Penn State campuses hosting Women's History Month events in March

Candice Benbow

"Red Lip Theology" with Candice Benbow will be livestreamed by WPSU at 7 p.m. on March 22, 2021, and is open to Penn State faculty, staff, students and community members.

Credit: Provided

Penn State student organizations and units at campuses across the commonwealth will be holding events in honor of National Women’s History Month. Here’s a look at some of the events taking place at the University’s campuses during the month of March. This list will be updated as events are added throughout the month.

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY PARK

Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin

At 7 p.m. on Monday, March 1, Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin from Unladylike Media will discuss the intersection of the feminist movement, #MeToo, and the Abolition Movement, with a discussion of how feminism and white womanhood have pushed up against racial equity historically through present day. Read more here about the virtual event, and register for tickets.

Credit: Unladylike Media

March 1, at 7-8 p.m. — Confronting White Feminism with Unladylike Media — The Gender Equity Center’s kickoff to Women's History Month bridges the gap between Black History Month and Women's History Month. Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin from Unladylike Media will discuss the intersection of the feminist movement, #MeToo, and the Abolition Movement, with a discussion of how feminism and white womanhood have pushed up against racial equity historically through present day. Read more here about the virtual event and register for tickets.

March 3 through 30WHM March 2021: Create a "Zine" — Join the Finance & Business Office of Diversity and Inclusion's Women's History Month subcommittee for two Zoom sessions to create a collaborative zine about Women's Suffrage and voting rights. During the kickoff meeting, 4-5 p.m. on March 3, participants will be guided on how to create a zine and given prompts to reflect on. Participants may send in a photo of their completed zine page. The committee will compile the pages and create a collaborative zine to share during the closing event, 4-5 p.m., March 30. For more information, register here.

March 4, at 6:30 p.m. — Reach New Heights Through Careers in Aviation: A Networking Opportunity for Women in Engineering and IST — Are you curious about working in an exciting field that can help you reach boundless heights? Here is your opportunity to learn about the variety of careers available in aviation and network with the Professional Association of Women Controllers. Learn about the field and receive advice on how to launch your career in this exciting field. **This Zoom event is open to all students. Register here.

March 13, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Alumni Hall — Women of Color EmPOWERment Symposium: "Lifting As We Climb" — The Women of Color EmPOWERment Symposium is a full day of relationship-building and camaraderie among women of color as we come together and engage in presentations and critical dialogue around topics that impact us. This is an in-person program and all COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Anyone interested in the symposium can sign up here; the deadline is March 9. You can also go to the Paul Robeson Cultural Center's Instagram page @psuprcc for more information.

March 15, at 7 p.m.Women's History Month Cooking Event — Join us for a special Women's History Month interactive, virtual cooking show to cook with us in real-time. HealthWorks peer educators will lead with step-by-step instructions so you can follow along and learn new cooking skills. You can choose to watch and observe or cook along with us and learn more about famous women chefs and groundbreakers. Zoom link.

March 15, at 7-8 p.m.A Conversation with Claire Smith — Claire Smith was among the pioneering group of women to break into sports writing, and is the first woman, and fourth African-American, to win the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, which is the highest honor given by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Smith attended Penn State and graduated from Temple University. The session is a Women’s History Month event, co-sponsored by the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and the Penn State chapter of the Association for Women in Sports Media. Read more in this story.

Moxie Zine event flyer
Credit: Provided

March 15, at 6-8 p.m.Film screening: "Moxie"  — Join the Gender Equity Center, in partnership with Penn State Libraries and Hillel at Penn State for a film screening and discussion of Netflix's "Moxie.”

Emma Johnson (actor Josephine Langford) inspired by her mom's (actor Amy Poehler) rebellious past and a confident new friend publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school. We will discuss the main themes from the movie as well as discuss the history of grassroots activism by women for social and political change. Register here.

