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

Rachael Sweeney (she/her) is the Coordinator of Programs and Leadership Development at the Women and Gender Equity Center. In this role she organizes and coordinates programming and events that uphold WAGE’s vision and mission, supports students in developing leadership skills through the lens of programming, and coordinates and facilitates the recruitment, selection, on-boarding, and management of student employees and interns at WAGE. Rachael joined WAGE in July 2023 and previously worked as a Special Educator, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator, and Social Studies teacher.

Rachael received a B.S. in Education and B.A. in History from Norwich University and is in her final year of a master’s, M.A. E.d. in Special Education program. She has a background working with young adults through a trauma-informed lens, supporting students who experience mental health challenges, and facilitating restorative and difficult conversations to promote meaningful connections.

Rachael is passionate about collaborating to create empowering, equitable, inclusive communities that foster curiosity and growth, and is excited to build on this work at WAGE.

Email: rachael.sweeney@uvm.edu
Phone: 802-656-7892

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

Erin Adams (they/them) is the Graduate Assistant for the Woman & Gender Equity Center. In this role, they organize and coordinate the center's end of the year banquet, MARCH! A Celebration of Leaders in Gender Equity, manage the food pantry, and assist with marketing, outreach, and event support. Erin received their B.A. in Critical Race & Ethnic Studies and English from UVM in Spring 2022 and is now working towards their M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs.

Email: emadams@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