Honoring women as advocates and mentors

Today is International Women’s Day and March is Women’s History Month. The official theme for the month is “Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” By observing this day and month, we honor the vital roles women have always played in building a more just and equitable society where everyone can thrive.

In my role, I take joy from the connections I make every day with members of our community who are current and future leaders and changemakers. There are many women who mentored me along my life’s journey and emboldened me. It is meaningful to me to contribute to others’ lives as an advocate and mentor for the next generation of women in education and in leadership.

I know I am not alone in this commitment on our campus. Recently, I attended the School of Engineering & Technology’s inaugural Engineering Week, which included a special event designed to encourage young women from local middle and high schools to explore careers in engineering. During my entire career, I have worked alongside many as an advocate and an activist for getting more women and girls into engineering and other science, technology and math (STEM) fields. I was truly inspired to see young women at the event excited about a field where they have traditionally been underrepresented. Equally inspiring was the generosity of women in engineering, including faculty, industry professionals, and graduates, who shared their stories such that young women would be affirmed and empowered.

This is just one of many ways in which we are intentionally creating paths into education and ultimately into lives of meaning, mobility, and fulfillment after graduation.

Today, it is heartening to see women represented in leadership, in education, and in other fields more than ever. Even as we celebrate this month, we must remember that disparities stubbornly persist, particularly for women of color. Let’s all continue striving for a more welcoming, inclusive and sustainable future where everyone can pursue their dreams and make their mark, both in our community and the world.