University at Buffalo (UB)
Alumni Spotlight: Mackenzie Hafner
How One Global Gender and Sexuality Studies Alum Is Empowering Female Refugees
Mackenzie Hafner graduated from UB with her bachelor’s degree in global gender studies (GGSS) in 2017. After fostering a relationship with the organization Journey's End as a volunteer and intern, Mackenzie returned to the group as an employee equipped with a new feminist framework courtesy of the courses she took while at the University at Buffalo.
Based on her enthusiasm for addressing her female clients' needs, one might imagine Mackenzie always planned to major in GGS. However, her path was a bit more serendipitous. "I actually started off as an anthropology major. I took Intro to Gender and Women’s Studies with Dr. LaKisha Simmons (now at University of Michigan), and I fell in love with it. I decided if I'm going to invest in school and my time, it has to be for something that I love, and that I'm really passionate about," she shared.
Not only did pursuing her interest in global gender studies make for an engaging academic experience, but the unique perspective Mackenzie's education gives her has also been recognized by Journey's End. "Having a feminist framework has been an incredible tool for my career. Repeatedly my approach to this work is valued by my superiors, my colleagues, and clients. It's such an incredible tool that I'm so grateful for," she attested.
In addition to her understanding of the unique challenges women face, her innovative spirit and drive enabled Mackenzie to make a visible impact at Journey's End, even when she was an intern. "In 2015, I founded the women's group, which, pre-COVID, met weekly. I created the space and meetings for women with young children that couldn’t go to English class to have something to do every week, meet friends, get to know the Buffalo area, learn information about their rights as an immigrant or women's reproductive health," she said.
Although she no longer walks the halls of the university, Mackenzie continues to benefit from her relationships with her fellow alums. "Now, too, even as a grad, having a community to reach out to that keeps me current and will discuss new ideas is something I really value," she commented.
According to Mackenzie, there are a variety of ways current University at Buffalo students can get involved with Journey's End. "We have a variety of opportunities, one-off projects, internships, the chance to spend a couple hours a week as a mentor to an immigrant teenager, a kind of 'assigned friend,' and volunteering as an at-home English tutor," she shared. You can find more information about Journey's End at https://www.jersbuffalo.org/.