Our Board is made up of a group of passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds. From community advocates to local professionals to university professors and graduates of the Women’s Studies Program itself, the Board welcomes a vast array of perspectives.
If you’d like to lean more about joining the board, please don’t hesitate to email us for more information. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at any time.
2025 Board of Directors:

Ann Brake, President Investigator at Fort Wayne Metro; Women’s Studies alum

Nicki Meier, Vice President Community Organizer & Advocate, Center for Nonviolence; Women’s Studies alum

Mary Ann Cain, Secretary Professor Emeritus, Purdue Fort Wayne

Gregory Smith, Treasurer CPA, Instructor of Accounting, University of Saint Francis

Maria Hogle Center for Nonviolence; Women’s Studies alum

Dr. Janet Badia Dean, College of Liberal Arts at PFW; Former Director of Women’s Studies (2009-2021)

Dr. Linda Fox Director of Women’s Studies (Retired), IPFW Women’s Studies Program

Dr. Wei (Kitty) Luo Associate Professor of Communication, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Katie Pruitt Former Women’s Studies Instructor; Women’s Studies Alum
Thank you to those who served on the Board in the past:

Dr. Suzanne LaVere

Elana Merritt

Amanda Neumann

Monica Young

Judith Hollander
Additional past board members include: Carol Butler, Tom Butler, Jennifer Merriman, Nancy Virtue