LaGuardia Community College Celebrates Women’s History Month With “HERStory In The Making”

LaGuardia Community College Celebrates Women’s History Month with “HERStory in the Making”

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (March 6, 2024) — LaGuardia Community College/CUNY will celebrate Women’s History Month in March with HERStory in the Making, a series of events highlighting the historical and continued contributions and achievements of women, and all those who fight for women’s rights. Programming focuses on the doers and changemakers at the forefront of political, artistic, and educational advancement.

The series is spearheaded by LaGuardia’s 2024 Women’s History Month Committee, which is co-chaired by Dr. Alexis McLean, Vice President of Student Affairs, Deema Bayrakdar, Director of the Women’s Center, and Dr. Cory Rowe, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice.

“HERStory in the Making, the theme of our 2024 Women’s History Month programming at LaGuardia Community College, highlights the advocacy efforts, education, and legal issues related to the advancement of women’s rights and gender equality nationwide. Progress is an ongoing journey, and while there have been several victories, our current political and social climates illustrate that challenges are ahead,” said Dr. McLean. “We encourage the campus and surrounding community to actively engage in these events, which provide opportunities for self-expression and models on how to spread this work far and wide.”

The month-long program is presented in collaboration with Casa de las Américas, Campus Life, Health Services Center, the Women’s Center, and academic departments at LaGuardia. Events include:

HERStory in the Making: Opening Ceremony: A keynote address will be given by criminal justice advocate Victoria Phillips (a.k.a. Dr. V.). The event will include current LaGuardia students and alumnae sharing how they use their voices to make change in the areas of criminal justice, human rights, media and journalism, politics, and entrepreneurship: Aim-E Chi, a New Media Technology major and former Justice Fellow in the LaGuardia–Rikers Island courses for college credit program; Denise Marquez, a U.S. Military Veteran and Computer Science major; April Cardena (’18, Criminal Justice); and Valerie Pires (’21, Liberal Arts: Journalism). The event is scheduled for 10–11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 8 in Room C-103. For more information, contact Deema Bayrakdar.
HERStory in the Making: Resource Fair and Reception: Women-owned businesses and community-based organizations that support and empower women in all areas of life will offer information about their resources and services. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude by 1 p.m., on Friday, March 8 in the C-Building Lobby. For more information, contact Deema Bayrakdar.
HERStory in the Making: Showcase and Reception: Written pieces and artwork submitted by students, faculty, and staff about their self-journeys or the stories of women who inspire them, will be unveiled at a reception presented in collaboration with Casa de las Américas. The event is planned for 2–4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 in the M-Building Lobby. For more information, contact Ingrid Veras.
Women’s Literary Salon—Virtual: Members of the LaGuardia community will come together on Zoom to read short works or excerpts from their favorite female authors, or their own original works, in any genre. Advance registration is requested; register here. This virtual event is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. The Women’s Literary Salon is presented in in collaboration with the English Department and The English Language Center. For more information, contact Nathan Tosh.
Women’s Literary Salon—In-Person: For those interested in participating in the Women’s Literary Salon on campus, an in-person event is planned for 1–3 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 in the E-Building Poolside Café. Members of the LaGuardia community will read short works or experts from their favorite female authors, or their own original works, in any genre. Advance registration is requested; register here. For more information, contact Nathan Tosh.
What’s Poppin?: Topics in Women’s Health: Students will be empowered through mini consultations on their individual health. They will meet one-on-one with health care professionals to discuss weight, blood pressure screening, and related health areas. Workshops led by professionals will cover women’s health topics including heart health, the vaginal microbiome, birth control, breast cancer, and nutrition. Attendees will receive free popcorn, refreshments, and swag while supplies last. This event, presented in collaboration with Campus Life and Health Services, begins at 1 p.m. and will conclude by 3 p.m., on Thursday, March 21 in the E-Building Atrium. For more information, contact Donniece Davis.
Being 3: Carla Tomassini, a Puerto Rican artist, presents Being 3, a piece that brings together photography and poetry about healing deep ancestral wounds. A viewing of Being 3 will be followed by a dialogue and support circle. The event is scheduled for 11:45 a.m.–2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26 in Room E-111. For more information, contact Deema Bayrakdar.
Women in STEM: An Environmental Science Alumni Event: LaGuardia Community College alumni will share their stories of perseverance, passion, and success in the field of Environmental Science. Presented in collaboration with Casa de las Américas and the Natural Sciences Department. The event is planned for 2–4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 in Room E-242. For more information, contact Ingrid Veras.

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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 degrees and certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to educate New Yorkers seeking new skills and careers. As 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 underserved populations. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students while providing them with access to a high quality, affordable college education.

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