STCC celebrates International Women’s Day with awards and inspiring speaker

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College marked International Women’s Day on March 5 with a celebration recognizing the achievements, resilience and leadership of women in the STCC community.

The event featured an inspiring keynote speaker, local female-owned businesses and the presentation of Community Leadership Awards to a faculty member, a staff member and a student.

Dr. Kiyota Garcia, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim Chief Equity Officer, opened the event by highlighting the significance of International Women’s Day.

“Today we come together to honor the achievements, resilience and contributions of women in our community and beyond,” Dr. Garcia said. “This event is more than just a celebration. It’s a space for connection, empowerment and inspiration.”

The event was sponsored by Lead: The Female Leadership and Mentoring Program and The Inclusion Series at STCC. Attendees were encouraged to dress up as they came together to honor, empower and take action for women’s equality.

A key moment of the event was the presentation of the STCC Community Leadership Awards, which recognize individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, service and engagement at STCC.

Associate Professor of Social Work Jennifer Wallace-Johnson presented the Faculty Community Leadership Award to Professor Ashley Pease, recognizing her extensive contributions to STCC.

Today we come together to honor the achievements, resilience and contributions of women in our community and beyond. Dr. Kiyota Garcia Assistant VP of Student Affairs

“Professor Pease is involved in just about every facet of campus life that a professor could be involved in,” Wallace-Johnson said. “She has grown the psychology and social work programs exponentially.”

Wallace-Johnson said Pease supports faculty initiatives and is a tireless advocate for students and colleagues alike.

Eunice Guidry, Manager of Advancement and Alumni Relations, presented the Staff Community Leadership Award to Jasmine Herman, a proud 2013 STCC alumna who has dedicated 16 years to supporting students as a staff assistant for Student Affairs.

“Jasmine is particularly passionate about advocating for student veterans and military students,” Guidry said. “Jasmine strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.”

Channing Melikian, Academic and Transfer Counselor for the Lead Program, presented the Student Community Leadership Award to Sharay Salters, recognizing her dedication to student leadership as the Student Government Association President and a peer mentor in the Lead program.

“Sharay embodies what it means to lead with kindness,” Melikian said.

Salters makes her presence known, supports her fellow students and helps create a welcoming environment where all feel seen and valued, Melikian said.

The event also featured keynote speaker Marjorie Rodriguez, an advocate for underrepresented students and assistant director for student access and support at Westfield State University. Rodriguez shared her inspiring journey from student leader to mentor and champion for equity and inclusion.

Her impact, including her work to establish a campus food pantry and initiatives supporting foster youth, has led to a scholarship named in her honor.

“Her commitment to paying it forward highlights the importance of amplifying women’s voices, mentorship and community,” said Karolyn Burgos Toribio, Community Outreach Counselor for the Lead program.

At the well-attended event, attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, a showcase of women-owned businesses, refreshments and lunch.

For more information about STCC’s Lead program, visit stcc.io/lead.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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