Page 22 - Human Rights Program 2025 Annual Report

21
GENDER JUSTICE ADVOCATES SHARE
JOURNEYS AND LESSONS WITH STUDENTS
In October 2024, HRP co-hosted “Professional Pathways for Pursuing Gender Justice.” Students
learned from Jess Braverman, the legal director of Gender Justice; Cheryl Thomas, the director of
Global Rights for Women; and Comfort Dondo, the founder of Phumulani, who could not attend
in person but sent inspirational remarks. Two students moderated the discussion - Meagan
McIntyre, J.D. candidate at UMN Law School and legal intern at Gender Justice, and HRP’s own
Isabella Minahan (Global Studies and Spanish, CLA ‘25), the Arvonne Fraser Fellow with Global
Rights for Women.
Panelists shared their career and
educational journeys, experiences with
gender justice advocacy, and powerful
advice on balancing giving with self-care.
After the panel, students attended a
networking hour with organizations active
in the field of human rights and gender
justice. Through lively conversation,
students learned more about
opportunities at local organizations and
ways to engage in gender justice work.
Panelists and moderators, L to R: Cheryl Thomas, Meagan
McIntyre, Jess Braverman, and Isabella Minahan
Students were integral to the success of this event, from
its conceptualization to organizing and applying for
grant funding, to moderating the panel discussion. The
event showed the leadership of students and how they
power our programming and community partnerships.
Professional Pathways for Pursuing Gender Justice
was a collaboration between the Human Rights
Program; the Human Rights Center, University of
Minnesota Law School; and Global Rights for Women, a
Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization. The event
was cosponsored by the Center on Women, Gender, and
Public Policy, and was the recipient of a Women’s
Center Gender Equity Grant.
Students attended a networking hour with
local organizations active in the field.