March 16, at 6 p.m. (virtual) — Practical Activism: Living Out Your Vocational Calling — the Paul Robeson Cultural enter is hosting an event with Minniejean Brown Trickey, one of the "Little Rock Nine" who fought during the civil rights era to push for desegregation of schools. She has since then continued to fight for equality across the country. We will specifically look to talk about finding one's vocational calling and how that can intersect with social justice work. Anyone interested can register here. You can also go to the PRCC's Instagram page @psuprcc for more information.

March 18, at 6-7 p.m. Mikki Kendall: Black Feminism — This event, hosted by the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, in partnership with the Gender Equity Center, will serve as a guided conversation with Mikki Kendall on Black feminism. In her book, Hood Feminism, Mikki Kendall aims to center the experiences of queer and trans Black women as the faces of our movements. This conversation will discuss the ways queer and trans Black women are pushed out of feminism, as well as the importance of the language we use to describe our historical leaders. Zoom link.

March 18, at 7-8 p.m. — Trivia Thursday: Women's History Month Trivia — Join the Gender Equity Center and Residence Life for Women's History Month themed trivia jeopardy game. Learn about female trailblazers at Penn State and beyond! Participants will compete for the bragging rights as well as fun prizes from the Penn State Gender Equity Center. Warnock Commons Social Lounge, North Residential Community.

March 22, at 7-8 p.m. — Red Lip Theology: Candice Benbow — Benbow situates her work at the intersections of beauty, baking, faith, feminism and culture, giving voice to Black women’s shared experiences of healing and journeying toward wholeness. In 2015, Benbow created Red Lip Theology to encourage women to embrace themselves as good creation. Through Red Lip Theology, she merges theological ideals with beauty industry participation to celebrate Black women’s creativity and spirituality. Sponsored by the Gender Equity Center in partnership with the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, Adult Learner Programs and Services, the Multicultural Resource Center, Penn State World Campus, Penn State Alpha Phi Alpha, the Wesley Foundation at Penn State, and the HOPE Center at Lock Haven University. Tickets available here.

March 31, at 6-8 p.m. — "Moxie" Zine Workshop — You've watched the movie - now make your own zine! Join Danica White and Sara Rincon Jimenez from the University Libraries and learn how to create a zine that is totally YOU! Registration is required by March 15. Pre-registration required to receive the Zoom link and have materials mailed to you. Participants must register by March 15 to guarantee receiving materials for Zine creation. Register here.

PENN STATE ALTOONA

Penn State Altoona has several activities and events planned for Women's History Month. Participants can register for these events at Penn State Altoona Connect. All events are sponsored by the Center for Student and Civic Engagement and the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming.  Several events are in honor of late Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Read more here.

  • March 8, 5:30 p.m., Zoom — "The Notorious RBG Trivia"
  • March 9, 6 p.m., Pond View Lounge, Slep Student Center — Film: "On the Basis of Sex" — Film screening with food selections from Ginsburg's history.
  • March 12, 6 p.m., Slep Student Center — Film: "A League of Their Own" — Film screening and "Paint by Number" crafts of leading female figures in history
  • March 15, 12:30 p.m., Slep Student CenterRBG birthday cupcakes — Cupcakes and a call to action (advocacy resources provided to students)
  • March 22, 6 p.m., on Zoom — Brenda Bowser Soder, vice president of communications for KIND (Kids in Need of Defense), will present "Women: Leading, Learning, and Mentoring to Change the World," and discuss being a woman in leadership, the importance of mentorship, non-profit leadership for change, and the ability to grow, learn and lead. A Mount Union, Pennsylvania, native, she previously served as director of communications and public affairs at the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission and vice president of communications at Human Rights First.

DICKINSON LAW

March 1, at 3:30-4:30 p.m., Zoom — Dickinson Law Community Conversation series to feature Professor of Law Katherine Pearson. For nearly 20 years, Pearson’s academic focus in research and writing has been on laws and policies connected to aging. Pearson will share more about how her teaching experience has evolved over time — from teaching courses focused on trial skills and creating a clinic focused on elder law to now teaching Contract Law, Nonprofit Organizations Law, and Wills, Trusts & Estates. The series provides the opportunity to hear about a faculty member’s diverse experiences and perspectives. Open to the Dickinson Law community; for more information, contact Julie Cullings at [email protected].

