VILLANOVA, PA — In honor of Women’s History Month, Villanova University is set to host a series of enlightening and inspiring events throughout March, celebrating the significant contributions of women in history and contemporary society. This month-long recognition will include professional panels, conversational opportunities, alumni events, and more, each designed to empower and educate attendees.
Kicking off the programming highlights on Monday, March 18, the Rev. John Stack OSA Leadership Series will welcome Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, for a lecture titled “Living and Leading a Life of Service.” As an advisor and trustee to over 25 grantmaking foundations, charitable nonprofits, and family philanthropies, Robinson brings a wealth of experience in service. Her insights will likely illuminate the ways in which leadership can be wielded to make a positive societal impact.
The following day, the Villanova Law Women’s Network (VLWN) will host a discussion moderated by Kristine Calalang, a member of the VLWN Board of Advisors. This event promises to delve into the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct, addressing ethical issues that can arise during attorney communications with counsel, clients, and the judiciary. The panel will also tackle the crucial topic of networking through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, offering tips for ethical and effective networking and business development.
On Thursday, March 21, the Villanova School of Business continues the celebration with its Women’s History Month Spotlight Speaker Series. The guest speaker, Melissa Draganac-Hawk, a first-generation American born to deaf immigrant Peruvian parents, will share her experiences as a diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate. She will also discuss women’s challenges in the workplace, providing invaluable perspectives for those aiming to foster a more inclusive professional environment.
The Gender and Women’s Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will host its 33rd annual conference on Friday, March 22. The event celebrates research examining gender and sexuality produced by students from Villanova and other local institutions. This year’s keynote speaker, Nancy J. Hirschmann, PhD, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is an expert in American Social Thought, Political Science, and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies.
Finally, on Wednesday, March 27, Joseph Lennon, PhD, will present on the 1909 Hunger Strike of Marion Wallace-Dunlop as part of the Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest’s ongoing event series Lunch@Lepage. Wallace-Dunlop, a Scottish-born member of the Women’s Social and Political Union, was the first suffragette hunger striker, offering a poignant example of the lengths to which women have gone in their fight for equality.
These events aim to reflect Villanova University’s commitment to celebrating women’s contributions and addressing issues affecting them today. By shedding light on these topics, the university aims to inspire its community to continue pushing boundaries and advocating for gender equality. For attendees, these events offer a chance to broaden their understanding of these issues and consider how they might contribute to advancing equity in their own spheres of influence.
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