February 26, 2025
SIU to mark Women’s History Month with events to educate, inspire
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate women, their accomplishments and strides they have made while also looking forward to a better tomorrow with a diverse assortment of special events in honor of Women’s History Month in March.
“Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” is the theme of the commemoration.
“Women’s History Month 2025 features a series of events that will inspire women and generations to come as we all move forward together,” said Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. “It’s a time to celebrate the past, present and future accomplishments and achievements of women through guest speakers, luncheons, research circles, movies and many other events. We’ve seen women rise to some of the highest offices in the land, and we want to inspire the next generation to do the same.”
Register now for kickoff luncheon
Samantha “Sam” Ramirez-Herrera, an entrepreneur, filmmaker, feminist, civil rights activist, writer, mother, creative director and digital media maverick, will be the guest speaker for the kickoff luncheon on Monday, March 3, and registration is now underway. The event is set for noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Old Main Room at the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to attend at no cost, but participants must register online by Friday, Feb. 28.
Ramirez-Herrera arrived in the United States with her parents at the age of 7 from Mexico City in search of a better life. She grew up as an undocumented immigrant and made ends meet by waiting tables. She later became a “Dreamer,” courtesy of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Ramirez-Herrera’s company, OffThaRecord.com, is an Atlanta-based creative content agency and digital magazine that specializes in telling the uncensored and authentic stories of marginalized peoples and communities, promoting nonprofit organizations, changemakers and similar peoples.
Inspirational Quinceañera starts things off
The Women’s History Month celebration officially launches with the 10th annual Quinceañera on March 1, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms C & D. This special and festive traditional Mexican and Latin American rite of passage marks the transition of young girls from childhood into womanhood.
It’s a time to celebrate the strengths, values and support of each young lady’s community as she marks her 15th birthday. All are welcome to attend.
Celebrating women
“For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” is the theme of the International Women’s Day Celebration, set for noon to 1:30 pm. March 7 in Rooms 150/160 in the Student Services Building. It’s a time for women of diverse backgrounds to join together to celebrate the achievements of all women as they enjoy conversation, games, networking and cuisine from various restaurants. Students from across the country and international students will be recognized for their accomplishments, character and service.
Additional events raise awareness, entertain and more
A variety of other events will be happening throughout the month, educating people, raising awareness, entertaining and giving people opportunities to gather, network and celebrate.
“Beyond Diversity: How to Cultivate an Anti-Racist Organization” is a training session from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (including lunch) on March 21 in Rooms 150/160 in the Student Services Building. It features an anti-racism webinar and participant debriefings by consultants Robert Blackwell and Marcelline Koch. SIU students can earn ADEI leadership certificate training hours for participating.
“Women in the C-suite” at noon March 26 in the Old Main Room at the Student Center is a panel discussion about executive leadership. Women executives in higher and secondary education, local government and business will discuss their ascension to leadership, accomplishments and the challenges they faced along the way.
The month will wrap up with the Transgender Day of Visibility, co-sponsored by SIU’s Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center at the Carbondale Pavillion, 3-7 p.m. March 31. It’s a time to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people while also highlighting the poverty, discrimination and violence this community often encounters.
There will also be a bingo and trivia night, a women’s film festival, guest speakers, a research circle and more.
Learn more
Find the complete schedule of events and additional information on the Student Multicultural Resource Center website. For information, email smrc@siu.edu or call 618-453-3740.
Sponsors of Women’s History Month 2025 include the Women’s Resource Center, the Student Multicultural Resource Center, the Latin Cultural Association, the Black Affairs Council, the Center for International Education, Non Traditional Student Services, Black Resource Center, Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center, TRiO Student Support Services and SIU Black Law Students Association.