I am thankful to be the YDS Women's Center President this year and the previous year. I want to create a space for women and allies to share community and advocate for women's rights. I enjoy leading, administrating, but mostly, working with people. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people who have brilliant ideas and who are going to continue to develop the Women's Center into a space where people feel seen and heard. As far as a fun fact, ð╝ðÁð¢ÐÅ ðÀð¥ð▓ÐâÐé ðÉð╗ðÁð║Ðüð©Ðü ðÜð░Ðê, ð© ÐÅ ÐÇÐâÐüÐüð║ð░ÐÅ. My name is Alexis Cash and I am Russian. I was born in Russia and adopted as a baby. This fall semester I started learning Russian, and it's super hard but I love it!
I am interested in the YDS WC, and particularly the WC leadership, because I think the time has come to resuscitate a safe space for women, and people who identify as women, at Yale Divinity School (YDS). YDS defines itself as a "nonsectarian" divinity school, but in truth, it is mainly a Christian divinity school, and with that comes a patriarchal hegemony that is (un)consciously reproduced in how women are viewed and treated by others, and sadly, sometimes by ourselves (the internalized patriarchy). In addition, I believe that there should be a space where women's issues—such as letting women speak in conversations without interrupting or dismissing them, hidden sexism, access to equal opportunity, opportunities for economic empowerment, the lack of women in positions of power, and frank conversations about women's reproductive rights (just to name a few)—can be discussed in a space that is secure and respects the privacy of its members.
About me: I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. At eighteen, I left PR to attend college in the U.S., where I studied social anthropology and through that concentration discovered religion. While in college I took courses in Judaism and learned Hebrew (which I have now 70% forgotten). On my own, I bought books on the anthropology of religion, myth, and ritual as well as books on Daoism, Bhagavad Gita, and Gilgamesh. After college, I spent a few years as a high school math teacher and re-discovered in the elegance of math a microscopic glimpse of the elegance of God. In my spare time, I love to write, play the harpsichord, knit, read fiction, train my puppy (Beowulf), and forest bathe. I am trying to become a more knowledgeable bird-watcher and plant caretaker. I am in the process of founding an Eco-Spirituality club as well as a Death Café at YDS.
I was interested in joining the leadership of the Women's Center because I wanted to get involved with a supportive and caring group at the Divinity School who was interested in lifting people up and striving towards positive change. I have had so much fun getting to know everyone and would love to see more people take advantage of this group!
I'm excited to be a part of the YDS Women's Center leadership this year as treasurer! I hope to foster a sense of community and create a space that is open minded and welcoming. I love hiking, yoga, going to the beach, and seeking out new places in New Haven. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!
I am excited to be a part of YDSWC Executive Board because I think it is important now, more than ever, to protect the rights of Women. I look forward to making sure our voices are heard and I will work hard to ensure issues concerning women are appropriately addressed. One fun fact is I typically go to Comic Con almost every year dressed in full Wonder Woman Gear or Batgirl gear! Love playing the role of a female superhero!
As part of the YDSWC, I am excited to partner with Jordan on the Communications team, as I take the lead on Internal Communications this Spring. I truly have been inspired by the energy present at the YDSWC meetings this year -- so much so, that the very idea for my role popped into my mind during a YDSWC lunch meeting. I especially am looking forward to deepening our community connectedness through one-on-one conversations with fellow members. A fun fact about me is that, like many, I love to travel, especially when I have the opportunity to feel like I am living (and not just visiting) some place new! I have spent at least one month living in four continents (Asia, Europe, North America, South America), so if you'd like to spend some time somewhere on the continents of Africa, Antarctica, or Oceania, let me know!
Originally from Tennessee, she earned her B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Lee University. At Yale, she has focused on practical theology, community building, and pastoral care. By working with the Women's Center, she wants to create an environment at the Divinity school where every female student is supported, resourced, and valued.
