UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Halfway through March, Penn State student organizations and units at campuses across the commonwealth continue to hold events in honor of National Women’s History Month.

According to the National Women's History Alliance, the theme of National Women's History Month this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," encouraging recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling and honoring women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.

Some of the events taking place at the University’s campuses for the second half of March include the following. Be sure to check the full list below for further details on each event.

At University Park:

• Women’s Empowerment Week events, hosted by University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) — March 13–17
• "From Dear Old State to the U.S. Department of State: Perspectives from Alumnae Leaders in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy" — Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., online.
• True Crime Night with the Gender Equity Center — Thursday, March 16, at 6 p.m., HUB Robeson Center: Flex Theater.
• Wikipedia Edit-a-thon focused on Native America women activists / environmentalists — March 20–April 23, virtual event.
• “Ungendering Expectations” with the College of Health and Human Development — Tuesday, March 21, at 6 p.m., Henderson 110.
• Gender Equity Center Bus Trip: Washington, D.C. — Friday, March 24, all day.
• Valarie Kaur: “See No Stranger” for Higher Education Practice — Monday, March 27, at 2:30–4 p.m., Zoom; and  “See No Stranger” Book Discussion — Tuesday, March 28, at 6­–7 p.m., Penn State Libraries’ Foster Auditorium.
• Native American Wikipedia Editathon speaker Nicky Day Michael — Wednesday, March 29, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library.
• D’Manda Martini: Women’s History Month Keynote with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity — Thursday, March 30, at 5:30–7:30 p.m., HUB 233.

At the Commonwealth Campuses:

Penn State Brandywine:

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg lecture — Monday, March 13, at noon–1 p.m., Tomezsko Lounge.
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Women’s History Trivia — Monday, March 13, at 5:30–6:30 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall.
• Storyteller and Poet: Carla Christopher — Wednesday, March 15, at 5–7 p.m., Tomezsko Lounge.
• Speaker: Tracianna Graves — Monday, March 20, at noon–1:30 p.m., Student Union 114-117.
• Hip Hop Spoken Word: Queen Sheba — Wednesday, March 22, at noon–1 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall.

Penn State Dickinson Law: “The Impact of Women of Color in the Judiciary” — Friday, March 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium, Lewis Katz Hall.

Penn State Great Valley: Women's History Month Panel: In Celebration of Her-Story! — Thursday, March 30, at 5–8 p.m., Conference Center Building.

Penn State Harrisburg: Women in Tech — Monday, March 13, at 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Olmsted E-134.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre:

• Women's History Month Trivia Game — Tuesday March 14, at 12:15 p.m., Student Commons.
• Comedian Lauren Hope Krass — Monday, March 20, at 12:15 p.m., Student Commons Stage Area.
• National Women's History Museum Virtual Tour — Tuesday, March 28, at 12:15 p.m., ARB Room 102 and also Zoom.

Penn State York:

• Community Coffee Hour in Celebration of Women’s History Month — Tuesday, March 14, at noon-1 p.m., hallway adjacent to the Fitness Center, at The Ruhl Center.
• THINKFAST Interactive Trivia (Women’s History Month Theme) — Tuesday, March 14, at noon and 12:45 p.m. (two games), in the lounge area next to the Fitness Center, at the Ruhl Center.

The full schedule is as follows:

Penn State University Park

“See No Stranger” with Valarie Kaur — Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., HUB Robeson Center: Heritage Hall.

The theme for Women’s History Month 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” perfectly aligns with the professional work of Valarie Kaur, civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, world renowned speaker and best-selling author of “See No Stranger.” In 2021, she led the People’s Inauguration, and is the founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. Kaur will offer a keynote conversation and book signing, talking about what inspires her work, social justice and interfaith activism. In addition, on March 27 (see below) Kaur will be hosting a second, virtual session specifically for Penn State Faculty and Staff to discuss Revolutionary Love in practice.

This event is being sponsored by the Gender Equity Center, the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Development, University Libraries, the Presidential Leadership Academy, Finance and Business, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Development and Alumni Relations, Outreach & Online Education, and the Coalition on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“Intersections” Sustainability Film Series: The Empowerment Project — Wednesday, March 1, at 7–9 p.m., online.

