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About GEMM

 

Mission Statement

The Gender Equity in Museums Movement (GEMM) is a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to raising awareness, affecting change, and championing transparency about intersectional gender equity in the museum workplace.
(Approved by the Steering Committee 8/3/2020)

To fulfill this mission, GEMM:

● Promotes equitable and transparent museum workplaces

● Provides direction and offers resources for museum workers

● Collects resources for individuals who are affected by workplace harassment

● Advocates for research and policy development addressing equity issues

● Forms alliances with organizations and coalitions working on related equity issues

Our story  

Sometimes one thing leads to another. And common interests lead to action. Anne Ackerson and Joan Baldwin met Jessica Ferey as part of their work on their first book, Leadership Matters, because of Jessica's master's work on women leaders in the arts. The three crossed paths with Marieke Van Damme through her blog, Joyful Museums, and finally in person for  "What We Talk About When We (Don't) Talk About Women," a roundtable discussion led by all four at AAM 2016.

That presentation, and the completion of Anne and Joan's manuscript, Women in the Museum: Lessons from the Workplace, prompted the four friends to expand the circle to include Shruthi, Lindsey, Fernanda, Matthew, Scarlett, Grace, and Amy. From there, we created the Gender Equity in Museums Movement and will continue to push for better equity in museums. 

Questions about the GEMM Steering Committee?

Email us! gemmuseums@gmail.com 

Interested in joining us?

Check out the GEMM Steering Committee Job Description and get in touch!

GEMM Steering Committee

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Andrea Crivello

Andrea Crivello (she/her/hers) is a museum and library professional passionate about creating social impact through material culture and the public service side of cultural institutions along with equitable, ethical, humane cultures for working professionals. She holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.A. in Art History, Theory & Conservation from Long Island University and master’s certificates in Contemporary Curatorial Studies and Museum Studies.

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Elise Couture-Stone

With over 15 years of professional experience in fiscal development and cultural programming, Elise has established a successful track record in strategic planning, project management, and fundraising. Serving Boston-area cultural institutions like the Nichols House Museum, Historic New England, Old North Church, The Fenway Alliance, Historic Newton, and the Boston Preservation Alliance, she has built a career in the advocacy for, and the preservation of, Boston’s cultural, civic, and intellectual identity. 

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Ashanti Davis

Ashanti Davis (she/her/hers) is an Artist, Thinker, Social Justice Advocate, and Museum Practitioner who believes in the power of art and creativity to create meaningful change. She has led interdisciplinary teams in the development of unique STEM experiences and exhibitions and has co-instigated and chaired internal groups for Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility. At present, Ms. Davis is the Operations Director for the Northwest African American Museum and the Community Experiences Designer for Pueblo. She received a BA in Creative Arts and Communications from Richmond American International University, and an MA in Museum Studies and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University in 2021. 

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Marieke Van Damme

Marieke Van Damme (she/her/hers) lives and works in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and (occasionally) blogs at JoyfulMuseums.com. Her museum areas of interest include workplace culture, equity, and making history relevant.

GEMM Co-Founder

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Scarlett V. Hoey

Scarlett Hoey (she/her/hers) is the Director of Membership & Development for the New England Museum Association. She has helped coordinate professional development opportunities for museum folks, such as salary negotiation workshops for women and career conversations. Her past work experience includes ArtsWorcester, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, The Boston Athenaeum, Boston’s Old South Meeting House, and Brisbane's Newstead House.

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Sophie Pugh

Sophie Pugh (she/her/hers) received her BA in Art History from Christopher Newport University and MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Passionate about equity in museums, Sophie joined GEMM in 2020 and is part of the sub-committee helping to plan events and social media graphics. She currently works as a Development Associate at The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia.

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Anne Mahoney

Anne Mahoney (she/her/hers) is part of a GEMM sub-committe helping to plan events and social media posts. She is a Louisianan public historian with research interests in historic preservation, conservation,  planning, and historic cemeteries. She is the Curator for the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge, where she works with Director, Rodneyna Hart, to accomplish their mission. Prior to this role she curated and lead projects for  Vermilionville Living History Museum and Folklife Park. 

Thank you to past members:

  • Anne Ackerson (GEMM Co-Founder)

  • Grace Astrove

  • Aja Bain

  • Joan Baldwin (GEMM Co-Founder)

  • Matthew Dickey

  • Tasia Duske 

  • Jessica Ferey (GEMM Co-Founder)

  • Heidi Lung 

  • Karen Marshall

  • Amy Mannarino

  • Diana Murphy

  • Shruti Mukund

  • Natasha Ransom

  • Katie Reynolds

  • Ashley Ross

  • Hope Shannon

  • Lindsay Steward

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