History of WGEC

The evolution of the University Women's Center (UWC) at California State University, Long Beach, began in the spring of 1976. Our visionaries, Rosemary Taylor and Linda Shaw, met with a group known as the Friends of the University Women's Center to eliminate the disparity on campus for women support services. 

In 1977, the notion of filling a gap on campus became a reality, and the UWC officially opened its door and secured a location in LA3-104. Throughout the years, the UWC went through several transitions as a new support service on campus, and a decision to change the name of the center to the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) transpired in the late 80s, early 90s. 

In 2006 and under the direction of Lynne Coenen and Marcela Chavez, the WRC was awarded a federal grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence against Women and supported the creation of Project Safe, a campus response initiative toward the elimination of sexual, domestic, relationship, and stalking violence. The mission of the center has been steadfast on issues that impact women, and over the years, evolved to be more inclusive.

In 2014, the WRC revitalized its name to the Women's and Gender Equity Center (WGEC). After 30 years in LA3-104, the WGEC moved to the Student Success Center, 240, and revised its mission, vision, and values to expand its services to all gender identities and expressions.