The month of March is nationally recognized as Women's History Month, and Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a Maricopa Community College, will honor women in the past, present and future during a month-long celebration March 1-27, 2008. The theme of the events is "Celebrating and Honoring Women Across the Globe: Women's Work Counts!"
Hermanas: Disena Tu Futuro (Design Your Future): March 1 and March 26, 2008
Guided by the mission of increasing the number of underrepresented females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, Estrella Mountain Community College has partnered with Intel Corporation, IBM and Qwest Communications to plan, design and host two, one-day conferences for the third annual year. The first conference, Saturday, March 1, 2008, will bring approximately 150 middle school students to the Estrella Mountain campus for activities including science experiments (solar cooker and lemon battery) and professional and personal development workshops. The second conference Wednesday, March 26, 2008, will have similar activities and will target local high school districts such as Tolleson and Dysart, outreaching to approximately 150 high school students.
Registration is still open to any female, middle school and/or high school student who wishes to participate. The conference is free and registration information, including release forms, can be accessed at http://www.estrellamountain.edu/academics/nasacenter/hermanas.asp.
The Hermanas conference provides a supportive environment where these young women can interact with successful Latinas, explore technological careers, receive encouragement to finish school and attend college, and to pursue their goals. Please call Maria Reyes at 623-935-8583 for more information.
Following are women's history events which are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted:
"Bringin' in Da Spirit" Screening: Wednesday, March 5, 2008; 12:00pm - 1:00pm
A documentary providing a moving glimpse of the women who have skill fully brought scores of children across the threshold of existence. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad, this evocative and passionate film celebrates women who have committed themselves to holistic answers amidst powerful misconceptions about the practice of midwifery and virulent opposition from practitioners of Western medicine. The screening of the documentary will take place in the Plaza Gallery.
A related art exhibition, "Uzaliwa (Birth)," featuring three-dimensional birth stories of women and the challenges they faced during pregnancy and childbirth, will also be on display in the Plaza Gallery, March 1-7, 2008. The exhibit focuses attention on the ever-increasing infant mortality rate amongst the African-American community. The art may be viewed at any time the room is not in use.
"Eleni" Screening: Friday, March 7, 2008; 12:00pm; Tuesday, March 18, 2008; 4:00pm and 6:00pm
The college will show the film "Eleni," on March 7 at 12:00pm in the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and March 18 at 4:00pm and 6:00pm in the CTL. The film is based on the book "Eleni," a novel written by Nicolas Gage about the Greek civil war and how it affected his family during a time of war and social unrest. Eleni, Nicholas' mother, was murdered by Communists after trying to escape the village of Lia with her children as it was being overtaken by communist guerrillas. The film is a historical documentary, but also a very "human" story about a woman and her love for her children.
Women's Hall of Fame; Wednesday, March 19-22, 2008
Students, faculty and staff have created more than 600 posters about women in their lives who have done incredible work and/or made a significant impression on that individual. These women may be famous women from across the globe in various countries; they may be EMCC students, faculty or staff; mothers; daughters; or any woman that has touched someone's life. Beginning March 19, these posters will be on display in the grassy area outside of Estrella Hall for all to enjoy.
Women's Hall of Fame Performance; Friday, March 21, 2008
There will be a performance on Friday, March 21 at 8:30am in front of Estrella Hall to honor the women depicted in the 600+ posters created by students, faculty and staff. The flute/guitar duo will perform until 12:00pm.
Eleni Gage Shares Travel Memoir; Friday, March 21, 2008; 9:00am and 10:00am
Eleni Gage, New York writer and contributing editor, will speak about her travel memoir, "North of Ithaka," in the Plaza Gallery at 9:00am and 10:00am. The book focuses on her visit back to the home where her grandmother was tortured and murdered for saving her own children. Information about Eleni Gage can be found at http://elenigage.com.
A Reading of "The Vagina Monologues;" Thursday, March 27, 2008; 8:30am - 12:45pm
The college will host a reading of "The Vagina Monologues," an award-winning play written by Eve Ensler to increase awareness and bring to an end to violence against women and girls. Students, faculty and staff will read from the play in the CTL from 8:30am to 12:45pm. The event is free and open to the public; however, donations will be accepted for The New Life Center.
These events are supported by the International and Intercultural Committee, Women's Leadership Group and the Office of the President. Please contact Dr. Olga Tsoudis at 623-935-8592 for additional information.