Melissa Murray (she/her) serves as the Director of the Women and Gender Equity Center. It is her job to develop and uphold the WAGE Center’s purpose and vision. She works collaboratively with colleagues across UVM to ensure we’re meeting the needs of all students while advancing gender equity. 

Melissa has an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies with a minor in Black Studies and a graduate degree in Social Work, both from the Ohio State University. Most of Melissa’s professional work and activism has centered around helping people find their people. Melissa believes in the power of community, connection, and joy.

Email: melissa.murray@uvm.edu
Phone:  (802) 656-2925

Michele Guyette (she/her) serves as the Coordinator of Community Engagement for the Women and Gender Equity Center. In this role, she is responsible for leading promotional and outreach efforts to represent the work of the WAGE Center. Michele also assists and participates in any relevant campus and community efforts to represent the Center; the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and the University of Vermont.

Michele earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Community and International Development at the University of Vermont. As a BIPOC, First Generation, UVM alumni, and a graduate student herself, she is highly interested in diversity, social justice, and educational access for all. She creates a collaborative atmosphere that is inclusive of students, faculty, staff, and all members of our community.

Born and raised in Brazil, Michele speaks Portuguese, English, and has a good understanding of Spanish. She is very outgoing and enjoys connecting, listening, and helping people.

Email: michele.guyette@uvm.edu
Phone: (802) 656-7892

Evan Cuttitta (he/him/his) is the Coordinator of Men & Masculinities Programs at the Women and Gender Equity Center. Evan graduated from UVM in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and minors in Food Systems and Community & International Development. Since graduation, Evan served NYC students and educators within public schools, government agencies, and nonprofits ultimately with the common mission to improve the access, retention, and inclusion of marginalized youth seeking post-secondary education. Prior to his current role, Evan served as the Lead Post-Secondary Counselor for Catholic Charities Community Services, coordinating workforce preparation services and internship programs for hundreds of low-income NYC high school students to advance their post-secondary pathways.

Evan joins our team at the WAGE Center because he deeply believes that students’ identities, perspectives, and lived experiences represent strengths which can contribute to a more just society when they receive equitable and just education. At WAGE, Evan will develop direct and indirect services for male and masculine-identifying students that promotes healthy masculinity, fosters a sense of belonging, and strengthens their persistence through college.

When he is not in the office, you can almost always find him outside. Evan is an avid fly fisherman, hiker, birder, and always searches for a new café to satisfy his caffeine addiction.

Email: Evan.Cuttitta@uvm.edu 
Phone: (802) 656-7892

Aurora Hurd (they/them) has been working in Vermont high education since 2018 and started with the WAGE Center in July 2024. Aurora earned their AA in liberal studies at the Community College of Vermont, before going on to earn their BA in political science from UVM, and their MFA in creative writing from Goddard College. In addition to their work at UVM, they serve as a City Councilor for Winooski, teach at CCV, and support other writers. They live in Winooski with their spouse, brother, and three cats.

Email: Aurora.Hurd@uvm.edu
Phone: (802) 656-7892

Kay Franks (they/them) is the Office Manager for the Women & Gender Equity Center. In this role, they offer administrative support for programming and events, regardless of the scale. They received their B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Creative Writing from Hamilton College, so they should be used to the cold, Canada-adjacent winters by now. Alas.

Email: mmfranks@uvm.edu
Phone: (802) 656-7892