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MAE HENDERSON
Women Studies

 Mae Henderson is a candidate for the PhD in Women Studies.  Henderson’s research examines the experiences of African-American women who give up the care and custody of their birth-children to others for an extended period of time. The study seeks to illuminate the impact that such a circumstance has on women’s perceptions of themselves as mothers and as women.  

 Excerpts from Ms. Henderson’s personal statement: 

“Introspection, opportunity, and privilege were critical to my journey along the path of a “scholar-citizen.”  Individually and collectively, they have incited my passion for helping others recognize their possibilities for self-agency aiding them to formulate a vision for creating change in their lives, in their communities, and in the world.  I am privileged to be trained as an academic scholar and educator and with that privilege come[s] responsibility.  This linkage compels me to focus my scholarship and service on the concerns of marginalized and underrepresented women and their children, addressing disparities between ideologies and expectations of public institutional systems and their private lives.

 As another important example of bridging my scholarship with the community, each summer, I return to southern California to teach for the Upward Bound Summer Residential Program in (city).  This program enhances the educational and social experiences of “at-risk” inner city middle/high school youth, many of whom are products of disrupted parenting and are adopted, living in foster care, and/or with ‘othermothers’ or extended family members, because of absent mothers.  While the primary goal of this program is to provide the students with the skills required to compete for college admission, my contribution to recent curriculum transformations at Upward Bound focused on changes that help student to see their connections to the larger society and their ultimate responsibility as citizens within their particular communities.  I use my position and expertise gained in my academic studies, to expose students to issues of race, class and gender inequality, demonstrating the relevance of social issues to their lives, and helping them focus on social responsibility to work for change. 

 My work in the academy and my work in the community are thoroughly intertwined.  In research, in teaching, and in community involvement my focus is on anti-racism, inequality, and social justice and the social and political implications for marginalized peoples living in underprivileged, underrepresented communities.  Climbing through the ranks of academia has given me voice.  Now my goal is to give voice to the voiceless who follow me in the university and in the community.”

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