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:

photo of Ann Brake

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

head shot of Nicki Meier

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

Mary Ann Cain, Secretary Professor Emeritus, Purdue Fort Wayne

head shot of Greg Smith

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

head shot of Maria Hogle

Maria Hogle Center for Nonviolence; Women’s Studies alum

photo of Janet Badia

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

head shot of Linda Fox

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

Olivia Schowe Women’s Studies Alum; Current IU-Indy Master of Public Affairs student

Thank you to those who served on the Board in the past:

Dr. Suzanne LaVere

head shot of Elana Merritt

Elana Merritt

head shot of Amanda Neumann

Amanda Neumann

photo of Monica Young

Monica Young

head shot of Judith Hollander

Judith Hollander

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