2024-25 Annual Report

  Our Mission

The Susan B. Anthony Center works to bring awareness to and advocate for social justice and equality. We work in collaboration with the University community and partner with a wide range of local, national, and international organizations to fulfill our goal of translating research into policy. We conduct this work in the spirit of Susan B. Anthony, who fought tirelessly throughout her life for the betterment of disenfranchised populations.

Welcome

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  Meet the Team

Administrative Team

Catherine Cerulli, JD, PhD (she/her/hers), Director Emeritus
John Cullen, PhD (he/him/his), Interim Director
Sebastian Szczebiot, MA, JD Candidate ’25 (he/him/his), Assistant Director
Baitullah Hameedi, Visiting Scholar

Student Team

Siddharth Narsipur ’26 (he/him/his)
Ariel Greenberg ’27 (she/her/hers)
Athena Haq ’27 (she/her/hers)

  Annual Susan B. Anthony Legacy and Leadership Awards

The Susan B. Anthony Legacy Awards are a more than 75 year plus tradition honoring exceptional women in the University of Rochester community. We present the awards annually at the Legacy Awards Ceremony, which we held on April 26th, 2025. The event included a breakfast buffet and ceremony to honor the 2025 award winners.

We selected seven exceptional undergraduate women for the University Undergraduate Women’s Leadership Awards in four categories: the Fannie Bigelow Prize, the Jane R. Plitt Award, the Sue S. Stewart Award, and the Susan B. Anthony Scholarship. Additionally, we selected three leaders for the Susan B. Anthony Center Professional Women’s Leadership Awards: the Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award, the Susan B. Anthony Emerging Leader Award, and the newly created Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Service Award.

Read more about the event and view the photos here [ADD LINK].

   Susan B. Anthony Scholarship

Lizmairi Vargas Santa ’26

Lizmairi Vargas Santa is a Junior double majoring in Economics and Business with a minor in Spanish studies. Lizmairi was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey since she was 10 years old. Lizmairi has had a passion for education equality in the Dominican Republic since her middle school years. She has conducted research and has designed and led conferences in the Dominican Republic with the aim of uncovering the hardships of young students in the south of Dominican Republic. Lizmairi is a Handler Scholar, the Barbara Douglas-Lindo Women in Leadership Awardee and the 2023 Delno Sisson Prize recipient. In 2024, Lizmairi was the Davis Projects for Peace recipient of the University of Rochester. She travelled to the Dominican Republic and hosted a seminar to help young students empower themselves through community activism and advocacy. Today, Lizmairi is the 2024-2025 president of the Douglass Leadership House and the founder of Creando Futuros Brillantes, a non-profit organization seeking financial and developmental support to help young students reach their goals on her beautiful island, the Dominican Republic.

Mykaila Meunier ’26

Mykaila Meunier is a first generation college student pursing a major in biology at UR. Beyond her academics, she is a coxswain on UR’s women rowing team. Throughout her time at the university, Mykaila has been involved in many clubs and has demonstrated her leadership by serving on executive boards. Currently, she is president of the res life DLion organization after taking up the VP role the previous year. Through this org, Mykaila as a chair member of the First Year Residential Experience (FYRE) and the dlions have strived to connect first year students through social engagement and community service opportunities.

   Fannie Bigelow Prize

Raquel Williams ’25

Raquel Williams is a senior at the University of Rochester, double majoring in Health Policy and Black Studies with a minor in Political Science. In addition to academics, Raquel has been an integral member of the varsity basketball team while also using their platform to advocate for equity and inclusion. Recognizing the need for community and support among Black student-athletes, she founded and is the President of the Black Student Athlete Coalition, fostering community, mentorship, and systemic change on campus. This led to her being the first U of R delegate and current president of the UAA Black Letter winning Athlete Coalition (UAA BLAC), the first Division 3 cross-conference Black student athlete group.

Additionally, Raquel has been actively involved in the campus community, being on executive boards for both the Black Students’ Union and the Committee of Political Engagement, further demonstrating their commitment to advocacy, civic engagement, and social justice. Beyond their extracurricular leadership, Raquel conducts research in Political Science, analyzing legislators’ voting patterns on historical issues with modern-day consequences. Their leadership, scholarship, and dedication to creating lasting change has all been inspired by making a difference both in and out of the classroom.

Juliana Montes ’25

Juliana Montes is a first generation Mexican American student from Phoenix Arizona. She is an ECO scholar, Kearns Scholar, and Brady scholar who has held several positions on the Spanish and Latina Student Association (SALSA), Spanish and Latino Students In training for Awareness (SALSITA), and the Frederick Douglass Leadership House (DLH), some of those being the Vice President of SALSA, and Co-president of SALSITA. If that is not enough, she has also been working 3 campus jobs while in these roles. She is a communications assistant at the Center for Community Engagement, a community ambassador at Innovation Square through Reslife, and a speaking fellow for the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program, where she is also currently the President of the Speaking Fellows. Juliana has been able to do all this while also creating her own interdisciplinary major in Cognitive Ethnomusicology.

