Campus Life

Ana Maria Archila, Rachel Cargle, others to speak during Women's History Month

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With March serving as National Women’s History Month, the Gender Equity Center at Penn State is collaborating with various campus entities to feature diverse programming focusing on issues like activism, immigration, feminism, business, and women and gender-diverse individuals in STEM. All programs are free and open to all.

Programs and initiatives include:

"MAKERS: Women in Business"
6 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 — 103ABC Bank of America Career Services Building

Screening of the film "MAKERS: Women in Business" and discussion with panel afterward as part of Women’s History Month. Co-sponsored with Penn State Career Services.

Rachel Cargle: Unpacking White Feminism
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 — Flex Theater, HUB-Robeson Center

Rachel Cargle is an activist, writer and lecturer. Her activist and academic work are rooted in providing intellectual discourse, tools and resources that explore the intersection of race and womanhood. Her social media platforms boast a community of more than 185,000 where she guides conversations, encourages critical thinking and nurtures meaningful engagement with people all over the world.

Ana Maria Archila: “This is about the future of our country, sir”
6:30 p.m. Monday, March 25 — Freeman Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center

Ana María Archila, one of the sexual assault survivors to confront Sen. Jeff Flake in the elevator during the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings, emigrated to the U.S. from Colombia at the age of 17 and has become a leading voice for racial justice, economic justice and immigrant rights in New York and nationally, first as co-executive director of Make the Road New York (MRNY), and now as co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD).

CPD and its affiliates represent a multi-racial alliance of immigrants, African Americans and white working-class communities working to advance an agenda of racial and economic justice, and a vibrant democracy. CPD and its affiliates have played a major role in the national movement to raise the minimum wage and win family-sustaining jobs, resulting in raises for close to 11 million workers. Working with local progressive elected officials, the CPD network has helped elevate the role of cities as places for policy innovation that advances immigrant rights, workplace justice, and economic opportunity for communities of color. Co-sponsored with Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Austin Channing-Brown
7 p.m. Thursday, March 28 — Worship Hall, Pasquerilla Spiritual Center

Austin Channing-Brown is a leading new voice on racial justice, and author of "I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness." Channing-Brown is committed to exploring the intersections of racial justice, faith and black womanhood. Her voice is one of a kind, infused with justice, pop culture, humor and truth-telling. Co-sponsored with various organizations, including 3rd Way Collective.

#IAmPSUSTEM social media initiative

In STEM-degree programs and industries, women and gender-diverse individuals make up far less of the fields than male-identified individuals. This social media campaign will celebrate Penn State’s women and gender-diverse individuals who study and work in STEM fields.

Throughout March, people may post photos of themselves using the campaign hashtag and by tagging @PennStateGenEq and @CodeforHer (Instagram: @Code.For.Her). Photos may also be mailed to Jennifer Pencek, programming coordinator of the Gender Equity Center, at jlp35@psu.edu for online placement.

“I am especially proud so many have collaborated to offer such empowering programs and opportunities for students and our community to engage with one another and with issues that are so incredibly important,” said Pencek. “While the theme of the month is Women’s History Month, really we aim to honor all those who look to lift others up and be allies in our journey for equal rights, empowerment and social justice.”

For more information about these and other events, as well as more information on the Gender Equity Center, please visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/genderequity.

Last Updated March 20, 2019