What has the LWGRC meant to you? 

Anonymous

"When I entered Manhattan College, I was scared to talk to people and be seen in large crowds. The Lasallian Women and Gender Resource Center encouraged and helped me grow confidence and see the beauty in being unapologetically me. I was able to do two schoolwide talks through the Lasallian Women and Gender Resource Center and help students during times of crisis. Most importantly, the people at the center stood beside me and elevated my voice when I spoke up for what I am passionate about. As a low-income woman of color from the Bronx, I became accustomed to having my voice silenced, but I felt important at the center, as though not only did I matter, but people there genuinely cared and continue to look out for me, even as a graduate of Manhattan College. I will forever remember my time spent at the center and the beautiful relationships I am so honored to have made. This center changed this shy woman's life and I have no doubt that it will continue changing the lives of and elevating the voices of students at Manhattan College to ensure necessary changes are made."

Samantha Monfils, ’19

“The Lasallian Women and Gender Resource Center was an absolute saving grace for me during my last year at Manhattan. To know that there was a place on campus that had the students' best interest at heart was incredibly reassuring. It was a space of mutual respect and support, relevant and helpful centralized resources, and all around positive energy. The friendships I made through the center are ones I still cherish even after a year from graduating. Working for the center was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It allowed me to take a break from the academics, and to focus my energy towards work that I felt was imperative to the well-being of my fellow Jaspers.”

Carly Brownell, ’20

“The LWGRC is quite possibly the best thing that has happened to Manhattan College in my time there. The programming it created helped validate my own experiences of oppression, while also opening my eyes to the oppressions that so many other groups face. It taught me about the injustices of our world, how we can heal from them, and what true justice looks like. But it also taught me how to fight for this justice. The leaders of the LWGRC empowered me, guided me, and ultimately trusted me to create programming of my own to fight for students' rights. The center supports students through what they are going through in the moment, while also keeping the bigger picture in mind and fighting to hold the school accountable and make the campus a safe space for everyone. It is truly a special, meaningful, and powerful space.”

Topher Nuzzo, ’20

"The LWGRC has served as a home for the LGBTQ Student Group since its very beginnings. Prior, meetings were held in a space adorned with religious iconology, which was a painful reminder for some of our members who had previously been rejected from their own religious communities. The LWGRC, on the other hand, was always a welcoming and friendly space for all of our members, adorned with pride flags, student art, and welcoming messages. Personally, the center has allowed me a space to learn further about social justice issues and be at the forefront of actual policymaking, while also just having a relaxing space for me to decompress between classes. I've had engaging conversations and silly ones, official meetings, and hang out sessions. The LWGRC is such an important space to so many students, faculty, and staff, and there is no way I can thank them enough for the light the center has brought to the Manhattan College community."

Schuyler Alpaugh ’22

"It is hard to put into words what exactly the Lasallian Women and Gender Center has done for me over the past two years. Since the moment I walked into the Center as a second semester freshman, I haven’t stopped learning – learning about myself, others, the world around me… With words like “intersectional feminism,” “imposter syndrome,” “allyship”... I was finally given the language to empower and advocate for myself and others. The LWGRC gave me the tools and the support to become less apologetic for taking up space. As I slowly became more involved in the Center, I learned to stop holding myself back. The encouragement and opportunities presented to me by the Center made me realize that the only person that doubted that I was good enough, was me. Now I still have a long way to go, but the LWGRC has helped me understand that the kindness and forgiveness we are taught to show that others also applies to ourselves. I will always be thankful for the beautiful souls of the LWGRC who showed me the strength in kindness, and taught me how to be kind to myself."

Rabea Ali ’20

“The LWGRC is an intentional space of justice across the MC campus whether that is tackling systemic issues of inequity or providing space for students to grow as leaders. It is unique in that the majority of its programs are created by students, led by students, and for students with the opinion of many consulted in order to reach a broad audience. Perhaps because of that, it has given many students the agency and chance to grow on campus and take those skills learned further in their lives and careers. As the LWGRC grows and a new cohort of Jaspers is welcomed each year, I anticipate it adapting to the needs of and wants of students and growing with them continuing in its legacy of being a center FOR students needs first and foremost.”

Reilly Rebhahn ’19

“The LWGRC has made it possible for me to grow and find strength in my personal healing process. College has a lot of ups and downs, but knowing I could find a home in LWGRC spaces was the silver lining. I am a survivor, and was living a life with much shame and guilt before finding the LWGRC. With the massive support network LWGRC has to offer, I finally felt like I could overcome so many of the traumas I had been suppressing. I learned a lot about myself by acting to hold space in the Center for other survivors. Working with the LWGRC also allowed me to challenge and explore my whiteness, queerness, and what that really means in the role I play as a cisgender woman in The Bronx. Justice and Healing are at the forefront of the LWGRC’s mission, and I appreciate this space for guiding me in what it really means to live an anti-racist life. We are all worthy of healing, love, and respect. At the LWGRC, that Positive work comes to life. “

Caitlin Lambe ’23

“ The LWGRC has become a safe haven from all of the uncertainty, stress, and anxiety of college, as well as a place to heal. My involvement in the LWGRC and collaboration on a women’s health project has made me feel extremely proud to be part of a center dedicated to equality, acceptance, support, and respect. The dedication to making sure fellow Jaspers, as well as anyone who have experienced trauma/hurt are heard and supported is extremely important. I am dedicated to seeking justice for those whose voices have been silenced or those who have been under/misrepresented due to bigotry. Being a heavily student run program, it engages the MC community to work towards positive change for the students by the students and the world around us. My involvement with the center is motivated by the intention to institute positive change in the MC community, as well as, push back and have conversations on injustice, prejudice, or bigotry. Everyone is entitled to respect, healing, support, and genuine acceptance; the LWGRC protects that universal right” 

Sydney Waitt ’22

“As someone who’s been pretty involved on campus my past two and a half years, I’ve heard friends, peers, and professors rave about the LWGRC and the services, comfort, and education this space provides for so many. When I applied for an internship with the LWGRC, I had no idea how important this center would be to me. Everyday I have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make connections, not just as a Manhattan college student but as a person as well. There is no shortage of knowledge, understanding, and genuine care from the professors and staff. And I would argue, there is no center with better and funnier artwork than the LWGRC. We, as the Manhattan College community, are so lucky to have a collection of professors and students that are so dedicated to protecting and advocating or the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, reproductive rights and health, and so much more. It’s not just about feeling respected and welcomed within this space, it’s about feeling heard and supported. I’m so grateful to be involved with the LWGRC and I would advise anyone who has the opportunity to be apart of this to take it.