March 8, at 12:30-1:30 p.m. — Jasmine Rand, founding attorney of Rand Law LLC, a Miami-based civil litigation firm and a successful civil rights attorney, professor and businesswoman will share her insight, experience and pioneering efforts for social justice during a virtual talk, titled "Oppression of Equality: Being the Only Women in the Room." Hosted by Dickinson Law, the event is open to the University community; click here to register. More information is available in this story.

March 26, at 9:30-10:30 a.m. — Women’s History Month Keynote to discuss gender equity and work/family integration in a post-pandemic world. Join the Dickinson Law community for this presentation by Michelle A. Travis, professor, University of San Francisco School of Law, looking both backwards and forwards as we assess the disproportionately negative impact that the pandemic has had on women and working mothers. As women face a childcare crisis that is forcing a mass exodus from the workplace, the incompatibility of caregiving work and paid labor force participation has never been so acute or so visible. This offers a unique opportunity and responsibility to advance legal, institutional, and social supports for greater workplace flexibility and work/family integration to ensure that we do not simply return to “business as usual” when the pandemic is behind us. Open to the University community; click here to register.

PENN STATE DUBOIS

March 2, at 12:15 p.m. — Trivia Tuesday: "Her"story themed trivia — Join us for a Women's "Her"story themed trivia event! Zoom Meeting ID# 992 1896 6907.

March 8National Women's Day on Social Media — Follow and engage with the Office of Student Engagement on Instagram on ways to celebrate National Women's Day! Follow PSU Dubois on Instagram (@psudengage).

March 10, at 12:15 p.m.Women in STEM: Panel of alumnae from Engineering, IST and Wildlife Technology — A panel of alumnae from Engineering, IST and Wildlife Technology programs at Penn State DuBois discuss why they chose STEM-related professions, the challenges facing women in STEM, how they overcame them, and how we can create a more gender-balanced future in these fields. Zoom Meeting ID #97290903890, password 361755; also in person.

March 24, at 7 p.m. Tom Varano: Speed-painting historical women— Speed-painting mixed with inspirational speaking. Varano uses fingertips, palms and multiple brushes to paint custom portraits and famous people on a 4- by 5-foot canvas in just a matter of minutes. His creations for this event will be of historical women and are all choreographed to powerful music that draws the audience into what is being created on the blank canvas. Zoom Meeting ID # 942 3436 6853.

PENN STATE HARRISBURG

March 4 at 10 a.m. — Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education (virtual event for students)  — Join us as we listen to and learn from renowned social justice educator Jen Fry when she presents another of JenFryTalks' acclaimed webinars focusing on inclusive excellence and social justice in higher education. Students can register here.

March 10, at 7 p.m. — Join the Office of Student Life for a fun-filled night of bingo, as we celebrate iconic woman of yesterday, today and the future. All are welcome; however, only Penn State Harrisburg students are eligible to win. Each ball is filled with educational content — come learn and have some fun! Zoom Link.

March 11, at 8:30 p.m. — Join the Office of Student Life for a virtual paint party paying tribute to Black Women's History — celebrating accomplishments and honoring those who have paved the road forward.  Students who submit their painting within one week of the event and be entered to win a gift cards — All are welcome, supplies available for students only. Zoom link.

March 15 at 7:30 p.m. — Inclusive Excellence in Higher Education (virtual event for faculty and staff)  — Join us as we listen to and learn from renowned social justice educator Jen Fry when she presents another of JenFryTalks' acclaimed webinars focusing on inclusive excellence and social justice in higher education. Faculty and staff can register here.

March 15 through 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily Women in STEAM Meet the Recruiter Series (virtual) — Registered Penn State Harrisburg students will have the opportunity to engage with employer(s) in-depth during their scheduled appointment. Students can utilize their time to network with employers; receive a professional opinion on their resume and/or cover letter; chat about the employer's company culture; get advice on hard and soft skills recruiters are looking for; plus more. More information is available here.

