Women and Gender Equity Center (WGEC)
WGEC is a student-run, multi-service agency offering everyone an opportunity to explore and discover resources pertaining to women's lives. We proudly represent all who identify as women on this campus.
In an effort to actively support the campus with resources, the WGEC offers free reproductive and menstruation products including, but not limited to:
- Menstrual cups
- Tampons and pads
- Pregnancy tests
These items are available at the Women and Gender Equity office, 114 MBSC, or at events featuring The Big O campaign such as the moving reproductive and sexual health gazebo.
Annika Kuchar (she/her/hers) is a Co-Director of the WGEC. She is studying Biology/Pre-PA, with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Medical Humanities. Annika hopes to one day work as a PA in an OB/GYN setting and specializes in educating women on health topics. Annika is also passionate about sustainability and is currently working to get composting on campus for students to use. In her free time, she likes to cook vegan meals, rock climb, bike, and tend to her plants.
Courtney Kilroy (she/they) is a senior majoring in Political Science with minors in Journalism and Media Communications, Art History, and Nonprofit Management. She is also the Vice President of Creative Services of the UNO chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. They are passionate about healthcare reform, supporting and advocating for gender-expansive folks, reproductive freedom, and racial justice. In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, crocheting, reading fantasy novels, and spending time with her nieces.
Dianna Sledge (she/her/hers) is a sophomore at UNO majoring in IT Innovation. She joined WGEC to help bring awareness to support women on campus. She is passionate about creating a safe environment where people feel welcome and bettering the campus as a whole.
Franchesca Handlos (she/her/hers) is a Political Science major with a concentration in Foreign and National Security Affairs and a minor in Human Rights. In the future, she hopes to attend law school and continue working in the human rights field. Franchesca is particularly passionate about advocating for women's health care, victims and survivors of domestic violence, and immigrant families. When not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new walking trails, and reading.
Joey Gruber (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year pursuing a dual degree in IT Innovation and Communication Studies. Outside of the WGEC, Joey works as the Program Developer for the Office of Sustainability and is one of the co-founders of MavsForChange at UNO. She is very passionate about student-led change, accessibility, sustainability, mental health, and gender equity within STEM. Outside of her responsibilities, you can typically find Joey outside enjoying nature, tending to her many plant babies, at a local coffee shop, or searching for the best vegan chicken and waffles.
Liz Bender (she/her/hers) is pursuing double majors in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Spanish in addition to a minor in Political Science. She loves to volunteer at the Nebraska Humane Center as a dog walker, travel, and spend time with her cats. Liz is passionate about victim/survivor advocacy and services in addition to human trafficking education and prevention.
Miriam Marcus (she/her/hers) is majoring in Political Science and Sociology. She also has a minor in Human Rights. Miriam hopes to become a Human/Civil Rights and Immigration attorney. She also loves to read, but unfortunately doesn’t find much time to do that. She loves being outside too. Miriam finds that she is happiest when spending time in nature, taking walks, and reading outdoors
Sydney Baylor (she/her/hers) is majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental psychology. She is also minoring in Sociology. Her research interests involve infant and toddler development, along with the family as an impactful social institution. Sydney plans to become a Community Resource Specialist or Parent Coach for young or first-time parents. She enjoys spending time with her partner and their two-year-old, hiking, and going on road trips!
Sydney Meier (she/her/hers) is a Co-Director of the WGEC. She is pursuing a double degree in Mathematics and Women’s & Gender Studies with minors in Human Rights and Information Management Systems. Sydney is passionate about equality in the workplace, human trafficking, and sexual violence. In her free time, she enjoys game nights with friends, Marvel movies, and has a growing obsession for house plants.