Who We Are

The Women's Coalition is first and foremost a collaborative effort between an array of groups and organizations at DU that center the needs and goals of women in their mission and values. Through our partnerships we aim to foster an inclusive, safe and empowering environment at DU and beyond. From undergraduate and graduate student leaders to staff councils and affinity-based organizations, the Women's Coalition is made stronger by diversity and a broad range of perspectives.

Member Organizations

The Women's Coalition works directly with these groups to support the DU experience for women.

  • Women's Leadership Council (WLC)

    The Women’s Leadership Council includes members of the DU community serving on the Deans’ Council, in the Provost’s Office, and in executive roles at the University of Denver. This group seeks to use its unique influence to:

    • engage the campus and its leadership on strategic issues relating to women;
    • advocate for women’s opportunities and issues across campus; and,
    • build relationships on and off campus to foster mentorship and professional development for women at the University of Denver.

    For more information, contact WLC Co-Chairs: Stephanie O’Malley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and Community Affairs at Stephanie.Omalley@laibuying.com or Theresa Liguori Hernandez, Assistant Vice Chancellor of  IT Campus Partnerships, at Theresa.Hernandez@laibuying.com.

  • Women's Staff Alliance for Networking and Development (WAND)

    WAND is committed to helping staff women at the University of Denver achieve their highest potential as employees by means of advocacy, education, development, networking and leadership. WAND provides a safe forum for discussing concerns and ideas while supporting the mission of the university.

    WAND is a resource for advocacy, education, development and leadership.

    We distribute information regarding issues important to staff women, including workplace equity, caretaking, flextime, professional development and harassment.

    We focus on issues, projects and professional development for DU staff women. Examples include, but are not limited to:

    • effective mentoring (being a mentor and/or a mentee)
    • how to receive fair compensation and recognition for our work;
    • increasing effective communication at DU; and
    • creating avenues for professional development and leadership training for DU staff women.

    For more information, download our bylaws.

    Contacts

    Co-Chairs

    Katherine Haywood, Information Technology
    Katherine.Haywood@laibuying.com | 303-871-4158

    Noelle Strom, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
    Noelle.Strom@laibuying.com | 303-871-4009

    Women's Coalition Representatives

    Lillie Lamm, Office of University Advancement
    Lillie.Lamm@laibuying.com | 303-871-2597

    Web and Communications Coordinator

    Lisa Westendorf, Financial Aid
    lwestend@laibuying.com | 303-871-7892

  • Association of Sisters in Higher Education (ASHE)

    The mission of the ASHE is to support, empower, and mentor Black women at the University of Denver by honoring who we are through cultural fellowship, enrichment and an exchange of ideas. The group is not exclusive to black women; therefore we value and welcome all women faculty and staff at the University of Denver. However, the core focus of group discussions, activities and initiatives will be issues that are germane to black women.

    • ASHE will offer support to groups on campus that support and illuminate the experiences of Blacks and other people of color.
    • ASHE will galvanize the scholarship of Black women faculty, staff and graduate students through encouragement of collaborative research initiatives, awareness of scholarly conferences and grants, and financial support.
    • ASHE will engage in meaningful partnerships aimed at strengthening collaborations with the Denver black community.

    For more information, contact Yasmaine Ford at yford@laibuying.com or Natley Farris at Natley.Farris@laibuying.com.

  • Sistah Network

    Sistah Network is committed to helping Black women who are graduate students at the University of Denver contend with the pervasive challenges they face related to graduate student socialization and academic persistence. Examples of community development include two meetings per quarter, quarterly writing workshops, faculty and resource connections, and defense practices.

    Liaison: Anthea Johnson Rooen, Anthea.Johnson@laibuying.com

  • Hermanas Latinas

    Hermanas Latinas is committed to supporting faculty and graduate students who identify as Latina at the University of Denver.

    Liaisons: Lorena Gaibor, Lorena.Gaibor@laibuying.com, Deb Ortega, Debora.Ortega@laibuying.com and Maria Salazar, Maria.Salazar@laibuying.com

  • Women's Faculty Association

    The Women's Faculty Association is led by Nancy Saskai, Nancy.Sasaki@laibuying.com. 

  • STEM Women Faculty Association (SWFA)

    An organization focused on improving equity for women faculty in STEM. Contact Dr. Anna Sher for more information, anna.sher@laibuying.com. 

Affiliated Organizations

The Women's Coalition also regularly collaborates with other groups on campus that do not fall under our organizational umbrella.