Courtesy of Gavilian College President Dr. Kathleen Rose:
March 8 continues to gain momentum each year as we pause to recognize and celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women around the globe. This year the theme for International Women’s Day is “Balance for Better” and I can’t think of a more meaningful focus for all us here at Gavilan to reflect on as we pause to thank the many women on campus who contribute to the learning environments we share.
The idea of “Balance for Better” is about gender equity and throughout the country and the world we see courageous women working towards a more gender-balanced boardroom, a gender-balanced government, gender-balanced media coverage, a gender-balance of employees, more gender-balance in wealth, gender-balanced sports coverage and more. Recently, our own Linda Bernabe , Carina Cisneros and Ron Hannon attended a Building Diversity Summit in southern California and prepared an excellent report on how our college can improve our equity practices going forward (add report here). Please share and discuss as we move forward institutionally to improve our diversity practices at Gavilan.
Gloria Steinem, world-renowned feminist, journalist and activist once explained “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” I couldn’t agree more! Here at Gavilan, there are many women who lead the efforts each day through demonstration and practice to model these values in their work with students and with their colleagues. I urge you to seek them out and ask them to share their stories of resiliency and leadership with you:
- Nikki Dequin – President of the Academic Senate
- Rosa Rivera-Sharboneau – Counselor and Articulation Officer
- Christina Salvin – English Faculty
- Nancy Bailey – Office of the President Executive Assistant
- Lucy Alvarez – Human Resources
- Jillian Wilson – CSEA President
- Jane Maringer-Cantu – AEC Faculty and Interim Leader
The list is long of women at the college who gain strength from being in community with one another, who challenge the way we think, who share stories of courage and purpose, and who show up each day with the intent to be change agents under the guidance of our Principles of Community and to serve our students and the community. We salute you! So, for this International Women’s Day take a moment to reflect on the ways in which we continue to “Balance for Better” now and in the future, and go to the IWD website to learn more.
IWD website: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/IWD2019
