Connect with the WSS Staff

Dr. Heather Shea (she/her/hers) hshea@msu.edu 

Director of Women*s Student Services

Heather came to MSU with a deep commitment to gender equity initiatives for students on college and university campuses, having recently worked as the Director of a Women’s Center in Idaho. She is committed to antiracist, intersectional feminism and working alongside college students who want to make the world a better place. She is a transplant to the midwest: she grew up in the western U.S., completed her undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees at Colorado State University. Heather completed her PhD at MSU in higher education administration. Her dissertation was a feminist narrative analysis of former college students’ engagement in a feminist play called The Vagina Monologues. In addition to working in Women*s Student Services, each summer she leads an undergraduate education abroad program called Learning, Culture, and Technology in Europe. Outside of campus, Heather loves to camp, hike, run, and garden. She is an avid reader and loves to travel to National Parks. 

>> Click here to schedule a Meeting with Heather

Gabby Wahla (she/her/hers)

Assistant Director of Women*s Student Services

Gabby Wahla came to MSU W*SS to work toward her passions of gender equity, social justice, and student programs and events. Gabby is a Spartan double-grad, having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the Residential College in the Arts & Humanities in 2017, and then a Master of Arts from the Student Affairs Administration program in 2021. Gabby’s love for higher education began in her role as an MSU College Adviser in Galesburg, Michigan, where she worked with students on educational equity. Gabby then went on to be the Graduate Assistant for Women*s Student Services during her Master’s program, and now joins W*SS as the Assistant Director. In her free time, Gabby enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, traveling, and drinking tea. 

>> Click here to schedule a meeting with Gabby

Makenzie Morales (she/they)

Women*s Student Services Graduate Assistant

Makenzie Morales (she/they) is a first-year graduate student in the Student Affairs Administration Master’s program. Makenzie grew up in MetroDetroit and went to Central Michigan University for her undergraduate degree, where she studied International Relations and Spanish. After graduating from Central Michigan University in 2020, she worked at an elementary school with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade special education students in Mount Clemens Community School District. Makenzie’s willingness to work towards a more equitable education system brought her to Michigan State University. During Makenzie’s time at Central Michigan University, she volunteered with various shelters in the Mount Pleasant area, served as the President of an intersectional feminist organization, assisted other social justice-oriented organizations, and organized numerous events for student and the community to enjoy. Makenzie’s dedication to fighting for gender equity has led her to Women*s Student Services, and she can not wait to form new connections and start new projects at MSU!

Annabel Leonova (she/her/hers)

Women*s Student Services Graduate Intern

Annabel is a graduate student in the Student Affairs Administration Master’s program, who recently completed her first year. Annabel grew up in Russia but spent the last 9 years living in Florida. There, she graduated from Florida Souther College with a BFA in Graphic Design in 2020. During her undergraduate career, Annabel served as a Resident Advisor which inspired her passion for work in student affairs. Her goal of creating a more welcoming and equitable environment on campus and in residence halls led her to working with Women*s Student Services as her summer practicum.