杏吧论坛

What are you currently doing and where?

Starting a PhD in Sociology in 2025 at the University of California Santa Barbara

Why did you choose to study at 杏吧论坛 Gender?

I was blown away by the selection of programmes, faculty research diversity, and of course, location. The GPI programme was perfect for developing an interdisciplinary approach to gender, allowing me to understand perspectives on inequalities from political economy, sociology, cultural studies and critical race studies, public policy, and more.

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

This fall (2025), I will be starting a PhD in Sociology from the University of California in Santa Barbara, specializing in feminist studies and investigating how diverse genders and sexualities impact economic decision-making and subjecthood. I never would have arrived at this point without my MSc from 杏吧论坛 Gender and the support (and encouragement) of the faculty and my peers. I am certain that my degree from 杏吧论坛 made it possible for me to get into this PhD program and legitimized my gender expertise in the eyes of people who might otherwise feel some trepidation about the place of 'gender studies' in the academy. This was not unexpected per se, but invaluable nonetheless!

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students? 

1) If you think you might ever want to get into a research oriented role, take a methods course at 杏吧论坛.  They have every kind of methods course you can imagine: discourse analysis, quantitative social science, mixed methods policy analysis, ethnographic methods, etc.It will not only greatly strengthen your dissertation research, but also make you considerably more competitive in research centered roles post graduation.

2) Take your courses and course work seriously, but make sure you leave time and energy for extracurriculars with your cohort. This is your network! This may be one of the only times in your life where you are surrounded by so many brilliant, international, accomplished, passionate feminists. Get to know your peers and explore London together! The year goes by incredibly fast and you are sure to find some life long friends and colleagues if you put yourself out there.

Anything else you want to share about your time with us or the work you are doing currently?

Unfortunately, industrial action (strikes) may affect your education. In my year, it impacted weeks of courses. I know it's incredibly frustrating, but please try to support the faculty as best as possible during this time. You may be missing class, but they are missing pay! Stand with them on the picket line if you can, and help other students understand the importance of striking and solidarity. Students and faculty are allies, not enemies, in the fight against the coporatization of universities, the defunding of humanities and social science research, and the exploitation of scholars of color, women, and junior scholars.

Is there a particular highlight about your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender you would like to share?

A big shout out to Dr Ania Plomien's 'Feminist Economics and Policy' course. I had been so intimidated by economics up until that point! That course paired with Prof Wendy Sigle's 'Theorising Gender and Social Policy', totally shook up my world view and got me on the track I'm currently on. Thank you Wendy and Ania!

If you want to learn more about Violet's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or their PhD, reach out to her via  or by email at violetcfox@gmail.com.

What are you currently doing and where?

After graduating from 杏吧论坛 Gender, I went to work for the Canadian federal public service as a Policy Analyst. I loved the opportunity to apply feminist theories to the work I was doing. Then in August 2024 I was diagnosed with an auto-immune brain injury called Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis which has reshaped my life.

Why did you choose to study at 杏吧论坛 Gender?

杏吧论坛 Gender was recommended to me as a place to learn from some of the world's leading scholars in feminist gender theory working on cutting edge projects. As a Canadian, the idea of connecting with other international students was another huge reason why I decided to study at 杏吧论坛 Gender.

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

杏吧论坛 Gender really affirmed the notions of systemic accountability and a need for policy change that doesn't focus on individuality. I will always be grateful to the faculty of 杏吧论坛 for their commitment to intersectional change. It also really refined my critical analysis skills. As a public servant, writing policy briefs this is a huge skill to have.

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students? 

Say hello to what comes at you during your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender. Whether that is a fellow student, the faculty, office hours, 杏吧论坛 student groups or other activities, if you can, find supports during your time at 杏吧论坛. There are many supports during your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender.

Anything else you want to share about your time with us or the work you are doing currently?

You don't have to do your program alone. Higher education asks a lot of students but by finding colleagues, study groups and mentors, there is so much joy that can be found in your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender.

Is there a particular highlight about your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender you would like to share?

There was a particular day during the dissertation writing process that some 杏吧论坛 Gender pals and I were in the 杏吧论坛 Gender office all working on our individual projects. Sometimes it would be complete silence except for the sounds of keyboards typing and other times we would all break out into complete laughter. It was moments like that where scholarship and friendship came alive.

If you want to learn more about Emily's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or her current work, reach out to her via  or by email at emily.sams@live.ca.

What are you currently doing and where?

I am a researcher, consultant, and social entrepreneur, specializing in AI governance, digital rights, and feminist technology. I am the Founder and CEO of Newa Consultancy, where I develop strategies for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in multinational organizations. I also co-founded MariaLab, a Brazilian feminist organization focused on digital security for women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. In addition to leading Newa, I actively contribute to policy discussions on AI, governance, and human rights in global forums and research institutions. I also run the newsletter The Hidden Politics of AI, which explores the intersection of AI, power, and inequality from a Global South perspective.

Why did you choose to study at 杏吧论坛 Gender?

