus. I’m not sure what we would do without Sandra, our office assistant! She has been busy updating our resources and libraries, as well as assisting and communicating with every student that comes in here. Come by and say hello to her.
Our counselor Sarah is returning to the WRC for her third semester with us! Sarah brings a lot of knowledge, experience, and thoughtfulness to her therapeutic relationships. Connect with us if you are interested in counseling and if we cannot accommodate you we will help you find an appropriate referral!
I’d also like to officially welcome our Administrative Assistant III, Shelley Simms! She started in August and the phrase ‘hitting the ground running’ has never been so apropos. She has worked hard to learn a tremendous amount in a short time and is keeping our center on track and running smoothly.
As many of you know Summer Little, the director of the WRC, has recently resigned. Summer relocated to Florida with her daughter to be near her family. Summer was a tremendous asset to not only this campus, but to our entire community as she worked tirelessly to improve this campus and create a safe space at the WRC that was for everyone. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her luck on her new adventure.
We are also planning new programming for women in STEM and expanding our
programs for men and male allies. Does it sound like we’ve been busy? Yes, we have been. Last year, we had the privilege of making more than 61,000 contacts with our community. Let’s keep it growing – come by to get involved! We always have coffee and tea, condoms, feminine hygiene products, and…a stash of chocolate. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Have a great semester!
~Caitlin Henke
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