DENISON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Kristen Ago is a student from Lynn, MA who is studying Psychology and Education at Denison University. Ago decided to enroll in Native Women’s Activism to work collaboratively with passionate individuals in an effort to deepen her understanding of Native issues through the unfolding truth of oral history and activism.
Gabriella Caldwell is from Columbus, Ohio and is a Black Studies and Communications double major at Denison University. Caldwell decided to enroll in Native Women’s Activism in hopes to apply the theories she has learned throughout her majors and use them in a helpful and productive way.
Craig O. Freeland Jr. is from Lanham, Maryland and is double majoring in Environmental Studies and Educational Studies with a minor in Art History & Visual Culture. Freeland decided to enroll in Native Women’s Activism because he wanted to broaden his idea of what activism is and to better understand the historical context of activism in the Americas since the start of colonization.
Joselin Guerra is from Trenton, New Jersey and she is studying Mathematics and Education at Denison University. Guerra decided to enroll in the Native Women’s Activism course because she wanted to part of a non-Eurocentric learning environment. Guerra was also curious to learn more about Native American issues and history through the practice of activism.
Dorian Lacey Garita is a student from Columbus, Ohio and is studying Spanish and Education at Denison University. Lacey Garita enrolled in the Native Women’s Activism course, because she wanted to learn more about activism and community organization.
Amirah Loury is from Chicago, Illinois and studying Black Studies and Chemistry at Denison University. Loury wanted to broaden her knowledge of activism and the issues that affect oppressed folks. She seeks a larger understanding of coalition-building and collective activism in the fight for liberation.
Angela Martinez is from Providence, Rhode Island and studies Biology and Education at Denison University. Martinez decided to enroll in the Native Women’s Activism course to seek an understanding of the history and tribulations of indigenous people and gain insight on what activism is and the many forms it takes.
Jenna Mayzouni who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota is studying International Studies and English at Denison University. Mayzouni decided to enroll in the Native Women’s Activism course, because she identifies as Palestinian American. One of the most affirming experiences of her life was when Madonna Thunder Hawk told her, “We get it, it’s about the land”. Mayzouni greatly admires Native Women’s activism and its effectiveness at Standing Rock.
Haley Nickert is from Kalamazoo, Michigan and studies Women’s and Gender Studies and International Studies at Denison University. Nickert decided to enroll in Native Women’s Activism because she decided that she wanted to learn more about the American Indian movement since the majority her previous studies was centered around white feminism.
Vanessa Ocampo is from Chicago, Illinois and is studying Education at Denison University. She was interested in taking the Native Women’s Activism class because she wished to learn about how to advocate for the hidden Indigenous history. Throughout the semester, she developed a passion to reconnect with her roots and gain a voice.
Crystal Reyes is from Dumont, NJ and she is currently double majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies and Black Studies. Reyes enrolled in Native Women’s Activism because she was interested in understanding the connection between culture and activism, and specifically the ways that they work together to catalyze change.
DENISON PROFESSOR
Dr. Elizabeth Castle is a visiting assistant professor at Denison University. Castle recently finished a PBS documentary about women activists for indigenous rights. Titled “Warrior Women,” the film is about activists who are blocking an oil pipeline in North Dakota.
The Water Protectors Community 