Each year, the National Women’s Studies Association holds a conference to showcase recent feminist scholarship. This year, two students and one professor from Winona State University have been accepted to present at the conference.
Seniors Erika Staub and Becky Ek will present a poster at the conference which takes place June 19 through June 22 in Cincinnati, Ohio. April Herndon, an assistant professor in English and women’s studies was also accepted to the conference.
The poster Staub and Ek are presenting is called “Starting and Maintaining Successful Feminist Clubs on a Small Conservative Campus.”
According to Ek, Winona State isn’t the “stereotypical conservative campus,” but some of the obstacles they faced in forming their clubs have been conservative in nature. She said they hope to help feminist groups in other conservative communities.
“We hope to share our experiences with others so they can take ideas back to their communities and apply it to their activist work,” Ek said. “Our poster will benefit most people looking to expand their grassroots activist work, particularly in a conservative environment or on most college campuses.”
Staub said they are excited to be a part of the conference, especially as undergraduates.
“As undergrads it’s an honor to be able to be accepted,” Staub said. “People are going with their PhDs and we get to go and we haven’t even graduated with our four year yet.”
She added they are also looking forward to networking with people who are interested in the same things as them.
“It’s going to be so exciting to be in this great big conference with a bunch of like-minded people and like-minded people on such important issues,” Staub said.
Since hearing of their acceptance on Feb. 8, Staub and Ek have been raising money for the conference. They held a bake sale and are planning to have a craft sale for April 21 and 22.

Contact Courtney zt CLZinter8738@winona.edu