Student Work Spotlight!

🎓 Student Spotlight: Nick Brey
📚 Major: Gender Studies
📍 Internship Role: Intern Advocate at the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC)

Nick’s journey to becoming a Gender Studies major is as inspiring as the work he’s done. He shared, “I actually switched my major a few times before I was sold on Gender Studies. I remember taking Gender Studies 101 and having a member from CERTS conduct a bystander intervention training. After class, my professor, the amazing Janelle Hinchley, pulled me aside to discuss her appreciation for my answers. That conversation solidified my decision, and I’ve been so happy with that switch ever since!”

During his internship at CMSAC, Nick took on a variety of responsibilities, from managing the crisis line to creating social media content and attending community events. On covering the crisis line, Nick reflected, “These calls ranged from general questions to survivors processing their experiences and hospital calls where I advocated for victims in hospital settings. The work was taxing, but the CMSAC staff members were there for me every step of the way.”

Nick emphasized how his Gender Studies education was a perfect fit for his internship, especially in understanding intersectionality. “Intersectionality in all types of identities is very common in the work CMSAC does. We saw clients of all ages, races, genders, sexualities, abilities, etc. Studying intersectionality in the classroom helped me apply my knowledge to real-world situations while working with a spectrum of clients.”

As Nick looks to the future, he’s considering a master’s degree in either speech and language pathology or social work. Wherever he goes, his Gender Studies background will continue to shape his perspective.

To those considering Gender Studies, Nick has one piece of advice: “Do it!” He adds, “The education you get from this path is unlike any other. You can apply it to any job, field, or life lesson. Employers value people with a Gender Studies background because it enhances communication, builds awareness, and improves interpersonal skills in any setting.”

Internships and employment at the CMSAC.

Student Research Spotlight!

🎓 Student Spotlight: Iliana Martinez
📚 Major: Gender Studies, Pre Med
📍 Research Role: Student Researcher on Racial Covenants in Minnesota

Iliana Martinez has taken her passion for social justice and turned it into action through her role as a student researcher. Partnering with Matt Lindstrom, Iliana is delving into the history of racial covenants in Minnesota, working to create teaching modules and lessons for professors. Reflecting on her experience, Iliana shared, “Balancing school, work, and this research project has been difficult but exciting at the same time. I like to see how much I can challenge myself.”

Though Iliana is on the path to becoming a veterinarian, she chose to major in Gender Studies to broaden her perspective and diversify her college career. “Veterinary work is as much about interacting with people as it is about medical work. With Gender Studies, I hope to create a space that is inclusive and understanding of everyone. I know what microaggressions are and what workplace harassment looks like, so I will be able to stand up for myself and others.”

Iliana believes that Gender Studies is more than an academic discipline—it’s a way of thinking and living. “Gender Studies makes you a better person and changes how you interact with the world around you. Research, daily interactions, and staying aware of social issues are all skills I will carry into my career.”

Through her Gender Studies classes, Iliana has gained invaluable skills in research, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication. She noted, “It pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to look at yourself and grow. I’ve grown in my confidence, my ability to speak in large and small audiences, and my writing skills.”