Lehman Women Celebrate Empowerment
By Denise Phillip
Women’s History Month is especially relevant to Lehman students, since 68 percent of them are female--a higher proportion than the national average of 56 percent, according to pewresearch.org. The 2020 theme for the month is “Valiant Women of the Vote,” which pays homage to the women who fought for the right to vote and who continue to fight for the voting rights of others, according to The History Channel.
We asked Lehman students to share what this month means to them, and a moment they felt empowered as women.
“It’s a month where we celebrate the contributions of women that have made an impact in history, women that do not get enough recognition. It is a time to learn and reflect how us [women] have come a long way and should continue to strive for a better future.”
Madelin Arias Bueno, senior computer science major
“I teach management courses, and more than half of my students are female. In addition to live cases in the business world, I use examples of being a daughter, a wife, a girlfriend, or a mother to illustrate the concepts discussed in the textbook. Students feel connected by the examples. I can tell from their nodding heads and smiles on their faces.”
Ning Chen, Professor of Management at Lehman
“Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge women who made history because for so long, we were not a part of the conversation… [and] to inspire and remind future generations that women are strong, capable, unique, intelligent, fearless, and special.”
“For the past few years, I had the honor and privilege to meet and work with so many amazing, exemplary women leaders throughout the CUNY system – most of them are students. Despite how hard and exhausting it is to balance school, work and personal life, they still dedicate their time and energy to give back- to advocate on behalf of every student they represent. They are great examples of women in leadership, who lead with confidence, compassion and courage.”
Nhi Phan, Introduction to Leadership Mentor - HHL Center for Student Leadership Development
“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate all of the women who have come before me and have paved the way to where we are today. I think it is especially a time to remember and honor women that tend to be overlooked or ignored in our history, like trans women, queer women, and women of color. We have come so far, but we still have so far to go.”
Angela Peteani, 23-year-old senior English major
“When do I feel empowered as a woman? Lots of ways, some easier than others. Here’s an easy one: my 25-year-old daughter wanted a raise and promotion that wasn’t forthcoming, so she looked for another job, didn’t get the one she wanted but got another, and then went to her home company and asked them to match rank and salary, which they did and then some. I told her, “Always remember that you stand on the shoulders of women who asked and were refused, or (more common) never even dreamed of asking.”
Paula Loscocco, Professor & Chair of English
“In my opinion, 31 days isn’t enough time to discuss so many achievements women have done, past and/or present. Women continue to break barriers and accomplish many important things whether it’s in the medical field, education, science etc. Women are killing it! More months should be dedicated to us.”
Sandra Gutierrez, 26-year-old Business Administration major
“I think Women’s history month is an important time to work on female solidarity. However, as a feminist, it’s always women’s history month for me! As a professor, I teach and read predominantly women, especially women of color who are often left out of the literary canon or classroom.
I always feel empowered when I read my poetry out loud for an audience. It’s a powerful thing to bear your truth to strangers. One time was in 2017 when I gave a reading at my Alma mater Fordham University on my birthday. I shared a number of personal poems about what it’s like to be a Mexican American woman in New York City in a loud clear voice and it was very well received. Another time was when I was asked to honor poet June Jordan with an original poem at Radcliffe College. I intertwined her poetry with mine for a unique piece and I could feel her presence with me.”
Melissa Castillo Planas, Assistant Professor of English
“To me, Women's History Month represents the struggles & obstacles we had faced, & also the triumphs & contributions we have achieved globally. For example, women were huge contributors in deciphering the Mayan written language (I highly recommend the documentary "Cracking the Mayan Code," where it describes the influences of Tatiana Proskouriakoff & Linda Schele). Not only is understanding the Mayan important for learning about history, but it also granted the present-day Maya people for learning about their past as the written language had been lost).”
Emily Willen, junior Lehman ABC (pre-med) major
“A moment in which I felt empowered as a woman was in the two Lehman College programs called: “Introduction to Leadership” and “Leadership Narratives.” These two programs helped me explore more about my individual abilities and also how I can use my natural gifts to help others within my environment/community, my career path, or in any other situation in general. This is extremely significant to acknowledge, because as an individual with two health impairments and also as the oldest of three sisters, I would love to be the role model for them and others. Furthermore, out of all of this, I hope to continue breaking barriers and hopefully setting positive examples for others like me or with a different story.”
Susan Vicente, 19-year-old dietetics and food nutrition major
