Report on Joanna Villegas and the Gender Equity Resource Center at UC Berkeley

Introduction

Joanna Villegas serves as the Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership at the Gender Equity (GenEq) Resource Center located in the César Chávez Student Center at UC Berkeley. The center hosts continuous programs and events aimed at providing holistic support and resources to foster an inclusive campus climate. This report highlights Villegas’s journey in student support services and emphasizes the center’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, reduced inequalities, and gender equality.

Personal Background and Identity

• Joanna Villegas identifies as queer, pansexual, and nonbinary femme.
• Their identity and cultural Indigenous roots are integral to their work, reflecting the SDG 10 goal of reducing inequalities by embracing diversity and inclusion.
• Villegas emphasizes the importance of visibility and affirmation within families and communities as fundamental to safety and well-being, aligning with SDG 3 on good health and well-being.

Early Life and Educational Pathway

1. Villegas grew up in Logan Heights, San Diego, on Kumeyaay land, where community and home were primary educators.
2. Their family relied on community programs and clinics for support, illustrating the importance of accessible health and social services (SDG 3).
3. Encouraged by their parents, Villegas pursued education despite hardships, initially enrolling in community college before transferring to a University of California campus, supporting SDG 4 on quality education.

Professional Experience and Intersectional Approach

• Villegas has extensive experience in student-facing roles, including addressing food insecurity and supporting transfer students.
• They apply an intersectional lens to their work, recognizing the diverse identities and experiences of students, which supports SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities.
• Their work at GenEq involves fostering an inclusive campus community responsive to student needs and trends.

Programs and Initiatives at the Gender Equity Resource Center

The center offers several ongoing initiatives that align with multiple SDGs, notably SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 4 (quality education), and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities):

• Trans Student Wellness Initiative: A collaborative program with the Multicultural Community Center focusing on the health and wellness of trans students.
• Queer Cal Pals: A program designed to help new students build social networks and access campus resources.
• Cal Self-Defense for All: Classes promoting personal safety and empowerment.
• QTPie Welcome Event: A semesterly event organized by undergraduate students to celebrate and unify the LGBTQ+ community, involving partnerships with registered student organizations and campus resources such as the Basic Needs Center and University Health Services.

Community Engagement and Intergenerational Dialogue

• Villegas facilitates intergenerational conversations and stewardship within the community, fostering inclusivity and shared learning.
• The Trans Health Panel is an example of student-led engagement addressing social and medical aspects of gender transition, promoting SDG 3.
• These dialogues enhance community resilience and empowerment, crucial for achieving SDG 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Addressing Challenges and Promoting Thriving Communities

The report acknowledges the grief and challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly trans individuals, due to societal targeting and violence. Villegas highlights the importance of mobilization and resource awareness to support survival and thriving, directly contributing to SDG 10 and SDG 3.

Conclusion

Joanna Villegas’s work at the Gender Equity Resource Center exemplifies a comprehensive approach to student support that integrates cultural identity, intersectionality, and community engagement. Through various programs and initiatives, the center actively contributes to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities, and well-being. Their efforts foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment where all students can thrive.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses gender-affirming health care and wellness initiatives for LGBTQ+ students, emphasizing mental and physical health support.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Focus on providing inclusive educational environments and support services to foster student success and leadership.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Emphasis on supporting gender diversity, nonbinary identities, and LGBTQ+ inclusion on campus.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Addressing social justice, inclusion, and support for marginalized communities, including Indigenous and LGBTQ+ students.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Creating safe and inclusive campus environments that protect against violence and discrimination.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights.
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are inclusive and safe for all students.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, extended here to include all gender identities.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Proportion of population covered by health insurance or access to essential health services (implied through gender-affirming health care availability).
   • Prevalence of mental health conditions and access to mental health support (implied through wellness initiatives and panels).
2. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Participation rates in education, including marginalized groups (implied through student internship programs and support services).
   • Existence of inclusive and safe learning environments (implied through programs fostering inclusivity).
3. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of individuals who feel safe and affirmed in their gender identity (implied through community support and events).
   • Representation of diverse gender identities in leadership roles (implied through student leadership and internship programs).
4. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Level of social inclusion and participation of marginalized groups (implied through community programs and resources).
5. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Incidence of violence and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation (implied through discussions of safety and violence).
   • Existence of inclusive policies and programs in institutions (implied through campus initiatives and collaborations).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.berkeley.edu