AVONDALE, Arizona – March 21, 2016 – For 13 years, Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) celebrates Women’s History Month with relevant current events that advance the knowledge and understanding of women’s contributing roles in the arts, politics, science, technology, math, culture, religion and activism.
The events are developed and presented by a group of dedicated faculty, staff, and students, led by EMCC faculty organizers Summer Cherland and Steven Peist. All events and activities are free and open to the public, held on the EMCC campus located at 3000 N. Dysart Rd. in Avondale.
The month culminates with the Annual Women’s Conference which has become a popular, relevant event drawing audiences from across the valley and state. The conference offers workshops and networking opportunities.
Art Exhibit: Kaori Takamura
March 1 -30, 2016
Performing Arts Center Gallery; Campus hours
Kaoria Takamura expresses women’s tangled and intricate everyday feelings hidden within the familiar icons that women have been exposed to throughout the generations. In her series Patched, symbols are combined with iconic traditional fabric patterns, embroidery patterns, lace vector art. Some paintings, although resembling fabric or textile art, are in actuality mixed media large-sized acrylic paintings on canvas with separate silkscreened elements blended together with the unique use of machine stitching in various colored threads. Although based on patterns, each individual piece in the series is an original work expressing and or evoking subtle meanings and thoughts.
Workshop: Women in Archeology
Presenter: Kristy Miller
Wed., March 23; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Plaza Gallery
This workshop will discuss the possibilities of a career in Archaeology and successful women practitioners.
Panel Discussion: Women in Law Enforcement
Presenter: Cheryl Gipson-Thurman
Thurs., March 24; 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Estrella Conference Center
A panel discussion with several high ranking women in law enforcement discussing their careers.
Film & Discussion: No Mas Bebes
Presenter: Joseph Moreno
Thurs., March 24; 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Estrella Conference Center
This workshop provides a screening and discussion of the PBS documentary in which several Mexican immigrant women were sterilized without their consent after giving birth in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Director: Renee Tajima-Peña. Initial release: June 14, 2015.
Panel Discussion: Ballot Power
Presenters: Steve Peist and Dr. Olga Tsoudis
Tues., March 29; 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.
Estrella Conference Center
Several panelists will discuss the importance of civic participation and voting. Panelists include: Charles Merritt, League of Women Voters; Anna Tovar, former AZ State Legislator; Juli Myers, Equality Arizona; Dianne Post, National Organization for Women; RJ Shannon, Native Health; Ginny Dickey, Arizona List.
13th Annual Women’s Conference
Wed., March 30; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Plaza Gallery
A morning of celebration, enlightenment and learning, followed by a luncheon with keynote speaker. For more information and RSVP, contact Student Life & Leadership Office 623-935-8807. Workshop sessions include:
9:00 – 9:50 a.m.: Celebrating Women’s History, Dr. Tamika Lamb-Sanders, Entrepreneur, Owner of Saavy Pen
10:00 – 10:50 a.m.: A Story of Strength & Perseverance, Janaea McAlee, EMCC Faculty & Dance Coordinator
11:00 – 11:50 a.m.: Spoken Word & Poetry, Nikki Hicks, Spoken Word Artist/Poet
12:00 noon: Lunch keynote speaker, Dr. Regina Edwards, CEO of Arizona YWCA Metro Phoenix