Alumni Adventures serves as a means for graduates to stay connected with the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department and to network with other alumni. We'll post profiles of graduates and links to relevant blogs.

Please add to our profiles by emailing [email protected]. Tell us what you're up to, how you're using your GVSU education, and include a recent photo.

If you are interested in connecting with other alumni, consider joining GVSU Feminist Connection on Facebook.

Terria L. Crank is a native of the westside of Detroit, MI, and has a Bachelor of Science in Women & Gender studies with a minor in African American studies and a Masters in Higher Education.  She is currently working on her Master of Divinity at Candler School of Theology at Emory University where her focus of study is the advancement and engagement of Black LGBTQ+ Folk in the church. Terria works at Michigan State University as the Student Engagement Coordinator for the Detroit M.A.D.E Scholars Program. In addition to working at a Big Ten University, she recently turned her passion project into a new business called “TeeCrankSpeaks”.  Terria uses her student affairs background and personal experience as a first-generation college graduate to help students navigate all facets as they transition from high school into college as well as supporting current college students with personal, academic and professional development through her services of professional speaking, facilitation, and educational consulting. She is passionate about helping students turn their big picture goals into tangible outcomes and reality. Outside of her work and school, she enjoys traveling with her wife, Kambriana, and spending time with their furry best friend, MoMo.

Terria L. Crank '16 & '20

Margie Muñoz is a clinical mental health counselor in Grand Rapids specializing in complex trauma in teens and adults. Margie was born in Colombia and grew up in Mexico and Germany before moving to the US in high school. As a third-culture kid and Latina immigrant, Margie is interested in contributing to spaces that support others in existing as their whole, nuanced, selves. Margie graduated from GVSU with a BA in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Communication Studies.

Margie Muñoz '15

Ricardo Benavidez is based at Ktisis Capital where he serves as a strategist, advisor, and project manager for a diverse mix of individuals and foundations and manages the Ktisis Capital communications portfolio. He also serves as strategist and communications director for the West Michigan Progress PAC and is on the adjunct faculty at Grand Valley State University, teaching courses on belonging and inclusive & visionary leadership. Ricardo’s public service work keeps him tied to his West Michigan roots. He currently serves as a Co-chair of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s LGBTQ Fund, was appointed by the mayor as Vice- Chair of the City of Grand Rapids’ Community Relations Commission, is the President of the board of directors at Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, and Chairs the Student Senate team of the GVSU Alumni Champions program. For all his hard work, Ricardo was awarded the GVSU Young Alumni Award in 2022.

Ricardo Benavidez '14 & '19 

"I’ve just started a graduate program at Northeastern University in Boston, MA in College Student Development & Counseling (Master of Science). Because of my background knowledge and volunteer work with the GVSU LGBT center, I’ve had the opportunity to launch the first LGBT History month celebration at the school I’m currently working at (MCPHS University). They had no LGBT programming on campus and faculty and staff weren’t knowledgeable on LGBT issues. My gender studies degree allowed me to program for the students (and faculty/staff) throughout the month of October on LGBT history, culture, and the lived experiences of LGBT students on campus. There really isn’t enough I can say about how much my Women & Gender Studies degree has prepared me for working in a college/university setting, and how I was prepared to enter graduate school and offer my perspectives in the classroom."

Meagan Hart '12

"I presented the research (at the International Conference for Healthcare and Medical Students, 2012) that I had completed for the WGS Research Methods and Capstone. I took 2nd place overall for my oral presentation! I thought all of you would like to see the work of WGS grads gaining recognition globally. A big thank you to the GVSU WGS program for your support!"

Kate Butler '12

"I'm a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a B.S. in Women & Gender Studies and Political Science, and a minor in philosophy. I'm a musician, dancer, feminist, activist thinker who believes that all truths lie in the spaces in between. I'll be leaving in March 2012 to begin service with the U.S. Peace Corps in Morocco as a Youth Development Volunteer." 

Kirsten Zeiter '11 -- Follow Kirsten and her adventures.

"Working for an organization in Washington, DC that works to reform educator-preparation policies, I routinely try to examine each project and program through a feminist perspective and determine what implications it may have on children in classrooms. I hope to soon be developing a partnership with another organization so that teachers can be properly trained on bullying prevention measures to ensure all students have a safe and comfortable learning environment." 

Zachary VanHouten '10

"After graduating I decided to move to West Palm Beach, Florida. After living in South Florida for a while I was hired as a Writing and English tutor at Palm Beach State College, which inspired me to continue my own learning career by returning to school. I found a wonderful Women Gender and Sexualities Studies masters program at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. In addition to taking classes I will work alongside the Women Gender and Sexualities Studies Center to work on projects such as improving the programs website and working on a newsletter. I hope to use these experiences to become a professor myself, teaching interdisciplinary courses such as Writing by Women and Women in Literature, as well as to improve my own writing." 

Jessica Barton '09

"Being a WGS minor gave me a lot of insight into humanity and fostered within me the ideal that people shouldn't be defined by gender, orientation or any other factor besides those that matter such as character and integrity. To this day, concepts and theories from classes help me to better connect with people and the uniqueness of being a male with a WGS minor has helped me stick out in the job market! Currently I work for Getman Corporation doing Market Research. They specialize in underground mining diesel vehicles. I plan to attend a Tier 1 law school in the fall." 

Duane Cunningham '09

"GVSU's Women and Gender Studies Program was a pivotal part of my education as both a university student and a global citizen. Through active participation as a WGS student I planned a menstruation party, wrote a short story without the use of gendered pronouns, interned for a feminist foundation, participated in the United Nations 53rd Commission on the Status of Women and studied abroad in Egypt. The program is enriched by its exceptional faculty, well-rounded curriculum and incredible opportunities for educational, personal and professional enrichment beyond the classroom." 

Anne Marie Carson '08