Follow an all-female film team on a month-long road trip across the United States to interview women leaders and innovators in career fields where women traditionally have lacked representation or mentorship, from aviation to mathematics to beer-making. Following the film, we will host an online panel discussion with student leaders from across Penn State, including from Graduate Women in Science and the Association for Women in Sports Media. Learn more here and register here.

A Celebration of Women’s J.D.’s: Navigating Law School and Beyond — Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., Zoom.

Join the School of Labor and Employment Relations' pre-law adviser, Professor Arthur Matthews, as he gives the floor to five intelligent women who will discuss their law school journeys, earning their juris doctor degrees, and more! This exciting Women's History Month event is an opportunity to celebrate women in law who have achieved remarkable success. Register here.  

Women and Queer Bike Night — Thursday, March 2, at 6 p.m., Bike Den (West Parking Deck).

Penn State Transportation Services’  Women and Queer Night event at the Bike Den is open to Penn State students, faculty, and staff, as well as local community members. Attendees can work on their bikes, enjoy free pizza, talk to Bike Den staff and volunteers, and learn more about biking at Penn State and the surrounding area. In addition to creating a local community centered around cycling, this event provides an opportunity for underrepresented populations to connect and meet other cyclists whose biking experience ranges from beginner to seasoned cyclists and bike mechanics. The series is co-sponsored by Penn State's Center for Gender Equity and Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity.

Women’s Empowerment Week events, hosted by University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) — March 13–17

• Women’s Empowerment Resource Station — Monday, March 13, at noon–4 p.m., HUB Tables. Learn more about university resources provided to students related to women’s health and advocacy. Enjoy stickers, pamphlets, and other treats!
• Tea with Title IX — Tuesday, March 14, at 5 p.m., location TBD. Curious to know about Title IX, what it means and protections for students? Join UPUA’s Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention (SVAP) Roundtable in collaboration with the Gender Equity Center and the Office of Ethics and Compliance for a casual conversation with Title IX Coordinator, Amber Grove, and Associate Director of the Gender Equity Center, Becca Geiger Wallen. We will be answering all you questions about everything you want to know about Title IX and more. Light refreshments will be provided.
• Art and Advocacy: Women’s Leadership Painting Night — Wednesday, March 15, at 5 p.m., Flex Theater. What does it take to be Penn State leader? How can we build a stronger community for female-identifying students? Engage with both student and staff leadership dedicated to women’s empowerment while painting portraits of famous female activists!
• Women’s Empowerment Day of Advocacy — Friday, March 17, at 4–7 p.m., Flex Theater. Want to connect with social justice organizations on campus? Want to become more involved and learn about engagement opportunities and internships? Join us for free creamery ice cream at a social justice involvement fair-style event dedicated to women’s resources and other relevant issues!

"From Dear Old State to the U.S. Department of State: Perspectives from Alumnae Leaders in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy" — Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., online.

Hosted by the Graduate School and Graduate School Alumni Society, this virtual panel discussion will feature an engaging discussion with Penn State alumnae who have built successful careers strengthening our nation’s international relationships through their work at the U.S. Department of State. Panelists will share insights about working in diplomacy, what skills helped them excel in their careers, how they leveraged their Penn State degrees, and what it is like to have a career in foreign affairs. Registration is free and open to all Penn State community members with a Penn State email address.

True Crime Night with the Gender Equity Center — Thursday, March 16, at 6 p.m., HUB Robeson Center: Flex Theater.

Are you an active true crime viewer? Are you interested in becoming an active bystander instead of a passive listener? If so, join the Gender Equity Center for a true crime night. We will feature a video from YouTuber and Podcaster, Kendall Rae, as she walks us through the case of a Black woman, Tamla Horsford, who was pronounced dead with suspicious circumstances. This case is full of questionable undertones that will leave the viewer demanding the case be reopened. Through this Women's History Month event, we seek to highlight the disparities that women of color experience. Come for the viewing and a discussion on the case!

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon focused on Native America women activists / environmentalists — March 20–April 23, virtual event.

