Past Grant Awardees

Each year, Women for UMass Amherst supports bold projects that empower women and marginalized communities across campus. Past recipients have launched events, research, exhibitions, and mentorship programs that spark dialogue and create lasting impact.  

Browse the initiatives that have shaped our community—and discover what’s possible when women support women.

BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ Women, and Women with Disabilities in STEM 

This mini conference connected UMass students with women in STEM who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or have disabilities. Through keynote talks, student interviews, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, the event fostered dialogue, mentorship, and community. It provided students with opportunities to build lasting connections, explore identity in STEM fields, and engage with empowering role models from across Hampshire County. 

BREACH: Art, Science, and Indigenous Knowledge 

In conjunction with the University Museum of Contemporary Art exhibition BREACH: LOBGOOK 24 | STACCATO by artist Courtney M. Leonard, this project presented a series of free public programs exploring the intersection of art, science, and Indigenous knowledge. A citizen of the Shinnecock Nation, Leonard used visual logbooks to examine themes of marine biology, food sovereignty, migration, and environmental impact. The programming deepened public understanding of these issues, built relationships with local Indigenous communities, and united art with science to deepen understanding of both. 

Bridge the Gap: Intergenerational Conversations on Racism and Health in Western Mass 

This film project explored health equity issues affecting communities of color in Western Massachusetts. It addressed topics such as suicide prevention, the immigrant experience for young women, and the impact of healthcare disparities on older generations. The project culminated in a campus film screening and panel discussion, amplifying BIPOC voices and raising awareness about systemic health challenges across generations. 

Center for Research on Families (CRF) Student Research Awards Forum 

The Center for Research on Families hosted a student awards forum to recognize excellence in family research. The event honored 20 student researchers, with five selected to present their work to an audience of more than 250 professionals within the CRF network. The forum offered students valuable recognition, career support, and the opportunity to engage with a broader academic and professional community. 

Centering our Writing in Community: Women, Non-Binary, and Present and Future 

Focused on writing and research, the program created space for participants to collaborate, exchange feedback, and build community around identity, career development, and academic goals. The initiative fostered connection and encouraged sustained engagement with meaningful, self-directed scholarly work in a supportive environment. 

Creative Women Leading Climate Action (CWLCA) 

This virtual symposium engaged women and nonbinary students in building an intergenerational network focused on creative responses to climate change. Featuring artists and arts professionals, the event highlighted the role of the arts in environmental activism and leadership. Participants attended workshops, connected with mentors, and explored how creative practice can drive social and ecological change. Funding from Women for UMass supported attendee scholarships, childcare, workshops, and the keynote speaker. View the project outcomes. 

CVSA's Cape Verdean Women's Day Celebration 

The Cape Verdean Student Alliance hosted a series of events during Cabo Verdean Culture Awareness Week, including a wellness workshop and cultural event. At Cabo Verdean Annual Culture Night, students celebrated their heritage and cuisine with food, music, performances, and keynote speakers. The program honored Cape Verdean heritage, highlighted the contributions of Cape Verdean women, and fostered pride and connection among students. 

GWIS Speaker Series 

The UMass Graduate Women in STEM (GWIS) hosted a three-part, speaker series on on social justice and anti-racism, focusing specifically on women of color in STEM fields. Open to both GWIS members and the larger UMass community, the speaker series provided tools for effective allyship and strategies for advancing equity in science and academia. 

iSpeak @ Isenberg 

The inaugural iSpeak @ Isenberg event was designed to empower and inspire business students in the Isenberg School of Management. The event featured a keynote address from a distinguished woman entrepreneur, followed by a public speaking competition open to all business students. By bringing together undergraduate and graduate students, the event fostered dialogue, confidence, and community within the Isenberg School of Management. 

Maximizing Alumni Networks for Micro-mentoring PhD Women in STEM During a Global Pandemic: The Covid Effect 

To support women in STEM PhD fields and combat the challenges of isolation, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, this project launched a digital micro-mentoring platform that connected students with alumni in the field. The short-term mentoring relationships helped participants build confidence, strengthen their sense of belonging, and make progress on academic and professional goals. Funding from Women for UMass supported platform development, outreach and branding, community-building events, and research on the program’s impact. 

METAMORPHOSES:  A Literary Arts Workshop & Initiative 

This initiative united UMass students and incarcerated women at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center for a 10-week literary arts workshop. Participants collaborated on writing, editing, and publishing METAMORPHOSES, a literary magazine. Contributors then held a public reading and celebration of the works. The project fostered creative expression, built editorial and writing skills, and created a model for future workshops. It also connected campus and incarcerated students to a broader community of educators and artists working at the intersection of literature and justice. 

Multiplicity, a Symposium on the State of Contemporary Architecture 

Multiplicity was an international symposium featuring 10 leading scholars and practitioners who examined the current state of architecture through the lenses of climate, race, power, and global and local dynamics. A follow-up to the Exactitude symposium, the event explored how architecture is shaped by evolving environmental needs, new construction technologies, and digital media. Presentations analyzed the broader forces, such as building codes, regulations, and technological change, that influence architectural practice today. The symposium aimed to deepen critical dialogue around the future of the built environment. 

National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Student Chapter 

This project established a student chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association to create a supportive, student-led community for queer, trans, and nonbinary students in journalism. The chapter provided space for peer networking, professional development, and dialogue around inclusive reporting practices. It also worked to strengthen the culture and climate within the Department of Journalism. By fostering mentorship and visibility, the chapter aimed to reduce barriers to entry into the field and promote equity across identity groups. 

