About Us
Our Mission and Focus
The Georgetown University Women’s Alliance (GWA) is an employee-led, volunteer organization dedicated to expanding opportunities and visibility for women and those with marginalized gender identities at Georgetown University. Our community welcomes all current affiliates to join us in fostering connections, developing leaders, & promoting gender equity so all can Learn, Grow, & Thrive.
- Leadership Development
- Gender Issues Advocacy
- Community Grants
- Cross-ERG Support
- Community Building
- Service
Who We Are Today
GWA is made up of staff, faculty, and student employee members from all corners of campus, across the gender spectrum who share an interest in professional development, gendered issues, and building a sense of camaraderie at Georgetown. GWA is led by our Steering Committee, which is made up of current Georgetown University staff members of all levels who serve as Chair(s) of their respective committees, as well as our participating student fellows. This team provides leadership, supports, guidance, and ongoing integration of the GWA mission into each of our committees and their initiatives.
Where We Started
The idea of GWA was born in 2015 by four women in senior leadership roles who wanted to build an internal-to-Georgetown community dedicated to professional training and camaraderie. The initiative was bolstered by former President Jack DiGioia’s 2016 trip to the United Nations to represent Georgetown University as the first higher education institution to become a University Impact Champion. Organizations were called upon by the UN’s HeForShe campaign to make meaningful commitments to expanding opportunities for women. This resulted in the HoyasForShe project with three core commitments, one of which established robust support for the Georgetown Women’s Alliance.
Commitment: Use the Georgetown Women’s Alliance to create a culture where women thrive. The alliance is a university-wide platform that serves to collect, disseminate, and work to implement innovative research on women in leadership; share best practices to develop a supportive environment for all community members; and host events that provide inclusive opportunities for open dialogue.
HeForShe was founded by Elizabeth Nyamayaro and Emma Watson, in partnership with the UN to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls. The involvement of men in our community as allies and partners in this effort is core to our mission.
“I’m inviting you to step forward. I invite you to step forward, to be seen and to ask yourself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” – Emma Watson
Contact Us
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter! Please visit the “Join” page of our website for information on how to become a member.
*Please refrain from emailing any other emails associated with GWA for general inquiries.