led by women, for women
Women and Youth Supporting Each Other consists of independently operated branches led by students at universities across the country, with central leadership provided by a National Board of Directors.
Each summer, college directors from each branch convene for the WYSE National Leadership Training Conference (NLTC) to connect, learn, and strengthen their personal leadership skills and overall branch efficacy.
WYSE values inclusivity and celebrates all women at the intersections of their overlapping identities. We will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, religion, disability, age, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.
Interested in starting WYSE at your school? Contact info@wyse.org
wyse National Board of Directors
MELISSA PIERCE
Melissa Pierce joined the WYSE National Board of Directors in 2005. Melissa graduated from Stanford University in 2003 with a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning. For more than a decade, she served as Board Chair and led initiatives including WYSE's incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, branch expansion, fund development, and national leadership training. In addition, she coordinated WYSE's 20th Anniversary campaign and now oversees strategy and program execution for WYSE's 30th Anniversary celebration ahead. Beyond WYSE, Melissa has grown her professional career in nonprofit management. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN, with her husband and two daughters (tiny WYSE women!)
LAUREN GORSKI Allen
Lauren Gorski Allen joined the WYSE National Board of Directors in 2013. Lauren graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in English with Emphasis in Creative Writing. She was a college mentor at the WYSE UCI Branch from 2007 - 2011 and served as Executive Director for two years. She earned a Master's in Professional Writing at the University of Southern California. Besides WYSE, her current passions include horses, tacos, and movies.
ANNA SHAW-AMOAH
Anna Shaw-Amoah joined the WYSE National Board of Directors in 2015 after being a WYSE mentor and volunteer in New York City for almost six years. She received an M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management & Policy from NYU and a B.A. in Global Development in 2012 from the same university. Anna works as a Policy Analyst in New York City and has a passion for international human rights issues.
Nathalie Sarju
Nathalie joined the WYSE National Board of Directors in 2018. Nathalie graduated from the University of Central Florida after transferring from New York University, where she was involved in WYSE as a freshman. Nathalie is also a graduate of Columbia University where she earned her Master of Social Work. Currently, Nathalie lives in New York City and is an advocate for survivors of domestic violence through Jahajee Sisters and a mental health therapist for children. Apart from her passion for mentoring and supporting young women, Nathalie spends her free time on foodventures seeking out oversized dessert and the best Cacio e Pepe in NYC.
manik Marasinghe
Manik Marasinghe joined the WYSE National Board of Directors in 2020. Manik graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2017 with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Public Policy. While at UC Berkeley, Manik was a WYSE mentor for three years and served as Executive Director during her senior year. Apart from her involvement with organizations that provide economic, educational, and legal support to girls and women, Manik works as a paralegal at a law firm in San Francisco that advises and advocates for public agencies throughout California.
WYse alumni committee
Remi Beek
Remi Beek joined the WYSE Alumni Committee in 2019 after graduating from Tulane University, where she was involved in WYSE from 2016 to 2019 and served as School Site Director. Over the last few years, she worked as an intern and a volunteer at various shelters and organizations dedicated to uplifting marginalized women. Starting fall 2020, Remi is pursuing her Master’s of Public Health with a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual and Reproductive Health from Columbia University. While passionately advocating for sexual and reproductive health and education, she also enjoys art, yoga, reading, and eating bagels with friends and family.
Joëlle jackson
Joëlle Jackson (she/her) is a member of the WYSE Alumni Committee. Joëlle graduated from The George Washington University in 2020 with a BBA in International Business and a minor in Economics. Joëlle was involved in the GWU branch of WYSE from 2015-2019, serving three years on D-team as a School Site Coordinator and Co-Exec. In her free time, Joëlle enjoys volleyball, reading, and spending time with her puppy, Harvey.