If there are three things Juliana is passionate about, they are community, education, and expression. Throughout her time at the University of Rochester, Juliana has given several presentations, here at U of R or at the National Association of Communication Center’s conferences,  focused on bringing more awareness, representation and respect to minorities, specifically from black and brown communities, in higher education and in the workplace. Juliana is not only determined to make her voice heard, but those in her community or outside of it whose voices have continued to be diminished.

   Sue S. Stewart Award

Jaydee Ortez ’25

Jaydee Ortez is a senior at the University of Rochester, double majoring in Psychology and American Sign Language. A first-generation Latine woman from Chicago, Illinois, she is deeply committed to advocating for underrepresented communities, particularly Black and Latine adolescents in urban cities. Throughout her time at the University of Rochester, Jaydee has held various leadership roles within the Spanish and Latino Students’ Association. Currently, she serves as the Programming Chair for Adelante Juntos, where she fosters meaningful community engagement between UR students and the local Latine Rochester community, with a focus on supporting Latine undocumented populations. Passionate about social justice and identity development, Jaydee aspires to pursue a PhD in Human Development. Her goal is to empower minority groups and contribute to research that advances their acceptance and integration with their communities. 

   Jane R. Plitt Award

Alana Eisenberg ’25

Alana Eisenberg is a 4th year Neuroscience major and psychology minor from Madbury New Hampshire. Alana is passionate about advocacy, mentorship, and direct support for women facing systemic barriers. As a respondent for the SAAVE Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Hotline, she provides survivors with a compassionate ear and essential resources, deepening her understanding of the challenges women face. Through the Storybook Project,
she helps parents including incarcerated mothers maintain connections with their children, offering them moments of dignity and humanity. Additionally, as a caregiver for a teenager with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and a mentor to undergraduate women in neuroscience, she is committed to fostering confidence and self-advocacy. She is grateful for her time at the University of Rochester and looks forward to completing her Community Health Fellowship with Project Horseshoe Farm next year.

   Dean Ruth A. Merrill Award

Gulsinam Akhmadzhanova ’26

Gulsinam Akhmadzhanova is a first-generation, pre-medical student in her third year at the University of Rochester, double majoring in Mathematics and Psychology. Her journey began in 2005 when she and her family sought refuge in Rochester, NY, as Meskhetian immigrants. The unwavering support of the Rochester community helped her family navigate the challenges of resettlement, shaping her deep commitment to giving back. With a passion for service, Gulsinam has dedicated herself to addressing health disparities and fostering community well-being. She has worked extensively with non-profit organizations, particularly InterVol, to support efforts combating the Social Determinants of Health. Her hands-on experience as a home health aide, patient care technician, and research assistant has further reinforced her desire to serve others.

On campus, Gulsinam is an active student leader. She serves as Vice President of the Class of 2026 Council, a teaching assistant, and an event planner, helping organize meaningful celebrations and initiatives for the student body. After graduation, Gulsinam plans to continue her education in medicine. She aspires to make a lasting impact in the field of healthcare, using her civic engagement and advocacy to address disparities and improve patient outcomes as a future physician.

    Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award

Susan Hyman, MD

Susan L Hyman MD, Professor of Pediatrics, is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician who served as division chief of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester, Golisano Children’s Hospital for 15 years. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University, completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Fellowship in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at the Kennedy Krieger Institute of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. UR sponsored her participation in the ELAM (Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine) program in 2011. Her clinical work and research during her 30 years on the faculty at the University of Rochester focused on assessment and management of children and youth with autism and other developmental disabilities.  Her research funders have included the NIH, Department of Defense, and Autism Treatment Network. A professional goal was to improve the care of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families which she did through her work for the Executive Committee of the Council on Children with Disabilities and chair of the Autism Subcommittee of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She was on the Board of  Autism Up and the Autism Family Foundation locally and the scientific advisory committee for the Autism Science Foundation, Autism Speaks, Department of Defense Autism Initiative, among others. She had excellent mentorship at UR from Patricia Rodier, PhD and Tristram Smith, PhD and tried to “pay it forward” with attention to the educational and mentorship needs of clinical and research trainees and junior faculty in pediatrics, psychology, nursing and other members of the interprofessional team in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

   Susan B. Anthony Emerging Leader Award

Laura Stamm, PhD

Laura Stamm is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Health Humanities & Bioethics at the University of Rochester Medical Center where she also serves as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine. Additionally, she is a current Health Equity Scholars for Action fellow with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, carrying out a national study on the impact of gender-affirming care legislation on providers’ practices. Dr. Stamm’s research takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the impact of social and political forces on the provision of health care to marginalized communities. Her work appears in various journals and media outlets, including TSQ: Transgender Studies Quarterly, Cancer, The Hill, and Journal of Primary Care and Community Health.

   Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Service Award

Carolyn Patterson

 

 

 

  Events and Programs

International Women’s Day Luncheon

The Susan B. Anthony Center held a special event, “Support the Supporters: Amplifying Women’s Initiatives,” a celebration of International Women’s Day 2025. The year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” called on communities to unite and take bold steps toward achieving gender equity. The special program highlighted the vital work of local non-profit organizations that empower women and girls in Rochester.

The luncheon was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Jaime Saunders of the United Way of Greater Rochester. The panel featured influential community leaders: Ms. Meaghan de Chateauvieux, President and CEO of Willow Domestic Violence Center, Ms. Krystle Ellis, Execute Director of the Women’s Foundation of the Genesee Valley, and Ms. Marilyn Tedeschi, Public Policy Director at the American Association of University Women.

The panelists shared powerful stories from their advocacy work, discussing both the challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equity. The conversation touched on several critical topics, including strategies for engaging more men and boys in the movement, urgent actions needed to accelerate progress, and the ways in which these inspiring women continue to thrive while advancing this important and challenging work. Attendees participated in an engaging Q&A session, exploring ways to drive cultural change and strengthen community impact.

Equal Pay Day 2025

On March 25th, the Susan B. Anthony Center hosted its annual National Equal Pay Day event to spotlight the ongoing gender pay gap in the United States. National Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year women must work to match what men earned in the previous year.

To raise awareness, the Center tabled at both the Flaum Atrium at the School of Medicine and Wilson Commons on the River Campus. We distributed Equal Pay Day pins and shared key data highlighting the persistent disparities in earnings between men and women.

We encouraged individuals to get informed, engage in conversations about pay equity, and explore ways to advocate for change in their communities and workplaces. By raising awareness and sharing resources, the event aimed to empower attendees with the knowledge needed to help close the gender pay gap.

Vote 2024!: Voting Awareness Campaign

Throughout the months of September and October, the Susan B. Anthony Center engaged with the University community through the Vote 2024! campaign. The initiative aimed to spread awareness about the Presidential election and encourage voter registration.

On October 1st, 3rd, and 8th, the Susan B. Anthony Center hosted an informational table in Hirst Lounge, located in Wilson Commons. Members of the University community had the opportunity to access a variety of voting-related resources, including voter registration, information about absentee ballots, and details on polling locations.

Students who engaged with the Susan B. Anthony Center at the table had the chance to win a variety of fun giveaways, including special hats, bags, and other goodies. The entire team at the Center was excited to connect with students and community members and urges everyone to make sure they are registered to vote.

Stanton/Anthony Conversations: Fostering Resilience for Refugee Children

On Friday, September 27th 2024, the Susan B Anthony Center hosted its annual Stanton/Anthony Conversations program held during Meliora Weekend, the University’s celebration for families and alumni.

This year’s keynote was delivered by Baitullah Hameedi, a visiting scholar at the University of Rochester and Cultural Broker at the Mt. Hope Family Center. His presentation explored the challenges faced by immigrants, including social isolation, acculturation difficulties, and the heightened risk of trauma for refugee children.

Hameedi highlighted the Trauma System Therapy for Refugees (TST-R), an innovative approach to addressing traumatic stress in refugee children, while also addressing the systemic barriers refugees encounter when trying to access these critical services. He concluded by offering practical insights into how support systems for refugees can be improved.

The keynote was followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Catherine Cerulli, former director of the Susan B. Anthony Center. The panel featured Maureen Boorum, a mental health expert at the Mt. Hope Family Center; Moses Robinson, a community liaison officer with the Rochester Police Department; and Kate DeFazio, Assistant Principal at the Rochester International Academy.

The discussion focused on how Rochester’s community is working to support refugee children in local school districts, with a particular emphasis on mental health and cultural stigma. Audience members were actively engaged throughout, underscoring the community’s commitment to this critical work.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Where the Science and Courts Meet

Experts Drs. Petrenko and Catherine Cerulli guided judges, attorneys, court personnel, and others through the impact of FASD on justice-involved individuals, particularly children and parents.

Sex and Chocolate Carnival

The Center hosted a table at the annual Sex and Chocolate Carnival, organized by University Health, and educated students with a fun game to help them learn more about common safe sex practices. We also shared flyers and information sheets with resources on easily accessing Plan B and other contraceptives on campus. We had partnered with others on our campus to ensure that students could access Plan B for free.

LGBTQ Well-Being Fair

On February 13th 2025, the Susan B. Anthony Center participated in the LGBTQ Well-Being Fair hosted by the UHS Health Promotion Office.

