Dawn K. Johnson, Administrative Assistant IV, has been with UNLV for just over a year and a half, supporting the Women’s Research Institute, Women’s Council, and Reid Public History Institute. A proud Las Vegas native, Dawn loves the sense of community at UNLV, which is made even more special by sharing the campus with her husband and son. Her favorite part of UNLV? “The people!” she…

  In this month’s Women's Council Spotlight, we are thrilled to feature Yaa Obeng, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Diversity Initiatives & Chief Diversity Officer, whose journey and dedication to UNLV exemplify the essence of mentorship and empowerment. Yaa has had the unique opportunity to work in multiple departments across campus, allowing her to impact countless students…

Ren McMullin’s typical work day leverages her creativity as well as her interpersonal and analytical skills.  As content marketing specialist for the Division of Integrated Marketing and Branding, Ren’s role includes writing articles on cool classes, developing messaging for ad campaigns, and gathering market research and web analytics for academic programs. She was recently selected for…

  Dr. Karen Violanti, Executive Director of First Year Success Programs at UNLV, reflects on her journey since joining in 2022. She values the people most, finding joy in connecting with faculty, staff, and students. Karen's traits of kindness and empathy drive her interactions, while her pursuit of balance between work and life remains ongoing. Karen draws inspiration from her family and…

Jenn Oshiro Rivers, Associate Director of Alumni Engagement in the College of Education.Worked for thirteen years at UNLV in various positions, including her time as a Graduate assistant. Meet Jenn Oshiro Rivers, a vibrant member of the UNLV community with a diverse background. From student to volunteer, she's immersed herself in various roles, finding purpose and growth along the way. In our…

The Women’s Council is delighted to Spotlight Michelle Shannon, the Institutional Repository Manager at the Scholarly Communication & Data Services unit within the University Libraries at UNLV. Michelle has been an invaluable member of the UNLV community for the past two years. Her enthusiasm for her role is matched only by her appreciation for the vibrant workplace culture at UNLV. Michelle'…

  As the only female Native American professor at UNLV, Danielle Finn has made it her mission to increase the number of Native American students pursuing law at UNLV. A trailblazer at the William S. Boyd School of Law, Danielle is inspired by the resilience of her ancestors and works to empower Native women.   Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am a citizen of the Standing Rock…

  Spotlight: Amber Sewell, Teaching and Learning Librarian, University libraries, two years at UNLV   Tell us about your experience at UNLV? I came to UNLV two years ago from Knoxville, Tennessee. I moved out here without ever having visited this part of the country, and I’ve got to say, I’m loving it! My work at the Libraries is primarily with first- and second-year students,…

Women's Council Spotlight: Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, LD, FAND   Samantha M. Coogan, MS, RDN, LD, FAND Director, Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPND)/Undergraduate Coordinator Nutrition Sciences/Senior Lecturer Years at UNLV: 11 years (2 as a GA, 2 as a PTI, 7 as full-time Faculty)     Tell us about the work you do and your experience at UNLV? As DPND…

  Laura K. Gryder, M.A. Campus Accreditation Coordinator for Academic Effectiveness, Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Years at UNLV: Working: Since 2007, or 16 years, As a student: started in 2003 – so 20 years now!   Tell us about your experience at UNLV? I’ve been a part of the campus community since 2003, when I started at UNLV as a freshman. My first…