Spotlight on our majors

Hi, I'm Susy Hemphill, a senior women's studies and economics major from Des Moines, Iowa.   

As a Women's Studies major, I have had the opportunity to complete a practicum at the Women's Resource and Action Center and at the Emma Goldman Clinic.  At the clinic, I worked directly with the executive director to influence legislative decisions across the state.  When the practicum was over, I accepted a grant position with Project Pharmacy (a coalition of women's health care advocates) as the Project Organizer.  I coordinated volunteers to survey Iowa pharmacies, assessing the availability of emergency contraception as well as pharmacists' views and basic knowledge about emergency contraception.  I am now continuing my involvement with the clinic by serving on the board of directors and learning about the structure of a nonprofit organization.
 
I've enjoyed the Women's Studies coursework because of its emphasis on writing and critical thinking skills.  My background in economics and women's studies has taught me to think critically about social inequities caused by divisions of gender, race, and class.  Next year, I'll be starting a master's program in urban and regional planning, which will provide me with the tools to actively address these concerns via housing policy and development planning.