This March, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared this year’s Women’s History Month theme to be titled “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” Whitmer stated that we need to “eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions…”
The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area has many events this month which highlights this theme.
1.) Mindful Mondays by Women In Science and Engineering (WISE)
WISE Peer members make available inclusive drop-in hours every Monday in March and beyond. The sessions offer free snacks, mindful activities and a good space to work alone or in groups. The dedicated WISE members are happy to chat if you wish, answer questions, or shoot the breeze.Any questions should be sent to: ScienceSuccessSeries@umich.edu
Every Monday from 1-2pm at the Science Learning Center, Multipurpose Room, Chemistry Building 1st Floor in 1720 Chemistry.
2.) Film Series “We Can Do It! Trailblazing Women of Hollywood’s Golden Age”
Center for the Education of Women (CEW) at the University of Michigan is sponsoring films with the Michigan Theatre featuring some of Hollywood’s most influential women, as actors and directors, during the Golden Age of Hollywood. The Golden Age is also known as Classical Hollywood cinemas roughly from 1913 to 1960. The aim is to showcase women who have paved the ways for diversity and equity so that others may follow in their path. Films begin in March for Women’s History Month and continue through April.
- “His Girl Friday” (1940) – Starring Rosalind Russell – Monday, March 4th
- “Dance, Girl, Dance” (1940) – Directed by Dorothy Arzner, starring Lucille Ball – Monday, March 11th
- “Adam’s Rib” (1949) – Starring Katherine Hepburn – Monday, March 18th
- “All About Eve” (1950) – Starring Bette Davis/Anne Baxter/Marilyn Monroe – Monday, April 1st
- “The Hitchhiker” (1953) – Directed by Ida Lupino – Monday, April 8th
- “Carmen Jones” (1954) – Starring Dorothy Dandridge – Monday, April 15th
- “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1956) – Starring Elizabeth Taylor – Monday, April 22nd
Various Mondays in March and April from 6:30-8:30pm at the Michigan Theatre.
3.) International Women’s Day Coffee and Community Celebration
Since 1908, women have gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day. They work for gender parity and celebrate all of women’s advancements and achievements. Join other women this morning for community, celebration and coffee. This event is made possible by White Pines Leadership.
On March 8 at Bamboo Ann Arbor, 301 West Washington St., Ann Arbor.
4.) Financial Empowerment Series: Be The Boss of Your Finances
University of Michigan alum and financial therapist, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, MSW, CFT, presents major aspects of empowerment through taking control of your finances. The main topics of this conference include the importance of setting financial boundaries and guidelines that best support you. The event is free but requires registration.
On March 12 from 5-7pm at Center for the Education of Women, 330 East Liberty Street, 2nd Floor, Ann Arbor.
5.) “Empowered Women Empower Women—3rd Annual Seminar”
Washtenaw Democratic Club and the Washtenaw County Democratic Black Caucus join forces to present their 3rd Annual Women’s Empowerment Seminar. This is an in-person event that features inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, creative crafts and professional networking opportunities.
Saturday, March 16, 2pm at Ypsilanti Performance Space.
6.) “My Gender States”: Using Artistic Research for Social Justice and Self-Healing
Presented by the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, a visual art exhibit by Professor of Social Work, Rogerio M. Pinto. The exhibit includes pictures and assemblage sculptures from an installation performance by Pinto and includes text from his connected one-person play “Marília.” This is a blend of social work and the arts, connecting concepts of trauma, genders, fears, and immigrant experiences.
On March 18 from 3-4pm at 2239 Lane Hall, The University of Michigan.
7.) “Sing for Mother Earth”
“Mother Earth” may refer to the various female goddesses in an array of world cultures and histories. “Mother Earth” also refers to the ultimate, unconditional giver of love, substance, and life. And, simultaneously, it refers to the reverence for the environment and even environmentalism.
Come celebrate “Mother Earth,” healing, and community at this collaborative event. Highlighting Native American music and dance, including Annie Humphrey. Co-sponsored with the Native American Student Association and numerous allies.
March 23, 8:30pm at The Ark.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