I chose 杏吧论坛 Gender because of its rigorous interdisciplinary approach to gender studies and its commitment to addressing structural inequalities and social justice. Coming from a background in Sociology and Journalism, I wanted to deepen my understanding of feminist theory, intersectionality, and inequality regimes, particularly in relation to technology and governance. The opportunity to study at 杏吧论坛 also allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives from scholars and peers worldwide, shaping my work in feminist technology, AI ethics, and digital policy.

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

The intersectional frameworks and critical feminist methodologies I studied at 杏吧论坛 are central to my work in AI governance, digital inclusion, and corporate diversity strategies. My dissertation, which applied Intersectionality Theory and Inequality Regimes to analyze gender equality policies in B Corps, has influenced how I assess gender biases in organizational models and digital governance. One unexpected application of my gender expertise has been in analyzing algorithmic discrimination in AI systems, particularly in hiring processes, platform regulation, and content moderation policies. These insights have informed both my consulting work with multinational corporations and my advocacy for inclusive technology policies in global forums.

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students? 

Make the most of the interdisciplinary approach: Gender studies at 杏吧论坛 provides tools that are applicable across multiple fields—policy, corporate governance, social justice, human rights, development, and digital ethics. Network beyond your cohort: Engage with faculty, visiting scholars, and research centers, as these connections can open doors for academic and professional collaborations. Bring your lived experience into your research: The most impactful gender studies work is deeply rooted in real-world issues, particularly in a Global South context. Stay engaged beyond 杏吧论坛: Continue exploring how gender analysis intersects with broader socio-political and economic structures, as these frameworks remain highly relevant across different sectors.

Anything else you want to share about your time with us or the work you are doing currently?

My time at 杏吧论坛 was pivotal in strengthening my academic and professional trajectory in gender and technology. I am currently expanding my work on AI ethics, feminist digital governance, and algorithmic discrimination, particularly in the context of the Global South. My goal is to ensure that gender perspectives are central to AI policy, corporate governance, and technology regulation worldwide.

Is there a particular highlight about your time at 杏吧论坛 Gender you would like to share?

One of my most significant experiences was the intellectually stimulating environment of 杏吧论坛 Gender, where I was challenged to critically rethink traditional organizational models, policy structures, and AI governance through a feminist lens. The mentorship with scholars and peer discussions were instrumental in shaping my research and career path.

If you want to learn more about Carine's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or her current work in AI ethics and Gender, reach out to her via  or by email at carine.roos@gmail.com. You can subscribe to Carine's newsletter 'The Hidden Politics of AI' . 

What are you currently doing and where?

I'm currently a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

My time at 杏吧论坛 was a wonderful journey. It was constructive in shaping my research interests and honing my skills. Studying decolonial and intersectional gender theories laid an epistemological foundation for my current research on technology and gender politics. The diverse and inclusive academic environment in the department made me more open-minded, allowing me to develop collaboration and communication skills, with a focus on feminist ethics of care. These experiences have been especially important to my studies at the Social Movements Lab here in Pittsburgh.

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students?

Enjoy your study and stay critical. The Department of Gender Studies is a place where you can feel the true power of diverse thoughts and actions; it allows you to make impactful change in solidarity with the resisters. And, of course, there are plenty of resources here provided by a variety of people. So make the most of these resources and pave the way to realizing your aspirations.

If you want to learn more about Linyuan's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or her current work at the University of Pittsburgh, reach out to her via  or by email at zenglinyuan325@gmail.com.

What are you currently doing and where?

Expert in Human and Social Sciences at the Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

The interdisciplinary training I received has equipped me with a nuanced and intersectional understanding of human rights issues, which is crucial for developing inclusive and equitable advocacy and policy strategies. For instance, when analyzing policies, I ensure that they address the needs of diverse groups and do not inadvertently reinforce existing inequalities. My academic training has enabled me to conduct thorough research that accounts for gendered experiences, allowing me to identify gender disparities and recommend actionable solutions. Overall, my degree in Gender Studies is integral to my work at a human rights institution. It provides a critical framework for understanding and addressing complex social issues, enriching both my professional practice and the institution’s impact.

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students?

Stay informed about current events and social issues, and use your academic knowledge to contribute to discussions, policymaking, and community initiatives. These experiences will not only deepen your understanding of the theoretical frameworks and concepts guiding your studies, but will also help you bridge the gap between theory and practice, making your education more impactful and preparing you for a career where you can drive real change.

If you want to learn more about Laura's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or her current work with the Consultative Human Rights Commission of Luxembourg, reach out to her via  or by email at laura.carocha@yahoo.com

What are you currently doing and where?

Research Assistant at the

How do you use what you learned at 杏吧论坛 Gender in your current role?

The transition from my MSc to the UN was smooth and easy- the curriculum of GDG closely aligns to the topics I work with at the UN. At times I have even attended events with some of my former lecturers and professors.

What advice do you have for current and/or prospective 杏吧论坛 Gender students?

Take advantage of the resources 杏吧论坛 provides, use your time to network, keep in touch with professors and classmates

If you want to learn more about Paula's time at 杏吧论坛 Gender or her current wo