Feminist Social Justice Leadership LLC
Snapshot
In partnership with the Department of Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies as well as the Women's Center, the Feminist Social Justice Leadership LLC is comprised of students who participate in structured learning experiences. Members of this residential community take two Cardinal Core classes together in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and attend different workshops, lectures and activities hosted by WGST faculty and Women’s Center staff throughout the year. Programming focuses on issues related to gender equity, social justice, feminism, and improving the status of women and LGBTQI+ individuals of all races, ethnicities, abilities and class backgrounds. The Feminist Social Justice Leadership community provides support in areas including academic engagement, mentor support, peer connection, and student involvement. In addition, the LLC assists students in developing relationships with faculty, staff, students and members of the local community who are involved in research, work and activism concerned with gender and sexual equity.
Location: Belknap Village North - FYF and Bettie Johnson - UL
Advisors: Jamieca Jones and Dr. Jabani Bennett
Highlights
- Opportunities to connect with the staff of the Women’s Center and faculty in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
- Informal gatherings to learn about services and campus resources
- Programming designed to meet the needs and concerns of students who are interested in gender equity, social justice, feminism, and the well-being and advancement of women and LGBTQI+ people of all races, ethnicities, abilities and class backgrounds
- Opportunities for peer networking, and connecting with faculty and staff and local partners
- Access to membership and leadership training opportunities through the Women’s Center Student Groups.
Who can apply?
- This community is open to all first-year students of any year, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith, race, ethnicity, or ability.
- Because gender inequality exists throughout society, in every discipline and professional pursuit, as well as across cultures, participants from any major are welcome. You do not have to be pursuing a degree in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality or be a member of a Women’s Center student group to live in this community, but participants will have the opportunity to attend department events and learn more about the WGSS discipline and degrees it offers and engage with the UofL Women’s Center.
- All that is required is an interest in gender equity and social justice and a willingness to enroll in the required course and participate in programming and service opportunities.
Required Courses
Fall Semester:
WGST 204-01, Digital Feminism (Cardinal Core- SBD2) Explores how digital and online spaces get shaped by categories like sex, race, gender, class, and nation.
Spring Semester:
WGST 201-07, Women in American Culture (Cardinal Core- AHD1) Examination of women's experiences in 19th- and 20th-century America, focusing on issues pertaining to family, religion, economy, politics, law, race, and class.
Meet Your Advisors!
Dr. Jabani Bennett (She / They), Director of the Women’s Center
You can meet with me in the Cultural & Equity Center or on Teams!
As a graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in leadership studies, I aim to co-create affirming spaces for students, faculty and staff invested social justice through intentional community building efforts, on and off campus. I am the first Black and openly queer director of the UofL Women’s Center. Before joining the center, I shaped and provided oversight for numerous creative and inclusive community engagement programs for learners across their lifespans. My career as an award-winning arts educator in New York City and Louisville public schools informs current projects in gender equity, cultural equity planning and empowerment for self-identified femmes and feminine-presenting women through arts and culture.
I am also an artist-mother and certified yoga instructor; I strive to cultivate radical joy as a liberatory practice for collective work. We welcome your participation and unique ideas in our on-going efforts to represent, recruit and retain the amazing talents in our community!
5 Things to Know About Me!
- I was raised in the West End of Louisville – a culturally vibrant and historic part of our city.
- I am an interdisciplinary artist.
- I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, Panama, and New York City.
- I love love love to sing and perform dances from the African diaspora.
- I deeply enjoy connecting with our students & diverse community members through co-designing public spaces of belonging.
Jamieca Jones MSSW, M.A. (She/Her), Women’s Center Program Coordinator
You can meet with me in the Cultural & Equity Center or on Teams!
I received both my Master of Science in Social Work and Master of Art in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies (2023) and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology and a minor in Women and Gender Studies (2013) from the University of Louisville. I’ve been with the Women’s Center since 2014 which “helped me find that power within myself and I want others on campus to have that experience as well.” I serve as Advisor to the Association of University Women (AAUW) at UofL,UNA-Women at UofL,Women 4 Women Student Board and the Feminist Social Justice Leadership LLC. I am connected to my community through several organizations as it takes community within social justice work for real change to happen.
5 Things to Know About Me!
- I'm a foodie & love to travel! Dream trips to Japan and Italy to meet family.
- Halloween is my favorite holiday. Expect to see me dress up every year! My favorite costume was a Period Fairy with menstrual pad wings.
- I'm a double UofL alumna and fan. Go Cards!
- I love K-Pop and K-Dramas! You may hear BTS (Army!) or Seventeen (Carats!) playing in my office if you stop by.
- I’m the oldest between my sister and I by 5 years (also a UofL grad) but people always think I’m the youngest since I’m only 4 10.5”.
