About the Women’s Institute
Chatham has been empowering women for over 150 years. When the Pennsylvania Female College (now Chatham University) was founded in 1869, women were frequently blocked from higher education. Despite many gains in the years since, women still face persistent social, political, and economic inequalities.
Today, Chatham University maintains its leadership role and historic commitment to women's education and gender equity. In 2014, the Board of Trustees established the Chatham University Women's Institute, which launched in 2015 with the hiring of inaugural director, Dr. Jessie Ramey. Its purpose on campus is to ensure the thoughtful continuation of the resources Chatham has – and will continue to have – in enhancing education for women and gender equality in all aspects of campus curriculum and campus life.
The Women's Institute provides a range of activities and opportunities for students, faculty, alumnae, and the community and helps support and coordinate the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship, Pennsylvania Center for Women & Politics, and the Women's and Gender Studies Program.
Women’s Institute Staff
Jessie B. Ramey, Ph.D.
Director and Associate Professor, Women's and Gender Studies
Jessie B. Ramey, Ph.D., is the Founding Director of the Women’s Institute at Chatham University and Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies. She serves as a commissioner and was the Founding Chair of Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission. Dr. Ramey is a historian of gender, race, working families, and U.S. social policy.
Read more about Jessie in her Chatham Faculty bio.
Kiera Baker
Undergraduate Office Assistant
Kiera Baker is an Undergraduate Office Assistant at the Women’s Institute at Chatham University. She is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in history. She is also pursuing the Women’s Leadership Certificate.
Hannah Fischer
Undergraduate Office Assistant
Hannah Fischer is an Undergraduate Office Assistant at the Women’s Institute at Chatham University. She is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She is also pursuing the Women’s Leadership Certificate.
Ava Krepp
Undergraduate Office Assistant
Ava Krepp is the Undergraduate Office Assistant at the Women’s Institute at Chatham University. She is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She is also pursuing the Women’s Leadership Certificate.
Affiliated Faculty
Contact us for more about how you can get involved with women's leadership and gender equity at Chatham University.
Visiting Scholars
The Visiting Scholar Program hosts scholars interested in women's leadership and gender equity who will present their work in talks on campus and at the annual Gender Scholars Symposium.
Scholar in Residence
The Scholar in Residence works closely with students in classes, small groups, and gives public lectures. This position is by invitation only.