Thursday, Mar 1, 2018
Month-long celebration reflects on achievements and inspires younger generation
by Robert Leitner ’17
March is Women’s History Month — a time dedicated to celebrating achievements and contributions made by women in America. Several offices and departments throughout Rider have united to plan activities throughout the month to note historical changes and inspire today’s women at Rider.
Dr. Pamela Pruitt, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, points to the 19th Amendment, which established that the right to vote cannot be denied or abridged on the account of sex, as one of many significant achievements by women.
"We are privileged to be able to stand upon the shoulders of these great women of our past and support the great women leaders in America today," she says. "We need to also encourage our young women to be the best that they can be. We never know who we may be inspiring toward greatness."
Women’s History Month at Rider kicks off with a panel discussion on March 1, “Building a Pipeline for Women in Public Service.” The event will feature leaders in public service: Jessica Plumeri, undersheriff, Mercer County, New Jersey; Ayesha Hamilton, councilwoman, West Windsor, N.J.; and Kristin Giacalone ’97, information management coordinator of the Emergency and Remedial Response Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2.
On March 6, a film screening of She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry will take place. This film resurrects the buried history of the women who founded the modern American women's movement from 1966 to 1971. Recounting the stories of women who fought for their own equality and created a worldwide revolution, the story resonates today as new generations of women and men continue to work for feminism and human rights.
“Celebrating Women’s Leadership in Rider Athletics,” featuring a guest speaker and the Rider University women’s basketball team, will take place on March 22. Michele Powers ’84, the worldwide benefits operations leader at MetLife, will speak at the evening reception. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to and network with these women who have made an impactful contribution at Rider.
The events are a collaboration of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the women's basketball team, Rider Women's Leadership Council, and the Department of History and Philosophy.