Intercultural Center Monthly Events

💐 Recognizing Women’s History Month &  

International Women’s Day! 💐 

This Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day we commemorate the countless contributions women have made to our society and culture throughout history. It is an opportunity for our campus community to learn about and reflect on the achievements of women while continuing to advocate for equity and opportunity for all. 

Women’s History Month started as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission organized a Women’s History Week to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th. It quickly gained national attention, with other communities throughout the country starting their own Women’s History Week. Then in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. By 1987, after overwhelming support, Congress officially designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every U.S. president has issued annual proclamations honoring the achievements of women throughout history. 

A multitude of women have broken barriers and reshaped society in profound ways. Celia Cruz Dolores was a Cuban singer known as the “Queen of Salsa”, whose powerful voice and vibrant performances helped popularize Afro-Cuban music around the world. Dolores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers and to this day, continues to advocate for workers’ rights. Marie Curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences (Physics and Chemistry). Michelle Kwan made U.S. history as the most decorated figure skater including two Olympic medals as well as becoming the first Asian American to serve as U.S. ambassador to Belize. Rosalind Franklin’s research significantly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure. While we have named a few powerful women here today, there are countless others, who continue to inspire new generations of leaders and innovators, in and outside the classroom.  

As a community college, and at the Intercultural Center, we play an important role in supporting women pursuing education, career advancement, and leadership roles. In addition, Women’s History Month is not only a time to look back at progress made, but also to reaffirm our commitment to building an inclusive campus environment and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.  

 

Campus Efforts 

Did you know? Our college offers courses that focus on the experiences of women such as:  ENGL-280 Women Writers; HIST 120 – Role of Women: History of US; HLHSCI 243 – Women’s Health; PSYCH-235 Psychology of Gender Roles; SOCI-200 Sociology of Gender.