The LGBTQ Well-Being Fair promotes wellness resources for the queer community at the University of Rochester through community organizations. The Susan B. Anthony Center provided resources to the LGBTQ student community, including our online handbook, Trans @ UR.

We also had an interactive game for students with a prize wheel to earn SBAC merch. Not only did our game provide participants with a fun outlet, but it also served as a digestible way to learn about sexual health, from lesser-known healthcare facts to New York State policies.

Sponsorship

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   Student Programs

SBAC Ambassadors

The Susan B. Anthony Center (SBAC) Ambassadors program works to connect University students to the Rochester community through volunteer work at local nonprofit service organizations. SBAC Ambassadors assist agencies with volunteer needs at one-day events or on short-term projects such as fundraising walks and dinners and inventory organization.

By supporting agencies in this capacity, students help organizations by providing extra support to enable them to fulfill their goals, such as programming, raising funds, and serving clients.

September 17th – Mt. Hope Cemetery

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October 19th – The People’s Pantry

Our ambassadors were a part of the University of Rochester Adelante Juntos and were able to build strong connections with community members, and assisted the pantry with a language barrier they were facing.

Members of the Susan B. Anthony Center’s Student Advisory Board
and Student Ambassadors groups took part in the annual blanket-making event on Saturday, December 7, dedicating their time to keeping families warm during the holidays. Using blanket kits, students crafted unique blankets that will be sent to charities supporting those in need this winter.

February 22nd – People’s Pantry

April 26th – M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

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SBAC Advisory Board

To increase student input and involvement in our work of bringing awareness to, and advocating for, social justice and equity, we established the Student Advisory Board (SAB) for undergraduate and graduate students in spring 2015. The SAB helps align Susan B. Anthony Center programming with students’ local, national, and international advocacy efforts.

Board members focus on important issues, including but not limited to, feminism, gender-based violence prevention, leadership, empowerment, LGBTQ+ issues and allyship, and providing a voice to marginalized groups on and off campus. Sebastian Szczebiot advises the board, and this year’s advisory board comprised 14 students from various disciplines and degree programs.

Latif Colak ’27
Miranda Kovatch ’27
Saafa Tahboub ’27
Marina Tilligada ’27
Aliza Lopez ’27
Athena Haq ’27
Ariel Greenberg ’26
Christianna Cummings ’28
Kayla Koo ’27
Bowen Li ’28
Naidhruva Deb ’27
Madison Zeng ’27
Zhihan Wang ’27
Lalana Appasani ’25

Food Awareness Day

On October 24th 2024, members of the SBAC Student Advisory Board held a table on campus raising awareness for food insecurity around the globe. National Food Awareness Day advocates for promoting healthy, sustainable, and equitable food choices. The Student Advisory Board has chosen to raise awareness for this cause, because food insecurity is an issue that prevails on a local, national, and global level, including right here on the University of Rochester campus.

At the Student Advisory Board’s informational table, members of the community were provided with resources about fighting food insecurity from a local to global scale. Those who engaged with the table to learn about Food Awareness Day could win fun prizes, including food-themed stress balls and candy, and Susan B. Anthony Center merchandise.

Protest Policy Focus Groups

The Susan B. Anthony Center Student Advisory Board compiled a report on student experience with the University of Rochester protest policy issued August 26, 2024. To inform the report, the Center held three focus group sessions where students shared their own thoughts and experiences regarding the protest policy.

   Resources

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  Workshop Facilitation and Teaching

Restorative Dialogue Series

The Restorative Dialogue series, hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion and Susan B. Anthony Center and facilitated by the University’s restorative practices team, provided an intentional space for students, staff, and faculty to connect and build a sense of community.

Held over eight sessions from September to December 2024, these sessions fostered open and meaningful conversations, allowing participants to shape discussions based on their experiences and perspectives within an innovative circle format. The series created an inclusive environment where members of the University could engage in dialogue, strengthen relationships, and contribute to a more connected campus community.

Conflict Without Contempt Series

The Susan B. Anthony Center partnered with the University of Rochester Office of Equity and Inclusion to host the Conflict Without Contempt Workshop Series. The center hosted two sessions, one at the University of Rochester Medical Center on January 7, and one in partnership with Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester River Campus on January 16th. Eighteen participants engaged in the Medical Center session, and thirty-six engaged in the River Campus session.

After the workshops, 24 participants engaged in a survey. Several participants commented on the effectiveness of partnered discussions to reflect on personal conflict styles. All 24 agreed that the topics addressed in the workshop were “relevant” or “very relevant” to their work and/or personal life. These participants walked away with a changed sense of how to effectively address conflict and encourage honest interactions in relationships, whether it be in the workplace or at home.

Read more here.

Journal Articles

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Media

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   Social Media

Instagram

Linkedin

Facebook

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Written by Sebastian Szczebiot & Siddharth Narsipur

Designed by Siddharth Narsipur