UW-Superior junior Maëlle Rihouey has been named a recipient of the 2026 Women’s & Gender Studies Consortium (WGSC) Student Award, recognizing her research on secularism, minority women and sport in France.

Research at the Intersection of Gender, Religion, and Sport

Rihouey’s award-winning presentation, “Secularism and French Minority Women: How Women’s Exclusion from Sports Affects French People’s Perception of a Minority,” examines how policies rooted in secularism contribute to the exclusion of minority women from sports—and how that exclusion shapes public perception. Her work sits at the intersection of gender, religion, and social integration, an area of growing relevance in global conversations about equity and inclusion.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve done,” Rihouey said. “Being recognized at this level shows me that my research resonated with people and sparked interest. It’s rewarding to know that it can help others learn more and think more deeply about these issues.”

Influenced by Lived Experience

An international student from France, Rihouey said her background strongly influences her academic interests.

“I’m very interested in women’s issues, especially as they relate to identity and belonging,” she said.

Her research focuses on four central themes: the absence of minority women from mainstream spaces, gender-specific discrimination, nationalist stereotypes, and religious stereotypes. Using a mixed-methods approach, Rihouey analyzed existing literature on secularism and gender in French society, as well as prior survey data on minority women’s participation in sports and public attitudes toward them. Her findings suggest that exclusion from sports not only limits opportunities for minority women but also reinforces harmful stereotypes among the broader population.

Faculty Mentorship and Program Support

Rihouey completed the project with guidance from Professor Khalil (Haji) Dokhanchi.

“Dr. Dokhanchi has been an incredible mentor throughout this process,” she said. “Working with him over the summer was a great experience, and I learned so much from his guidance.”

She also credits faculty support within UW–Superior’s public leadership and changemaking program.

“All of the professors in the program genuinely care about their students,” Rihouey said. “They are incredibly supportive, and that has made a huge difference in my experience.”

Rihouey is majoring in public leadership and changemaking, with double minors in communication and gender studies. She said the flexibility of her academic program has allowed her to tailor her education around her passions.

“What I love most about my major is how well it connects to my interests,” she said. “Pairing it with minors makes my degree feel unique and gives me the space to focus on issues I truly care about.”

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Beyond the classroom, Rihouey is deeply involved in campus life. She serves in the Student Government Association and works as a campus ambassador, resident assistant, and in the Office of Multicultural Initiatives. She is also completing an internship. Although studying far from home, Rihouey said UW-Superior has become an important part of her journey.

“My time at UW-Superior has meant so much to me,” Rihouey said. “I’ve learned a lot, met incredible people, and grown through challenges—especially balancing school while paying for my own tuition. Those experiences have shaped me, and I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”

Being named a WGSC Student Award winner has affirmed Rihouey’s commitment to her research.

“Having my work recognized statewide is incredibly meaningful,” she said. “It motivates me to continue exploring this topic and to keep deepening my research moving forward.”

Programs at a Glance

UW-Superior’s communication program—available on campus and online—provides students with the opportunity to study communication in multiple forms and apply it through various hands-on experience. You will learn to apply communication skills and theories in personal, professional and social contexts. The exploration of communication will be rooted in understanding interpersonal and relational communication; persuasion and rhetoric; media, technology and society; organizational and professional communication; and public speaking and presentation skills.

Gender studies investigates how gender and sexuality function and shape our lives and experiences. Completing a minor in gender studies will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of humanity that can be applied to both your professional and personal life. Through discussion, reading, research and co-curricular programming, you’ll explore how gender and sexuality are constructed across cultures and over time.

Public leadership and changemaking is an interdisciplinary program that will prepare you to engage diverse groups in developing solutions for complex issues within local, regional, national and global communities. This major is unique in the region, making graduates highly sought after by nonprofits, planning agencies, civic and public agencies, Tribal government entities and many more. ll courses are taught by professors who are passionate about this major and their fields of study, preparing students for careers that positively impact our society and world.