WRIN celebrates 10th anniversary

October 15, 2009 by Leslie Ventura 

Among friends, supporters, WRIN staff celebrates and looks to the future

An organization that started in a trailer behind the Architecture Building is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, now a nationally recognized institute for women throughout Nevada.
As the vision of executive director Joanne Goodwin, the Women’s Research Institute of Nevada to fill a statewide need to collected important information on women’s lives and history.

“This anniversary means that our programs are relevant and important to Nevada,” said Vice-Chair Cyndy Oritz Gustafson. “You don’t grow like we have if your work does not resonate with the community you serve.”

With the help of founding assistant director Caryll Dziedziak, Goodwin founded WRIN ten years ago with very few resources.

“Even though they did not have money to even buy paper with,” Gustafson explained, “they believed that their work would be compelling enough to spur investment in this Institute.”
The women behind WRIN celebrated their achievements yesterday in the Barrick Museum where representatives of Dina Titus and Shelley Berkeley read greetings and congratulations.

“I know the congresswoman wanted to be here herself,” said Darla Geary, who represented Titus.

Geary read Titus’ letter congratulating WRIN to the audience: “’I regret that I could not be here today to join you for this celebration. WRIN has consistently provided an outlet for us to tell our stories. While research is significant, furthering the legacy of great women in politics academia and business is also important in continuing the process of women.’”

President Neal Smatresk also spoke at the celebration, solidifying his commitment to supporting WRIN at UNLV.

Making the budget cuts a focal point of his speech, Smatresk addressed Chancellor Dan Klaich and Regent James Leavitt.

“I’ve got to tell you I know there are legislators in the room. If you have a doubt of the impact that… a program like WRIN has, let this celebration dispel those doubts,” Smatresk said. “This is an important program and for those of us in Las Vegas who know there is a history of incredibly strong, smart, independent women… who have really helped to develop this region, this city, the university and the programs that we have, it’s an easy thing to understand [WRIN’s] importance.”

Explaining it will take partnerships and other community support, Smatresk added, “We are commited to continue the presence of WRIN on our campus.”

After receiving the Emerging Center award from the National Council for Research on Women, WRIN is looking to further its achievements.

Chris Hudgins, dean of the college of liberal arts, announced a proposal that is in the works between the Lincy Institute, WRIN and other women’s organizations on campus.

Goodwin explained that because WRIN is self-funded, such advancements are sometimes difficult.

“Any research institution has had state funding,” Goodwin said. “We should be in the state budget.”

Goodwin explained how the research done at WRIN plays a vital role in politics. Changing the way women live, Nevada legislators and officials use the research done at WRIN to address important issues in the workplace and other areas to benefit women.

Without being funded by the state, WRIN turns to grants and donations to sustain their work and dedication.

“We work hard every year to raise supporting funding from the community,” Gustafson said. “[We] are fortunate to have a diverse group of women and men in the community who attend our fundraisers, contribute to our organization and support our programs.”

Programs supported by WRIN like the NEW Leadership Nevada internship are open to women and girls looking to further their education and learn about the vital roles of women in our society.

Mayra Martinez, undergraduate and NEW Leadership graduate, spoke about her experiences as a student in the program.

“They opened doors that wouldn’t have opened,” Mayra said, holding back tears.
Students who are interested in the NEW Leadership program may apply in March of 2010.

According Gustafson, the Institute plans to bring in nationally recognized scholars on gender specific disciplines throughout the school year.