Hosted by the University Libraries in celebration of Women’s History Month and Earth Day, this virtual, drop-in event’s planning group will provide suggestions of articles to edit and references to use. First-time Wikipedia editors are welcome. Experienced Wikipedia editors will be on hand to answer questions. Participation details available on the Wikipedia Meetup page.

“Ungendering Expectations” with the College of Health and Human Development — Tuesday, March 21, at 6 p.m., Henderson 110.

Join the Office for Diversity and Inclusion for the College of Health and Human Development along with the Gender Equity Center for a workshop where participants will explore and identify gender stereotypes through an interactive activity, which will help define and identify gender norms and the consequences of failing to follow them. We will lead into a discussion of how gender norms influence bias and other problematic behaviors excluding women from STEM fields and leadership positions. From there, participants will learn bystander intervention techniques to promote equity and inclusion, promoting leadership for Women in STEM, making Penn State and the world a more equitable place.

Gender Equity Center Bus Trip: Washington, D.C. — Friday, March 24, all day. Register here.  

We are going to see Gender Equity work in action as part of our Women’s History Month programing. Students will learn about women’s history, careers in gender equity, connect with alumni, and meet folks doing advocacy work outside of our community. During their time in D.C., students will explore both the significant women who made history pushing for equity and justice as well as meeting women and other folks who are currently making history. The trip will end with a networking event with D.C. alumni, helping students look to the future, including their own, by engaging in with alumni doing work in a diverse array of fields to promote, equity, inclusion, and empowerment for all.

 

Valarie Kaur: “See No Stranger” for Higher Education Practice — Monday, March 27, at 2:30–4 p.m., Zoom. Register here.

In addition to Kaur’s keynote on March 1 (see above), the Gender Equity Center and University Libraries will host a second, virtual session by Kaur specifically for Penn State Faculty and Staff to discuss “Revolutionary Love” in practice, which is backed by research and infused with ancestral wisdom. Introducing and sharing educational tools, training courses, artwork, films, music and mass mobilizations that center the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities in her See No Stranger Learning Hub, Kaur will teach us how we can birth a world where we “see no stranger” and help build beloved community that is anti-racist, equitable and sustainable.

“See No Stranger” Book Discussion — Tuesday, March 28, at 6­–7 p.m., Penn State Libraries’ Foster Auditorium.

Join the Gender Equity Center and University Libraries for a discussion of “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love,” by Valarie Kaur. We will explore the themes in the book and discuss how to apply them to our lives. Everyone is welcome to participate; however, individuals who register will be able to receive a free copy of the book from the Gender Equity Center.

Native American Wikipedia Editathon speaker Nicky Day Michael — Wednesday, March 29, 11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m., in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library.

Michael (Lenape, a.k.a. Delaware Tribe of Indians) is interim president of Bacone College and executive director of Indigenous studies and curriculum. Michael chairs the Lenapeowsi Foundation, which teaches Lenape language and culture to local tribal and non-Indian children. She also is on her second term of the Delaware Tribal Council and third term as an elected leader of the Delaware Tribe. Michael has taught Indigenous and American Indian Studies for more than 10 years in which she emphasizes “Indigenous world views, pedagogies and decolonization.”

D’Manda Martini: Women’s History Month Keynote with the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity — Thursday, March 30, at 5:30–7:30 p.m., HUB 233.

D’Manda Martini is a Maryland cosplayer, drag performer, theater artist, and hostess of Eleanor’s New Deal Cabaret. She has been cosplaying officially at various conventions and competitions since 2013. Join the Gender Equity Center and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity for a keynote presention at the intersection of queer folks in cosplay as well as the consent piece of boundaries that comes with cosplay territory. This engagement will bridge the gap between Women’s History Month and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. After engaging in a moderated discussion, Martini will showcase a 45-60 minute video and live talk about cosplay and the process of getting convention-ready.

Penn State University Libraries will offer resources and digital collections throughout March:

• Digital exhibit “PSU Women’s Athletics and Title IX: The Successes and Struggles for Equal Access”  — March 1–April 1. Highlights from the collection, which documents the history of women’s athletics at Penn State and the success of those teams since the advent of Title IX in 1972, will be on display on the Collaboration Commons’ digital screens, ground floor West Pattee Library, on the University Park campus.

