LaGuardia Community College Celebrates Women’s History Month With ‘HERStory in the Making’
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 26, 2025) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY proudly announces its Women’s History Month celebration, “HERStory in the Making,” a series of events highlighting the contributions and achievements of women and advocates for women’s rights. This year’s programming focuses on doers and changemakers at the forefront of political, artistic, and educational advancement.
The HERStory in the Making series is spearheaded by the 2025 Women’s History Month Committee, a collaborative, cross-divisional committee of faculty, staff, and students (see list here).
The Women’s History Month Committee invites immigrant women students to respond to prompts online about challenges faced as immigrant students, moments of pride, the impact of cultural identity on education and personal growth, and messages of inspiration for other immigrant women students facing similar experiences. Responses will be featured in a digital exhibition throughout the month of March. The exhibition aims to showcase the resilience, achievements, and diverse journeys of women who have shaped their own paths in pursuit of education, opportunity, and empowerment. Submissions will be shared anonymously to celebrate the strength and contributions of immigrant women. Please respond today.
“HERStory in the Making honors the advocacy, education, and legal efforts advancing women’s rights and gender equality nationwide. While progress is ongoing, our current political and social climates present new challenges,” said Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President of Student Affairs. “We encourage the campus to engage in these events, which offer opportunities for self-expression and models for spreading this work far and wide.”
Event Highlights:
- Women’s HerStory in the Making: Kickoff Event on Workforce, Leadership & Career Pathways in Health: Thursday, March 13, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., E-Building, E-500.
Keynote by Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Commissioner Mayuga will share insights on leading with purpose, navigating complex challenges, and fostering inclusive workplaces. Drawing from her extensive experience in government, law, and public policy, Commissioner Mayuga will explore how today’s leaders can create impact through advocacy, equity, and innovation. Her keynote address will be followed by a panel discussion with Health Science alumni who are active in the workforce. The event will conclude with breakout sessions on empowerment and branding, emotional intelligence and breathwork, sexual health and sexuality, among other topics. - Casa de las Américas Women in the Arts: Students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit written work or artwork reflecting personal journeys or stories of inspiring women. Submissions will be showcased at a reception on Tuesday, March 18, 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., M-Building, M-144 (Black Box Theater). The event will feature Audry Funk, a hip-hop artist from Mexico at Casa de las Américas, a showcase and reception in the M-Lobby, and an African Heritage Walking Tour along the Hall of Flags. Interested in making a submission? Here’s a template that can be edited in Canva and sent to womencenter@lagcc.cuny.edu. Hard copies of photos, stories or artwork can be dropped off at Casa de las Américas in M-144. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11.
- 11th Annual Women’s Literary Salon, presented in collaboration with the English Department: Students, faculty, and staff are invited to sign-up for an online (Zoom) or in-person session to read or listen to short works by woman authors or original works, in any genre. Presentations should be two minutes or less. Two sessions are scheduled for Thursday, March 20: online (Zoom) from 1 p.m.–2 p.m., and in-person from 2 p.m.–4 p.m., E-Building, E-500. Register here. There is no deadline; registrations will be accepted until the day of the event.
- Women And Relationships: An Exploration and Dialogue: Tuesday, March 25, 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m., E-Building, E-501
A space for students to discuss themes such as romantic and platonic relationships, consent, and healthy vs. toxic relationships. Opportunity for students to bring topics and questions and share in community. - Women In STEM—Panel Discussions on Careers and Health: Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m.–4 p.m., E-Building, E-501
Women in STEM will share their academic and career journeys, offering insights, career advice, and motivation for aspiring scientists and engineers. The discussion will also cover health-related concerns from a physiological perspective. - Cigüapa Unbound: Tranceformations of AfroLatinx Feminist Epistemologies: Thursday, March 27, 2 p.m.–4 p.m., E-Building, E-242
Dr. Omaris Zamora, a transnational Black Dominican Studies scholar and spoken-word poet, explores the figure of La Cigüapa in Dominican folklore against the backdrop of colonialism and neoliberal capitalism. - Film Screening: Don’t Tell Anyone/No Le Digas A Nadie; Discussion With Angy Rivera: Friday, March 28, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m., M-Building, MB-10
The Women’s Center & LGBTQ+ Hub and Casa de las Américas present a screening of Don’t Tell Anyone/No le digas a nadie, followed by a discussion with the film’s subject, Angy Rivera. This event explores themes of resilience, courage, immigration and social justice. - Who’s Foolin’ Who? Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Under Attack—Tuesday, April 1, 2:15 p.m.–4:25 p.m., E-Building, E-242
An exploration of the challenges facing women, gender, and sexuality studies in higher education. Resources will be shared.
For more information, contact Deema Bayrakdar, Director of the Women’s Center, or send an email to the Women’s Center & LGBTQ+ Hub at womencenter@lagcc.cuny.edu.
• • • •
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
####