March 22 through May 14 — "Through Alice's Eyes:  A Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Alice K. Marshall Women's History Collection at Penn State Harrisburg, 1991-2021" — Join the Penn State Harrisburg Library for this fascinating exhibit featuring women’s history artifacts and memorabilia. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Library will be using Flickr and Facebook and Instagram posts to highlight aspects of the exhibit.

March 25, at 7 p.m. — Join the Office of Student Life for "Music Behind the Most Powerful Women," an event hosted by Bert & Det as part of "We Survived 2020 — Be Better Series." This event will examine pop-culture songs that highlight powerful women, looking at why certain songs were created, spotlighting the powerful women behind the music, and dissecting the meanings behind the lyrics. The event will conclude with Women’s History/Appreciation Trivia. All are welcome; however, only Penn State Harrisburg students are eligible to win. Zoom link.

March 30, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. — Women in STEAM Employer Showcase (virtual) — Penn State Harrisburg students and alumni are invited to attend this showcase and receive networking opportunities with potential employers. Attendees will have the opportunity to reserve spots with recruiters they are interested in connecting with, as well as engage with additional live and prerecorded presentations. During the day, participate with additional events like a virtual tour of the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at 10 a.m. or a Molecular Gastronomy Cooking Demonstration with Penn State's Chef Athan and Chef Skylar at 1 p.m. More information is available here.

March 30, at 5 p.m. — Women in STEAM Symposium Keynote Address with Mayim Bialik: “The Big Bang Theory: Making Science Cool (& Funny)” (virtual) — An acclaimed actress who became a neuroscientist is now an actress who on TV plays a neuroscientist. If you follow this logic, then you are probably a fan of one of the most popular comedies on television, The Big Bang Theory. Playing the role of “Amy Farrah Fowler,” Mayim Bialik uses her doctoral degree as the foundation for her unforgettable character. In her presentations, she shares her keen scientific mind and her wonderful sense of humor as she explores the work of the brain, of behavioral development, of her life as an actress and scientist, and of the special relationship that exists between The Big Bang Theory and its audience. This event is free and open to the public. Registration will open March 8. More information is available here.

PENN STATE LEHIGH VALLEY

Women's Veterans event flyer
Credit: Provided

March 3, at 12:15-1:15 p.m. Women Veterans Empowering & Thriving Event — In honor of Women's History Month, the Student Veterans of America Club invite you to an empowering experience of truth and connection regarding women veterans on March 3, 2021.  The SVA has invited the Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving Non-Profit Organization to present a performance around the current issues facing women veterans. Read more here.

March 24, 12:20 p.m. Spoken word artist Roxy Azari  — Penn State Lehigh Valley will join Penn State Mont Alto to host Roxy Azari via Zoom. Campus community members should check their email for the Zoom link.

PENN STATE SCRANTON

March 8, 1 p.m.International Women's Day — This program will provide an opportunity for students to learn about the International Women's Day and the theme of 2021 (Choose to Challenge). Celebrate and empower women in your life by taking the pledge to "choose to challenge." Zoom link.

March 12, noonTed Talks by Inspiring Women around the world — Engage in a discussion based on various Ted Talks by different women around the world. Join the discussion about women's rights and women empowerment. Zoom link.

March 19, noonWomen's History Month Celebration — During this event, we will recognize pioneers of women's history from around the world as well as the women leaders of Penn State Scranton. You will have the opportunity to nominate a woman of Penn State Scranton throughout the month of March. Zoom link.

PENN STATE WILKES-BARRE

Penn State Wilkes-Barre offers several events for Women's History Month, including the following. Read the full story here for more events and how to register.

March 1, noon March in March: Women's Suffrage — Watch Michell Mehrten's TED talk about the historic women's suffrage march on Washington in 1913 and discuss that legacy as part of Women's History Month. Registration link.

March 9, noon — Ted Talk-n-Talk: Mellody Hobson, Color Blind or Color Brave — Watch and discuss Mellody Hobson's TED Talk, "Color blind or color brave?" Registration link.