STCC celebrates women with stylish high tea party, inspiring talk

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – On International Women’s Day, Springfield Technical Community College put a spotlight on the work of the many women leaders within the campus and the community.

The event featured a panel discussion with three female leaders who shared their journey to success. Attendees networked with women-owned area businesses during the “high tea” portion of the event which included desserts and appetizers.

The speakers were part of the March 8 special edition of the “We the Women” series which celebrates achievements of female leaders. The series focuses on careers, accomplishments and barriers women have faced. Organizers encouraged dressing up for a high tea party.

Highlighting the work of women at STCC, photos of female staff and faculty from STCC were displayed on tables and on a wall-mounted flat screen.  

STCC President John B. Cook said he was thrilled to celebrate women at STCC on International Women’s Day and during Women’s History Month in March.

“I have said that STCC is a ‘STEMinist’ institution because we are just so driven by women … in so many of our programs, operations and otherwise. This is a wonderful day and a wonderful event. Congratulations to our awardees today,” he said.

Awards were handed out to staff, faculty and a student in recognition for their leadership in the campus community. They included Maria Fonseca from the Testing & Assessment Center (staff award), Christina Atwater, professor of Business Administration (faculty award), and student trustee Glerisbed Garcia Figueroa (student award).

Director of Community Engagement Lidya Rivera-Early, one of the event organizers, said she was thrilled to see Top of Our City Conference Center on the 7^th floor of Scibelli Hall (Building 2) packed with dozens of attendees. Some came dressed to the nines for the high tea, wearing posh fascinator hats and fancy gowns.

“On International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize the work of the many women leaders within the campus and community,” Rivera-Early said. “We are all great contributors and leaders from our individual platforms. Leadership is not defined by positions and titles. We all lead from where we stand.”

On International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize the work of the many women leaders within the campus and community Lidya Rivera-Early, Director of Community Engagement

Created over two years ago, “We the Women” has traditionally been held virtually but was moved in person for the special edition on International Women’s Day, which is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.

Cindy Breunig, SAFE project director at STCC, moderated a panel discussion with three women: Cindy Gaynor-Harper, real estate entrepreneur and STCC alumna; Annamarie Golden, director of community relations at Baystate Health; and Jennifer Wallace-Johnson, assistant professor of social work at STCC.

Gaynor-Harper spoke about how STCC helped when she was young and not sure about her next steps. A first-generation college student, she came from humble beginnings.

“I know what it is to essentially have nothing. All the women in my life have always been hard working women with minimum wage and multiple positions,” she said. “For me to be where I am now, I didn’t know it was possible.”

Gaynor-Harper graduated from STCC and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from American International University. She and her husband, Damion Harper, also an STCC alumnus, run a real estate investment company called DFG Management.

Wallace-Johnson discussed growing up with a white father and Puerto Rican mother. She described having “very complex identities, layered” as she tried to find out how she would fit in.

“That was a challenge for me as I developed into an adult, but also a source of strength,” she said. “I say that in order for you to become who you were destined to be. You have to be comfortable in your own skin.”

The panelists also talked about what it means to be leaders.

“I learned there are women coming up behind me who before I know it will be my boss someday,” Golden said. “I think it’s really important that we are humble and empathetic, and we are thinking about how we will lift up others who are coming behind us or walking beside us.”

Students said they felt inspired by the panelists’ remarks and enjoyed having the opportunity to network. Zoya Plunkett, who serves as the Student Government Association vice president, was helping check in attendees at the door.

Plunkett also is in the Female Leadership and Mentoring Program (Lead) at STCC, which offers female-identifying students access to academic support, mentoring, leadership development and community engagement opportunities.

“It’s a wonderful event. It’s a great way to bring women together,” she said. “I’m making great connections. There’s good social networking.”

Added student Nelly Sanchez, “It’s a great way to celebrate women and highlight the wonderful faculty and staff we have on campus.”

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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