Lydia Weiss, Educational Program Coordinator II in the Women’s Resource Center.
How long have you been at MSU? Have you held other positions prior to your current one at the University?
I was hired as the Educational Program Coordinator at the MSU Women’s Resource Center in February 2013, so I’ve been here for a little over one year.
Can you tell me a little about what you do? Any specific projects you are working on?
The nutshell version of my responsibilities at the WRC is that I create and implement the majority of our educational programs, workshops, conferences and other initiatives. What that really means is that I do a little bit of everything! My focus is to provide educational, life-changing opportunities for the campus community around issues of gender equality and social justice. I also advise three student groups to help support them in their activism, outreach and leadership – Women’s Council, Take Back the Night Planning Committee and Women’s Initiative for Leadership Development (WILD). I am continuously amazed by what these students accomplish and the passion they bring to the work they do.
One of my major projects has been to create and develop the Women’s Networking Association. When I started in this position, my first task was to read the Status of Women Report conducted in 2006. As I read the report, I noticed a trend: women wanted more mentoring and networking opportunities on campus. Thus, the Women’s Networking Association (WNA) was born. WNA is an organization for professional women on campus to gain skills in negotiation, networking and professional development. In our first year, we’ve already drawn approximately 80 women from across campus. It’s incredible to see the way a network of supportive women has changed participants’ perspectives and confidence in their workplace. (To join WNA, email me at [email protected] and I’d be happy to add you to our e-mail list).
Additionally, I coordinate many other programs through the WRC and build collaborations across campus departments. I also assist with day-to-day operations of the Center and manage our social media sites. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to educate people about gender based concerns and provide trainings and resources for everyone, regardless of their gender identity/expression.
What brought you to your job at MSU?
This job is actually a “homecoming†for me. I received my Bachelors in Sociology from Michigan State and while I was an undergraduate student, I was a department aide at the WRC. After I graduated, I spent a couple of years in Philadelphia, PA and then received my Masters in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies from the University of Cincinnati. In the second year of my Masters work, I was notified that this position was open and I jumped on the opportunity. I have always been passionate about gender equality and educating others about these issues, so this is truly my dream job!
What do you love about working at MSU?
Working at MSU has been an amazing experience. It is a rare gift to become a staff member at one’s alma mater, so I am very grateful. I love the diversity of opportunities that lie within the borders of campus and the outreach that is done in the community. I also appreciate all of our campus partners – working collaboratively across units is of particular importance to me and the work I do every day.
Can you share a little about the challenges of working at MSU?
The size. MSU is huge, both physically and our “population,†therefore, it is difficult to reach every corner of campus. Our office serves the needs of students, faculty and staff, so we definitely have our work cut out for us, but I am proud that despite the challenges with the breadth of our campus community, that our office is widely known and respected for our great work and support of gender equality.
What are your favorite things to do when not at work?
When I am not at work, I sing in Sistrum Lansing Women’s Chorus. Sistrum is an amazing community of women identified individuals that has given me so much support and love! If you’ve never seen Sistrum in concert, I would highly recommend doing so this year. Otherwise, I enjoy reading and working on my new home I recently bought with my sweetheart, Kyle. I am also in training as an Area Representative and serve on the Membership Committee for APA.