Interview with Female Leader: SCSU President Robbyn Wacker

Tonight we posted on Facebook that we interviewed SCSU President Robbyn Wacker about being a female leader and her story about gender equality. Please enjoy the recording of our interview!

Once a Husky, Always a Husky!

Today I shared on Facebook that last week our group held a men’s panel where we asked men to share their stories about being a man and what their thoughts and experiences were in regard to women’s equality. It was a successful panel that left me with hope for the future of imagining a world where women are valued. Early in the conversation my son, Teddy, shared that he also attended St. Cloud State as an undergrad for two years as he was wearing a SCSU sweatshirt. Earlier that day I was in a meeting with faculty and administrators and Provost Dan Gregory made a remark that stuck with me “Once a Husky, always a Husky.” I quoted the Provost in the recording, and after the panel I thought about sharing the blog with him. It was a minute and half into the recording so I thought some day when he had a moment he would check it out.

Much to my surprise he watched the entire recording that day and responded back. I would like to share Provost Dan Gregory’s remarks (with his permission) and his story about Women’s Equality:

“Once a Husky always a Husky! Polly, thank you for everything you do for SCSU and our students. I really appreciate you sharing this with me and appreciate the conversation. I have a couple of observations: 1) you must be so proud of your son. He is clearly a great thinker and person, 2) It is an interesting conversation and I really liked how the panel explored the space in real time, 3) as the husband of a very successful professional, I really appreciate the discussion and approach, 4) Ph. D.’s and hair?  Never thought about that connection.  5) One of the most powerful statements on women stereotypes for me was the video of asking people to throw a ball like a girl. I say this because it demonstrates how deep these stereotypes run in our culture. I tear up every time I see those little ones go!  6) my female role models are my mother, wife, daughter and one of my Ph. D. advisors. Now, of course, President Wacker (who is more amazing than most people realize).   

I am going to share this with my son as I think he will appreciate it.”

Thank you to the men who contribute to realizing the #Dear Daughter vision of gender equality that leads to gender equity and gender neutrality. 

Girl’s Panel 11/21/20

This evening we shared on Facebook that we held a girl’s panel. The girl’s shared their stories with us. They give us hope for the future of women and gender equality. The girls reference TikTok, where we also post information about gender equality.

Interview with Female Leader, Faculty Association President Frances Kayona

Today we posted on Facebook that we interviewed Frances Kayona, Faculty Association President at St. Cloud State University to share her story about being a woman in a leadership position. Please enjoy our video!

Feminism

When you hear the word feminism? What do you image? What do you think? Do you imagine a butch woman with a buzz cut, wearing a flannel, combat boots, and cargo short? Do you think that all feminist are man haters? Yelling at men “We do not need you” as they stomp on him and steal his job. What you just imagine, and thought is wrong. Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes. Basically, we want to be equal to men and be treated as a human being. This mean we want to get pay the same as men. What does a feminist look like? A feminist could look feminine, masculine, flamboyant, androgyny, and more. Also, too a feminist could look like me or you. It is sad when people think feminist, they think angry Butch women. I am just trying to get the same opportunities as man would. Sometimes I like wearing pants or a dress. It also breaks my small little heart when I hear woman say they are not feminist because people give it bad name.

Lets review, a feminist is a person who wants woman to have the same opportunities as men do. A feminist is not a manhater with a flannel shirt on. A feminist is you.

Imgur. “I Need Feminism Because…” Imgur, imgur.com/gallery/3Ifns.