The University looks forward to recognizing the celebration of Women’s History Month with a variety of interactive events and discussions throughout March. 

Students and faculty are invited to participate in these events, which will include networking opportunities, alumni career panels, conversations and more. 

A few events have already been hosted on campus during March. The first event was hosted on March 2 at the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Alumna Melonie Parker, the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Google, spoke about her experience as a woman at Google. The event was sponsored by the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership and was a part of the University’s Graduate Programs in Human Resource Development and SHRM Student Chapter’s LEVEL UP Human Resources Conference. 

On March 9, the University hosted a panel discussion with a variety of female faculty. The event was co-sponsored by Villanova Institute to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders, also known as VISIBLE. The webinar focused on the progress and development of programs and initiatives on campus since March 2020.  The panelists also spoke about taking on new roles and coming to lead through changing circumstances. 

Another leadership discussion will be hosted on March 16 at 5 p.m. through the University’s Charles Widger School of Law. The panelists will include alumnae Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Hon. Joanna McClinton, Jami McKeon and Hon. Sandra Newman. Diane Ambler will moderate the discussion centered about empowerment. All the women of the panel have trailblazed the legal profession, and each have a great deal of experience in their respective fields. 

Participants are welcomed to join in-person at the law school or online. 

There are two more panel discussions focusing on women’s leadership. The webinar on March 23 will begin at 12 p.m. and focus on developing personal leadership skills. The panel of women will discuss a range of topics including seeking a career change, strengthening a current position and returning to the workforce. 

The final discussion of the “Women’s Leadership Wednesday” series will be on March 30 at 7 p.m. Recent McNulty Institute Lorenzini Leadership Ambassadors will discuss finding passions, navigating career starts and leading no matter age or title. 

The Big East also sponsored an event on March 11 at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the increasing trend in resignations by women. A panel spoke at the event, discussing personal experiences with resignations in fields such as healthcare, technology and education. 

On March 28 in the Villanova Room at 6:30 p.m., Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad will discuss her experience of being the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in a hijab. Muhammad will speak to the University community about her role of being an activist, entrepreneur and speaker. The event will include discussions on perseverance and success. 

Other events will be sponsored by the College of Engineering and School of Business. These events will include the Society of Women Engineers’ Annual Networking Dinner in the Villanova Room on March 23. 

The business school will hold an open conversation for VSB students on March 25. Another discussion will be hosted on March 29. This discussion will highlight an article about women’s mental health and burnout. 

A spotlight speaker, Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., will talk on March 17 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Students are excited for the celebrations and events, including Women’s and Gender Studies major, Maggie Winston. 

“As someone who identifies as a woman, Women’s History Month means celebrating and acknowledging the great strides we have made in the name of women’s rights, but also thinking about where the women’s movement has fallen short and that our work is far from done,” Winston said. “Women’s History Month is a nice reminder to appreciate the amazing women in my life: my mother, my sisters, my friends, my grandma. I admire each of them in their strength and intelligence. There is a sense of community in the shared experiences that many women go through in this patriarchal society and unity in our fight for equal rights.”

Kelsey Gonzalez, a sophomore minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, is also excited for March to shine the light on the accomplishments of women with the events at the University. 

“I think the events could be good for people wanting to learn more about specific women’s experiences,” Gonzalez said. “Honestly, anyone learning more about women’s challenges in the world helps even if it’s just one person. I think just being aware of women’s struggles, especially how much societal norms affect them and their lives is so important to be aware of.”

The University’s website will have updates and information for the events during the month.