• Alice Marshall Women's History Collection — The collection consists of literary, graphic and manuscript materials dealing with the issues and individuals that comprised women's history from the 15th century to the early 1980s. Compiled by Alice Kahler Marshall (1923-97), the collection encompasses all areas of women's lives and includes 7,000 books and pamphlets; more than 400 newspaper and magazine titles; and thousands of other materials.
• Women’s Suffrage Collection — This collection documents both the national women’s rights movement and the women’s suffrage movement in Pennsylvania. Materials include booklets, editorial cartoons, fliers and pamphlets documenting the work of the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters, the National League of Women Voters, the National Women's Trade Union League of America, the Pennsylvania Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage and the Pennsylvania Woman Suffrage Association.
• A Few Good Women Oral History Collection — This collection’s oral history interviews and related papers are the product of “A Few Good Women: Advancing the cause for Women in Government, 1969-1974” project initiated by the Hon. Barbara Hackman Franklin in 1995. The collection consists primarily of oral history recordings, interview transcripts, project documentation, photographs and related papers donated by the interviewees documenting high-ranking women working in the Richard Nixon administration.
• Black Women's Organizing Archive — A project organized by students, faculty and librarians based at the Center for Black Digital Research at Penn State, this collection brings together the scattered archives of 19th- and early 20th-century Black women intellectuals, organizers and activists. BWOA moves Black women unapologetically to the forefront of recovery and Black digital history projects to highlight Black women’s often lost, erased or forgotten contributions to our intellectual histories and social movements.
• Library Guides — For Women's History Month, Penn State library users may find guides on Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and the History of Science: Women and Gender of interest. More LibGuides are available at the website. 

Penn State Abington

A Women's History Month Concert – Wednesday, March 1, at 7 p.m., Sutherland Auditorium.

The Merion Trio performs the chamber compositions of female composers who inspired connection through music despite tremendous odds. By sharing the music and stories of Louise Farrenc, Rebecca Clarke, Germaine Tailleferre, and Nadia and Lili Boulanger, we bolster the legacy of women composers and serve as a platform to build connections and create community through musical collaboration. More information and RSVP.

Penn State Berks

Queen Gala, hosted by Latinos United for Change — Wednesday, March 1, at 6 p.m., in the MPR.

Penn State Berks will host its first Queen Gala, an event in honor of and celebration of International Women of Color Day and Women’s History Month, with the theme of “empowerment.” The event will include a dinner, presentations, performances and music. Attendees are encouraged to wear creative formal attire, a dress code that allows individuals to slightly tone down formal attire by adding hints of their own personal style. This event is for Penn State Berks students, staff and faculty members and advanced registration is required.

Penn State Brandywine

Women’s Panel: Accomplishments and Challenges — Wednesday, March 1, at noon–1:30 p.m., Tomezsko Lounge.

Hear from faculty and staff about their respective challenges and accomplishments within their academic and professional careers. This panel will feature Professor of Psychology Pauline Thompson, Professor of Education Lynn Hartle and Academic Affairs Administrative Assistant Rhonda DelViscio.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg lecture — Monday, March 13, at noon–1 p.m., Tomezsko Lounge.

Associate Professor of History and American Studies Julie Gallagher will speak about former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s biggest achievements and what her legacy means for women in the supreme court. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Women’s History Trivia — Monday, March 13, at 5:30–6:30 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall.

Come and compete for prizes by answering questions about former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other women’s history topics. 

Storyteller and Poet: Carla Christopher — Wednesday, March 15, at 5–7 p.m., Tomezsko Lounge.

Through poetry, song, and storytelling Carla Christopher will share the true stories of women abolitionists, undercover military agents and movement leaders 

Speaker: Tracianna Graves — Monday, March 20, at noon–1:30 p.m., Student Union 114-117.

Over the past two decades, Traciana Graves has used her voice in a unique set of ways to create more inclusive places to live, work and learn. Traciana was voted “America’s Most Fearless Women” by the Huffington Post for the work that she has accomplished to foster greater inclusion and innovation as a corporate strategist, keynote speaker and internationally acclaimed vocalist.

