February 22, 2024
K-State staff, students and alumna to be panelists at AAUW's International Women's Day celebration
The Manhattan Branch of the American Association of University Women, or AAUW, invites you to join in its ninth annual celebration of International Women's Day the evening of Friday, March 8.
International Women's Day is observed annually on March 8. It is a global day recognizing and honoring the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. This year's theme is "Inspire Inclusion."
AAUW has assembled a panel of local international women to speak on opportunities and challenges they experienced in coming to the U.S.; cultural practices they continue to observe; differences women face in their home country versus the U.S.; as well as thoughts on inspiring greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace and society. Local branch member and State Sen. Usha Reddi will moderate the discussion.
This year's speakers are:
- Agnieszka Lasko, graduate student in K-State's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and a native of Poland.
- Ana Lucia Mendonca, K-State alumna in curriculum and instruction and native of Brazil, executive director of the Manhattan Area Resettlement Team.
- Claudia A. Petrescu, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. Petrescu is originally from Romania.
- Vajiheh Shahsavari, K-State master's student in curriculum and instruction from Iran. She also serves as president of K-State's Iranian Graduate Students Association.
The dinner begins at 6 p.m. at Holiday Inn at the Campus, 1641 Anderson Ave., and costs $25 per person. Reservations can be made by email to manhattanksaauw@gmail.com. The dinner reservation deadline is March 1. Payment can be made by cash or check at the door. No reservation is necessary to attend the free public forum beginning at 7 p.m.
Special thanks to the Dow Center for Multicultural and Community Studies, English Language Program at K-State and K-State Libraries for co-sponsoring the event.