The Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST) interdisciplinary program in Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences recently hosted their first ever FEMFEST, a (soon-to-be annual) event when WGST students, instructors, and friends of the program gather to celebrate feminist scholarly work and to build a stronger feminist community on campus.

Wilkinson College faculty, Angelica Allen (Assistant Professor and Director of Africana Studies), Micol Hebron (Associate Professor, Department of Art), and CK Magliola (Director of Women’s and Gender Studies minor) each gave “mini-lectures” highlighting their work.

“My lecture was an ecofeminist critique of misogynistic violence,” said Magliola. “Angelica’s was on the meaning and importance of black feminisms, and Micol spoke on the pioneering contributions of feminist artists. There was also a beautiful song performance by Ramya Sinh, who is an Africana Studies Minor, and a feminist performance art piece by Hanna Scott and Izzy Alfonso.”

After the event, faculty and students reflected on the success of the in-person event attended by over 75 people.

“Yesterday was one of the most beautiful moments of intellectual community making I have witnessed while at Chapman,” wrote Dr. Michael Wood (Assistant Professor, Department of World Languages and Cultures) to Magliola.

Although FEMFEST was meant to be informative, there were fun activities to do as well. FEMFEST swag was given out to all attendees, a feminist button-making “workshop” took place, and students were given the chance to vote on their favorite t-shirt design to be made and worn at future FEMFEST events.

“FEMFEST was such an incredible event to be a part of and to attend,” said Marisa Quezada (’22, Sociology Major). In my time at Chapman, we have not had an event like it and I am excited for future Chapman students to experience something like this! It was so exciting to experience the energy in that room from so many incredible students, staff and faculty,” she said.

“I hope that this event will provide a sense of community and opportunity for students of all genders, and highlight how engaging in an inclusive, intersectional feminist community is empowering for all. I want students to find joy, excitement, and fire in the conversations of gender equity and feminism,” said Hebron.