Events planned at RIT to commemorate Women’s History Month

Several organizations at Rochester Institute of Technology, including the new President’s Commission on Women, are putting together a month of events to celebrate Women’s History Month and women in the RIT community, including panel discussions, one-on-one talks, self-empowerment, music, a trip to Seneca Falls, and more.

Their theme encourages the RIT community to look “beyond the ratio,” referring to the fact there are plenty of strong women and women-led organizations and clubs on campus, despite more men enrolled.

“There are a lot of great things going on for women at RIT, such as Hot Wheelz, Women In Computing, and AdvanceRIT,” said Betsy Dell, a professor of manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology, and co-chair of the commission. “We want to raise awareness that these great things exist at RIT, and celebrate the women we have at RIT.”

The commission, composed of faculty, staff, students, and alumni, works to improve the quality of women’s experiences at RIT. It works on proposing initiatives and strategies to improve the climate and culture for women on campus, exploring and educating on issues impacting women on and off campus, and supporting the recruitment and retention of women faculty, staff, and students.

Events begin at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, with a Women’s Resource Expo in the Fireside Lounge in Campus Center. More than 20 clubs and organizations from both on and off campus will provide information on resources they offer. T-shirts and cookies provided.

In addition, a table will be set up in the Student Alumni Union from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., to encourage people to register to vote.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, a kick-off program will be held in Webb Auditorium in Booth Hall, with keynote speaker Jennifer Gabriel, executive director of the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y.  The title of her talk is “Long Story Short: Women Matter!” The program also includes the announcement of the recipient of this year’s RIT’s Edwina Award. A reception follows from 6 to 7:30 p.m.  Free; registration encouraged.

Other events throughout the month include:

March 3

• Noon to 1 p.m.: You Can Sit With Us, Join a casual or serious chat with some of the President’s Commission on Women faculty and staff on RIT’s campus including Amy Stornello, senior employment advisor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf; Stella Lee, assistant director for diversity education; Darci Lane, co-chair of the President’s Commission on Women, and assistant director of Title IX and Clery Compliance; Joe Johnston, RIT ombuds; Maria Richart, director of career services and cooperative education; and Marian Nicoletti, assistant vice president dean of admissions. In 1829 Alumni Room, Student Alumni Union.

March 4

• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Day in Seneca Falls. Take a bus from RIT about an hour east to Seneca Falls to celebrate those who came before us. Admission for the National Women’s Hall of Fame and It’s A Wonderful Life Museum included. $5. Organized by the College Activities Board.

March 8: International Women’s Day

• 3 to 4:15 p.m.: Panel discussion, “Standing Together: Patterns of Resistance in China and Iran,” featuring Ling Ma, an assistant professor of history and a historian of modern China and transnational Asia, from State University College at Geneseo; and Shahin Monshipour, an Iranian-America, RIT alumna (MBA ’81) and founder of the International Culture and Arts Network. McKenzie Commons, Liberal Arts Hall, Room 1251. Organized by the College of Liberal Art’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program.

March 22

• 10 a.m. to noon: Stitch and Snack. De-stress and learn how to fix holes in clothing, with the School of Communication and Free Art Collective. Fireside Lounge.

March 24

• 4:30-5:30 p.m. Women’s Empowerment Seminar. Learn self-defense and empowerment strategies. Hale-Andrews Student Life Center, Room 1270, Upper Dance Studio.

March 29

• Noon to 1 p.m. National Center for Faculty Diversity and Develop Webinar Discussion: “Cultivating Your Network of Mentors, Sponsors & Collaborators.” Register and view the webinar available at the NCFDD website, and join AdvanceRIT to discuss cultivating your network. With facilitators, Distinguished Professor of Urban Entrepreneurship dt ogilvie; and Kara Maki, associate professor in the School of Mathematical Sciences. Campus Center 1010/1015.
• 6 to 7 p.m. Panel Discussion: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” Panelists: Ellen Granberg; RIT provost; Anna Stenport, dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Phillippa Thiuri, assistant vice president for Academic Access and Success; Jacqueline Nicholson, executive director of intercollegiate athletics; Alecia Allen, assistant vice president for National Technical Institute for the Deaf Diversity and Inclusion; and Doreen Edwards, dean of the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Fireside Lounge.