STCC recognizes leadership during International Women’s Month

From left, award recipients student Chelsie Rivera, faculty member Dr. Vanessa Hill and staff member Wilma Tynes.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Month, Springfield Technical Community College recognized three exemplary women who embody the spirit of service, engagement and leadership.

The Lead Female Leadership & Mentoring Program at STCC presented community leadership awards to student Chelsie Rivera, faculty member Dr. Vanessa Hill and staff member Wilma Tynes.

STCC held its ceremony on March 6, two days before International Women’s Day. The campus event featured the presentation of leadership awards, a panel discussion, networking and local female-owned businesses as vendors.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp read a proclamation from President Biden calling on all Americans to observe March as Women’s History Month and to celebrate International Women’s Day.

“Today’s International Women’s Day celebration is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women while fostering unity, support and empowerment,” Kemp said.

Dr. Melishia Santiago, assistant dean of STEM, presented the faculty award to Hill, a professor of math at STCC. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STCC has 12 full-time female faculty in the disciplines of Mathematics and Engineering.

“Dr. Hill continuously strives to inspire our students and make positive impacts at STCC and within our community,” Santiago said.  “She’s highly supportive of women of color in STEM as well as women in STEM fields. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished through passion, hard work and a deep-seated belief in the power of one’s conviction.”

Today’s International Women’s Day celebration is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women while fostering unity, support and empowerment, Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs

Alissa Torres, a student advocate at the Center for Access Services (CAS) at STCC, presented the staff leadership award to Tynes, assistant dean of student support at STCC. CAS provides a broad range of non-academic support for students to help them overcome barriers.

“Ms. Tynes has provided steady leadership and oversight of TRIO Support Services for which STCC has consistently exceeded outcomes and program expectations,” Torres said. TRIO helps students adjust to the college environment.

Tatiana Lamas, an STCC student and peer mentor for the Lead program, presented the student leadership award to Rivera, a student in Electrical Engineering Technology and member of the Society of Women Engineers at STCC, which promotes and elevates community college women pursuing engineering fields. Almost 60% of STCC students are women.

“She’s a hard-working mom and is passionate about being an example for all women in this field. She is continuously learning, mentoring and motivating … others,” Lamas said.

Offering welcoming remarks at the event, Karolyn Burgos Toribio, the community outreach counselor for Lead, asked attendees to remember women who paved the way for progress and change.

“From trailblazers in business to leaders in innovation, women have continuously shattered barriers and defied expectation,” Burgos Toribio said. “Together, let us strive for a world where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality.”

Andrea Gedeon, Title V HSI Grant Financial Literacy Coordinator, moderated the panel discussion with Vice President of Family Services for Square One Melissa Blissett and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies, LLC, and founding director of the Healing Racism Institute.

They shared their experiences and strategies for fostering inclusivity in the workplace, addressing barriers and driving cultural change.

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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