On Friday, the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) held the Phenomenal Women’s Celebration, which honored female students, staff and faculty workers. To mark Women’s History Month, these women were recognized for their hard work, positive attitudes and success at the university.
Since 1987, March has been designated to celebrate women’s history. It is celebrated to emphasize the importance of women in society and the achievements that have been made over many years that have shaped culture, education and society.
While there have been significant changes in how women have been perceived, there are still inequities that women continue to fight for today. Nominee Betelihem Fre said Women’s History Month is about the strength and resilience that women hold in society.
USGA holds the event to give people the opportunity to nominate women across campus who have had a positive impact. The president of USGA, Darby Brown, said having events that celebrate women can help university women succeed.
“We live in a world that I think likes to discredit women and systems that are stacked against women, especially professionally,” said Brown. “Events like these help women find their place in the world and help women find their strength to persevere through the challenges they may face.”
USGA organized the event – where recipients were given a certificate and provided a lunch where they could connect with other “phenomenal women.” USGA also created a slideshow that highlighted each nominee.
Brisa Velazquez Perez, USGA’s vice president of engagement, said this event shines light not only on students, but on some of the overseen staff and faculty members.
“Most of the events for women’s history month are catered to students and this one highlights faculty and staff more,” said Perez. “I feel like it’s important to make the faculty and staff feel the appreciation they deserve.”
Recipient and USGA Senator for College of Arts and Sciences, Gina Cruz, said it takes a team of “phenomenal women” to create something like this and sometimes that can go unrecognized with everything happening on campus.
“As a freshman I feel as if I haven’t made as much of an impact compared to everyone else,” said Cruz. “To get nominated for something like this is something that is dear to my heart.”
Alongside a student nominee Cruz, university librarian Lauren Slingluff said she felt honored to be recognized.
“I was truly touched and honored to know that what I do is honored by members of the community is very emotional,” said Slingluff. “I think it’s great when we get to recognize women who work really hard to support everyone in the community and lift others up.”
As Women’s History Month comes to an end, the university community has displayed the importance of women’s contributions not only to this school, but around the world to acknowledge all they have created and left their mark on.