She Got G.R.I.T. (Gifted, Resilient, Intense, Tenacious) 

This project empowered female student-athletes to grow as leaders both on and off the field. It featured a leadership seminar with workshops and networking opportunities for current student-athletes and professionals who were former collegiate athletes. The event fostered confidence, connection, and career development for the next generation of women leaders in sports and beyond. View the project outcomes. 

Smart Women Securities 

This project supported the growth of a student chapter of Smart Women Securities, aimed at empowering women interested in investment and finance. Members built connections with industry professionals and alumni, attended national conferences, and visited leading investment banks and asset management firms. These experiences provided valuable insight into careers in financial services and helped students develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue leadership roles in the industry. 

The Good Friday Agreement @ 25: An Art of Conflict Transformation Event Series 

This event series marked the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement with six programs connected to UMass coursework, including classes taken by participants in the Women into Leadership program. The series provided students with opportunities to engage with international scholars and conflict resolution experts, with a focus on the roles of gender, class, religion, and political identity in the peace process. Events highlighted the contributions of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition and examined the continuing challenges of implementing the agreement. Anne Carr, a former elected official and key figure in the negotiations, served as the keynote speaker. The event concluded with Chancellor Emeritus Kumble R. Subbaswamy re-dedicating the restored mural “Justice, Diversity, and Opportunity,” which highlights the power of art in conflict transformation. 

UMass Amherst Asian American Student Associations 39th Annual Asian Night 

The 39th Annual Asian Night celebrated Asian and Asian American culture through one of the largest cultural showcases on campus. Hosted by the UMass Amherst Asian American Student Association, the event featured performances by diverse cultural groups, including Chinese yo-yo artists, vocalists, and dance teams ranging from K-Pop to South Asian fusion. Attendees also enjoyed food, giveaways, and guest appearances by Asian Pacific Islander Desi American public figures. The event aimed to foster community, increase visibility, and promote cultural pride across campus. 

UMass Student Cancer Survivors 

UMass Student Cancer Survivors was created to unite student cancer survivors to build community, raise awareness, and support others affected by cancer. The group organized activities that promoted connection and healing, while also fundraising for local and national cancer organizations. Women for UMass funds supported materials for group bonding events and helped create a more visible and supportive space for survivors on campus. 

UMass Women into Leadership (UWiL) 

This project supported the ongoing efforts of UMass Women into Leadership (UWiL), a program that addresses the gender gap in public leadership. Throughout the semester, a cohort of 20 to 25 students participated in workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities facing women in the public sector. Funding also supported the keynote speaker at UWiL’s annual symposium, which connected students with elected officials and public service leaders for networking and dialogue. View the project outcomes. 

We Are For Freedoms 

We Are For Freedoms was a student-led interdisciplinary exhibition and public program series at the University Museum of Contemporary Art. It used art as a catalyst for civic engagement, dialogue, and exploration of social justice issues. Events and exhibitions responded to the urgency of the moment by centering the experiences of women and people of color, fostering reflection, building community, and encouraging active participation in public life. The project was created in partnership with For Freedoms, a national arts platform for creative civic engagement and direct action.  View the project outcomes. 

Women and BIPOC Communities in Local, State, and International Affairs 

Designed to inspire interest in public service, this initiative encouraged college-aged women and BIPOC students to explore careers in public policy and leadership. In partnership with the Women of Color Leadership Network, the UMass School of Public Policy, and UMass Women into Leadership, the program included field trips to Boston and New York City. These experiences gave students the opportunity to meet professionals in government and public service, build networks, and envision themselves in positions of influence. 

Women Empowerment & The Hijab 

The Muslim Student Association hosted a campus event featuring a guest speaker who shared her experiences as an entrepreneur and as a woman who wears the hijab. She addressed the challenges hijab-wearing women face in professional settings and emphasized that wearing a hijab should not limit any woman’s potential. The event introduced attendees to aspects of Islamic culture and encouraged all women to pursue their goals with strength and confidence. 

Women in Sports 

The Muslim Student Association hosted a speaker who encouraged women to pursue their goals—especially in sports—despite societal gender norms. The event aimed to empower attendees to overcome barriers and embrace their identities, particularly those navigating intersectional experiences. By sharing her story, the speaker inspired students to challenge limitations and stay committed to their aspirations. 

Women in Theatrical Design: Master Class Series and Public Lecture 

This project brought some of the nation's leading women designers in lighting, scenic, and sound design to campus. Through a public lecture and two master classes, they shared professional insight, offered strategies for navigating a male-dominated field, and served as role models for aspiring student designers. The events provided students with both inspiration and direct industry connections to support their future careers. View the project outcomes. 

60 Years of Collecting   

Our 60th anniversary exhibition will celebrate the founding of the University Museum of Contemporary Art’s (UMCA) permanent collection of over 4,000 artworks including prints, drawings, and photographs by contemporary artists. The exhibition will be organized chronologically highlighting works by women and artists of color. Through the perspective of past and current UMCA directors, donors, and artists, it will reveal the museum’s outstanding collection, introduce innovative ways the collection is used as a teaching tool, and focus on initiatives to diversify the collection with work by under-recognized artists. 

Women of Isenberg Conference 

The Women of Isenberg Conference offered professional development opportunities, leadership, and connection among students, alumni, and industry professionals. The program featured a keynote address, panel discussions, and workshops led by UMass Amherst alumni, along with dedicated networking opportunities. Centered on the themes of exploring passion and designing success, the event encouraged attendees to reflect on their goals at every career stage. The conference created a welcoming space for participants of all backgrounds to learn, share, and grow as inclusive leaders.