Meet Willow Sipling

Sociologist, Non-Profit Leader, & Advocate

Willow Sipling is an organizational sociologist focusing their research and writing on social theory, religious fundamentalism, applied ethics, and queer studies. Willow is a PhD student at Western Michigan University and serves as Director of Engagement at OutCenter, a southwest Michigan-based LGBT advocacy organization. Willow’s work on social science and social theory has been featured in both peer-reviewed and popular publications, including Fast Company, HR.com, and US News, and at conferences at Cambridge, Durham, Notre Dame, and other centers of learning. Holding certifications and credentials in HR, conflict resolution, victim advocacy, mediation, and more, Willow is a lover of learning and enjoys exploring challenging information.

A survivor of LGBTQ+ discrimination, the Roman Catholic abuse crisis, and religious fundamentalism, Willow’s deconstruction and reconstruction journey has taught them valuable lessons about empathy, intellectual humility, and how to take a principled stand against harmful cultures and influences.

 Willow is a lover of indoor climbing, dystopian and solarpunk literature, K-dramas, local cuisine, and spending time with friends.