Current Grant Awardees

National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Student Chapter

The goal of launching this organization is to create a student-organized community where queer, trans, and nonbinary students can network and support each other, contribute to their own professional development, learn about how to better represent the communities they cover through their journalism, and strategically improve the Journalism Department's culture and climate. By supporting the professional development of people interested in journalism across all identity groups, this organization would create opportunities for trying to counteract those barriers to entry between higher education and industry.

Hack(H)er413 2025

Hack(H)er413 is a 24-hour, student-led hackathon that celebrates diversity and empowers women and non-binary students in technology. Through workshops, mentorships, a career fair, and hands-on projects, the event creates an inclusive space for learning, innovation, and networking. Participants gain skills, confidence, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders, all while competing for prizes in a supportive, inclusive environment.

On-Campus Abortion Doulas

The On-Campus Abortion Doulas program aims to provide compassionate, anonymous peer support for students undergoing medication abortion at UMass. Using an established framework from the Abortion Rights Fund of Western Mass, the group strives to create an informed, supportive, and safe environment surrounding reproductive justice. Once trained, student doulas will assist with emotional and logistical needs of their peers. Through on-call support, outreach, care packages, and educational resources, the program normalizes reproductive health care while promoting awareness and access across the Five College Consortium.

Empowerment Expedition: A Company Visit for Women Graduates

The Empowerment Expedition brings UMass women graduates on a road trip to Boston to meet with accomplished UMass alumnae who are prominent leaders in business. By building connections between students and professionals, the event provides mentorship, networking, and career insights to students considering their own paths to success. The experience fosters connection and empowers soon-to-be-graduates to step confidently into professional leadership roles.

University of Massachusetts Mathematics Symposium

The University of Massachusetts Mathematics Symposium brings together students, faculty, alumni, and community members to celebrate mathematics and its career potential. Featuring talks by women leaders in academia and industry, student presentations, and networking sessions, the event supports women and gender minorities who are studying and pursuing careers in math. In addition to enriching the UMass Amherst mathematical community, the symposium will build a supportive, inclusive mathematical community that inspires future leaders.

Women of Isenberg Conference Ticket Waivers

The Women of Isenberg Conference offers a day of learning, networking, and mentorship through workshops, panels, and keynote speeches. Ticket waivers enable students from all backgrounds to attend the conference. As participants they can connect with industry leaders; gain career-building insights; network; and build community within Isenberg and beyond. The expected outcome is increased participation in career-building activities, a stronger sense of community, and enhanced career readiness among student attendees.

FEMS: Female Emotional Memory and Sleep Study

FEMS: Female Emotional Memory and Sleep Study is a groundbreaking study that explores how hormonal fluctuations impact sleep and emotional memory in women, focusing on conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post-menopausal changes. This project provides invaluable research opportunities for emerging female scientists, including two primary and ten secondary female researchers, as well as a female principal investigator. By addressing gaps in research, the study seeks to inform interventions for sleep and mood disorders, improving the quality of life for women across age groups. 

Anthropocene Reflections

Anthropocene Reflections is an interdisciplinary exhibition created by Eva Fierst Curatorial Fellows, a team of graduate students who produce an exhibition and public programs at the University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA). By merging art, education, hands-on programming, and community dialogue, the public programming for Anthropocene Reflections fosters awareness of human-environment relationships and aims to inspire thoughtful action on pressing environmental issues. 

Women Civil Engineering Leadership Summit

The one-day Women Civil Engineering Leadership Summit provides graduate students in civil engineering and adjacent disciplines with leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through interactive sessions and a social dinner, participants gain tools to navigate male-dominated industries and connect with inspiring leaders. The event fosters confidence, collaboration, and pathways to success in academia, research, and industry.

IkeAho Urafiki Umjikelezo

IkeAho Urafiki Umjikelezo creates a supportive space for African women graduate students to support their personal and academic growth. Through a series of workshops and community-building activities, graduate students will develop the tools to address challenges like cultural assimilation, academic pressures, and feelings of isolation. Students will gain a strong sense of community, learn from those who came before them, and confidently assert their identities while thriving in new academic and social landscapes.