Women’s History Month
Throughout March 2024, Purdue University Northwest hosted a range of Women’s History Month events to recognize women and their accomplishments.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Women’s History Month celebrations! From trivia night to academic events and inspiring panel speakers, we hope you had this year’s events.
Unleashing Empowerment
Purdue University Northwest welcomed back three prestigious alumnae for Women’s History Month to share their perspectives as distinguished women leaders and facilitate impactful conversations for women’s professional and personal growth.
A big part of campus life at PNW is that we can acknowledge the fact that it doesn't matter what your background is, it doesn't matter where you came from, and it doesn't matter what gender you were born. You are capable, and the ability is always there.
I just want to say to other women not to doubt yourself. Do not think that you are limited to certain things. You're more than that. You are what you believe in.
About Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed legislation that authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed additional legislation that designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.”
Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
Women’s History Month Trivia Night and T-shirt Distribution
Help kick off Women’s History Month by testing your women’s history knowledge! Join the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics and the Honors College for several rounds of women’s history trivia and light snacks and drinks.
Event attendees can also pick up a 2024 PNW Women’s History Month shirt, while supplies last.
Women’s Historical Health Achievements
Join us for a health fair sponsored by the College of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau!
Interactive tables will include information about:
- Stress Relief for College Students
- Know Your Lemons (Breast Cancer Awareness)
- Healthy Eating for College Students
- Physical Activity for College Students
International Women’s Day Celebration and Documentary Screening
Join The Intersectional Feminist Alliance for a screening of She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry.
This documentary resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. It does not try to romanticize the early movement but dramatizes it in its exhilarating, quarrelsome, sometimes heart-wrenching glory.
Women’s Leadership Luncheon
The Women’s Leadership Luncheon recognizes incredible examples of leadership among the women of PNW, and celebrates the inspirational careers of our student leaders in particular. The luncheon will consist of networking and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a buffet lunch with opportunities to discuss experiences with your peers as well as PNW faculty and staff, and to hear from an alumna keynote speaker.
Lunch and Lead with Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise
Hear from a panel of Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise honorees both past and present at this special Lunch and Lead.
Women in STEM
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the College of Technology and the College of Engineering & Sciences will be hosting a Women in STEM event with the goal of providing our students the opportunity to support one another in their career paths in STEM fields.
History Matters: Nuclear America: 1960s Women Protesting the Bomb
Join the Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics for a “History Matters” presentation on women’s activism led by Kathy Tobin, professor of History. Beginning in the early 1960s, American women began taking a public stand against nuclear bombs and weapons testing because of their threat to human life and the future of the planet.
This talk looks at women’s protests and the consequences of their actions.
Women’s History Month Paint Night
Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Women’s History Paint Night. Delight in the joy of painting while paying tribute to Women’s History Month and mingling with fellow attendees.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”
Join in raising awareness concerning sexual violence against women by participating in the impactful journey of “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.”
The initiative serves as a “space of playful confrontation and openness” by asking participants to wear heeled shoes and “actively confront gender stereotypes and expectations.”
By joining this meaningful activity, you contribute to a collective effort aimed at fostering understanding, empathy and active engagement in the ongoing struggle for women’s safety and well-being. Together, grab a pair of heels and help take steps toward a brighter and safer future for all.
For more information about the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” campaign, visit walkamileinhershoes.org.
Women on the Rise Reception
Join the Society of Innovators and the Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest as we bring together the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are making an impact across Northwest Indiana.
College of Business Women’s Leadership Brunch
The College of Business and Women in Business student organization will host the second annual Women’s Leadership Brunch.
The keynote speaker will be Ruhani Sharma, COB alumna and owner of Tandoori Cafe & Grill.
Women’s Art Exhibition
The College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences is hosting a Women’s Art Exhibition as part of our Building Community Through the Arts initiative! Our college is determined to create a supportive, inclusive environment that promotes engagement and conversation. We hope to connect local artists with students, faculty, staff, and community members to build the welcoming and engaging environment we strive for!
Recalibrate Your Feminism
Join us for a discussion led by Amanda Brand, assistant professor of Communication, who will dive into how intersectionality has shaped women’s history and why it is essential for shaping our feminism today. It is a chance to recalibrate our understanding and make feminism more inclusive and powerful.
Unleashing Empowerment
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month at the inaugural “Unleashing Empowerment: Stepping Out of the Box” event. Three prestigious PNW alumnae will join us for an inspirational panel discussion followed by networking and snacks.
Our three panelists, Linda Nethery (BS ‘ 84), Sandra Patino (MA ’19), and Constance Adams (AS’85, BS’93, MS’09, DNP’20), will share stories about their career journeys, challenges, and successes.
From left to right: Sandra Patino, Linda Nethery and Constance Adams
2024 Women’s History Month Sponsors
- College of Business
- College of Engineering and Sciences
- College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS)
- College of Nursing
- College of Technology
- Cultural Heritage Celebration Committee
- Department of History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Honors College
- Institutional Advancement
- The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest
- Office of Alumni Engagement
- Office of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives
- Office of Student Life
- PNW Food Pantry Committee
- PNW Women in Business
- Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society
- The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity at oie@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.