12th annual Gender Conference. Photo by Monica Papworth.
The conference starts with an interactive photography exhibit Subject 2 Change inviting audience to test their conception on race watching “racially ambiguous female body.” The exhibit is part of the opening presentation of the keynote speaker Crystal Leigh Endsley, visiting assistant professor in Africana Studies at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, where she also serves as director of the Institute for Global Africana Studies.
“Her presentation is on how we perceive who we are by ethnicity and gender, as well as how others perceptions influence who we think we are. The second speaker is the luncheon speaker who will address a similar topic but from the perspective of Latin American women,” said Dr. Marilyn Chamberlin, the direct or Women’s Studies at WCU.
The luncheon speaker, Karen Arias, is an Outreach and Training Coordinator for the 30th Judicial District Domestic Violence-Sexual Assault Alliance, and a bilingual victim advocate.
“Karen Arias will address the diversity of women in the Latin American culture and how that contributes to their status in society,” explained Chamberlin.
The conference is presented by WCU’s Women’s Studies Minor, the College of Education and Allied Professions Diversity Committee and the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.