Hip Hop Spoken Word: Queen Sheba — Wednesday, March 22, at noon–1 p.m., Student Union Parsons Hall. Queen

Sheba is a spoken word artist, motivational speaker, comedian and singer. She is a former Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities Performer of the Year nominee who has performed at more than 200 colleges and in nine countries.

Penn State Dickinson Law

“The Impact of Women of Color in the Judiciary” — Friday, March 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Apfelbaum Family Courtroom and Auditorium, Lewis Katz Hall.

The Dickinson Law Review will present a symposium with members of the judiciary and academia to discuss how women of color have shaped the judiciary, and the role of women of color on the bench moving forward. The symposium is being co-sponsored by the Steele Family Leadership Program in Gender and Racial Equity and the Macon Bolling Allen Civil Rights and Transitional Justice Program at Penn State Dickinson Law. Advance registration for the 2023 Dickinson Law Review symposium is required.

Penn State Great Valley

Women's History Month Panel: In Celebration of Her-Story! — Thursday, March 30, at 5–8 p.m., Conference Center Building. Join us for a panel presentation comprising Penn State Great Valley alumnae who are business leaders in a variety of industries. A networking opportunity with light refreshments will be followed by a panel of alumnae sharing "her-stories" about their careers and what it takes to be a successful business leader in today's ever-changing work environment, followed by a Q&A session. Hosted by the Penn State Great Valley Diversity Action Council and the Office of Educational Equity. Learn more here and register here. 

Penn State Harrisburg

Women in Tech — Monday, March 13, at 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Olmsted E-134.

Kristin Austin, CEO of K.E.Advancement Inc. and vice president of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access at Rewriting the Code, will be presenting a session focused on women in tech. This event is sponsored by Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre

Women in History Display Board — All Month Long in the Student Commons. In our Student Commons, we will have a board display all month long, featuring famous women in history and their accomplishments. This will highlight just how much women in history have contributed to our society in the feats they have mastered and the impacts they have made on the world as a whole. Students will be able to get a quick glance all month long at various women in history who have accomplished greatness in their specific fields.

Women's History Month Trivia Game — Tuesday March 14, at 12:15 p.m., Student Commons.

In honor of Women’s History Month, players will take a crack at this game of Women’s History Month trivia questions to test their knowledge of women icons, significant moments in history, and their accomplishments and the rights they have fought for throughout time.

Comedian Lauren Hope Krass — Monday, March 20, at 12:15 p.m., Student Commons Stage Area.

Comedian Lauren Hope Krass from New York City will come to our campus and perform her comedy set for our students, which focuses on body positivity by putting a "ridiculous and brutally honest spin" on an important topic. Now one of New York's hottest comics, Lauren performs nationwide for Comedy Festivals, Colleges, Cruise Lines and Clubs. She recently took home 1st Place from the She Devil Comedy Festival in NYC and has been featured in The New York Times, Time Out NY and Backstage.

National Women's History Museum Virtual Tour — Tuesday, March 28, at 12:15 p.m., ARB Room 102 and also Zoom (link).

We will be diving into the virtual museum that is the National Women's History Museum by taking a virtual tour of and having meaningful discussion about a selection of their online exhibits. Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative online museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact — past, present and future.

Penn State York

Poster Displays all month — March 1–31, various locations. Posters are being displayed throughout the campus during the month of March highlighting the lives of famous women in history. This recognition of women is sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Community Coffee Hour in Celebration of Women’s History Month — Tuesday, March 14, at noon-1 p.m., hallway adjacent to the Fitness Center, at The Ruhl Center.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will host a Community Coffee Hour, a time for faculty, staff and students to gather and get to know each other. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Jane Pflaum, jap34@psu.edu, or Sonia Molly, sqm5495@psu.edu.

THINKFAST Interactive Trivia (Women’s History Month Theme) — Tuesday, March 14, at noon and 12:45 p.m. (two games), in the lounge area next to the Fitness Center, at the Ruhl Center.

Celebrate National Women’s History Month with the University Programming Board. Come play trivia with a Women’s History Month theme to win prizes. For more information, contact Sweeta Rasiyan at sjr5909@psu.edu.