Exec Highlights!

WHEN exec discusses their favorite parts of the club and community

After a busy semester of collaborating with other gender-based advocacy groups on campus, learning about the experiences of graduates from the Asian University for Women, and fundraising through the annual WHEN & WEAR pop-up thrift store, some of WHEN's executive board reflect upon what the club means to them.

Nafisa Munawarah, President: " I have found an incredible community through this club and am inspired by each and every member and the passion they have for our cause. I learn so much from our weekly dialogues and our interactions with students at AUW. Being a part of WHEN has changed my perspective - a difference can be made at any scale...that’s how we’re going to change the world."

Cora Cunningham, Director of Internal Communications: "Our meetings have always provided such an uplifting environment to advocate and discuss issues pertaining to higher education, gender equity, and sustainability. During COVID especially, you really had the opportunity to connect with other members and create special friendships. I am beyond thankful for WHEN and all the amazing, passionate, ambitious people with whom I get to work alongside!"

"Our meetings have always provided such an uplifting environment" - C. Cunningham

Carly Siegel, Director of Community Relations: "I’m thankful for WHEN because it’s such a great community. I look forward to coming to meetings each week to hear the dialogue and learn something new. I love that we have a space each week where we can present and discuss issues we are passionate about that impact gender minorities."

Natalia Bechthold, Director of Marketing: "Whether it’s breaking down the Dobbs vs Jackson decision, dissecting clothing sizing and body image messaging in the fashion industry, investigating the glass ceiling/escalator in professional advancement, questioning popular terminology like “girlboss”, or learning about the women who made history during the midterm elections, I always leave our meetings feeling inspired and empowered by our passionate discussions."

Abby Stern, Director of Awareness: "I’m so beyond grateful for the remarkable people I’ve met through WHEN, who are all so committed to bringing goodness and empowerment to Tufts and to the world. It’s just the best to get to work with such incredible individuals!"

"I always leave our meetings feeling inspired and empowered by our passionate discussions" - N. Bechthold

Selin Bacaksiz, Co-Director of Fundraising: "I am thankful for WHEN because I get to raise awareness and fundraise for a good cause while getting to know amazing people. My favorite thing about WHEN is hanging out with everyone in the club and hearing amazing stories."

Maia Teubal, Co-Director of Fundraising: "One thing I love about WHEN is our discussions at the end of each dialogue. They turn into more than just answering the questions on the presentation: each one of us shares experiences, struggles, funny - and sometimes sad - personal stories, which create rich and engaging conversations."

Trisha Musall, Director of Website/Blog: "I think most of us agree when I say that the dialogues are my favorite part of the club - I love showing up each week and learning about topics that our members are passionate about and have done an impressive amount of research on. I am so glad to have found a community where a back-and-forth sharing of ideas is a very normal thing to expect."

We hope to build upon these discussions of intersectionality to create an even more inclusive and equitable environment on Tufts campus, and on a broader scale. WHEN exec is grateful for each and every member for continuing to make a safe space where constant dialogue surrounding gender-based advocacy is welcomed and encouraged. Happy holidays!