Meridians

For more than 20 years, the Meridians journal has showcased the ideas and voices of women of color. Founded at Smith under the leadership of Smith President Emerita Ruth J. Simmons, the publication’s goal is to make scholarship by and about marginalized women central to economic, political and social practices in the U.S. and around the world.

Tightly woven into the fabric of Smith through student internships, faculty mentoring and coursework, Meridians shares key tenets of the college’s mission: to fight for gender and racial equity, and to develop engaged global leaders.

“What we thought of as a small effort, but a worthy one, grew into something incredible, simply because intelligent people with immense heart, passion and generosity committed themselves to doing this work.”

—Ruth J. Simmons, Smith College president emerita

“The goal of Meridians has always been to center scholarship by and about women of color. This makes its existence and continued success even more exciting and necessary.”
–Gloria Steinem ’56

The Meridians Movement

Meridians has grown to become an influential community for women. The peer-reviewed journal publishes outstanding scholarly and creative work, spurring conversation around feminism, race and transnationalism. Meridians’ global network of contributors, readers and teachers collectively support the publication’s mission to empower women.

“We’re creating a conversation of intellectuals, an international community with a shared focus on feminism and activism, which expands the pipeline of women of color scholars, and supports women in shifting the ways in which academic communities envision social justice,” says Ginetta E.B. Candelario ’90, Meridians editor.

Visit the Meridians Site

Philanthropic Opportunities

An anonymous alum, moved by the mission and vision of Meridians, has committed a foundational endowed gift of $1 million to inspire other alums to join in sustaining the journal and help it expand globally.

“Meridians’ time has come,” says the anonymous donor. “It’s an extraordinary journal, and we have a chance to really propel it. I’m thrilled that we have the opportunity as a community to support Meridians with the respect and resources it deserves.”

Smith is asking alums to come together and raise an additional $1 million to permanently endow Meridians.

Your donation of any amount will go directly to the Meridians endowment, helping amplify the voices of women of color.

Give to Meridians Learn More About the $1 Million Gift

For more information, contact Marea Wexler, senior philanthropic advisor, at 413-585-2672 or mswexler@najwc.com.