Kicking off Women’s History Month, the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion launched “Uplift: Women Telling Stories and Powering the Future” on Monday, March 10, showcasing an inspiring celebration of women’s voices and creativity.
The vibrant kickoff luncheon, held on the fifth floor of the Student Center, featured performances ranging from poetry and rap, to singing, along with original art prints, food and prizes. The event marked the start of a week-long series of programs designed to uplift and honor women in history and through the community.
The event was hosted by sophomore Rebeca Urzúa, an honors international student pursuing a bachelor’s in general music.
“I really hope that they get to know a lot about our history and what we do today, because what we do today matters,” Urzúa said.
Urzúa, who is also a head engage leader for the Student Engagement and Leadership Office, said she hopes that the students who come to the luncheon develop a deeper appreciation for art made for the occasion.
“There’s a lot of great paintings, visual art, good performances and songs, meaningful lyrics, poetry,” Urzúa said. “I really hope that they can connect with the meaning of what it means to be a woman and what we want people to see.”
Anakaren Pinto, coordinator for education and events for the Student Diversity and Inclusion Office, said her team developed the theme to help students feel uplifted and empowered.
“More than anything, what we always try to do in all our events is to make sure that our students feel celebrated, seen and valued. So I hope they walk out of here feeling more empowered,” said Pinto, organizer for the luncheon and Uplift Week.
“When you take a moment to celebrate, I think you recognize the past, the present, it helps us lead towards the future and create the world we all want to see.”
Amongst many performers were selected artists from “You on the Moors Now” a play by Jacqueline Bacchus with artistic direction from Susan Padveen, the artistic director and associate professor in the School of Theatre and Dance. The play itself is taking place at 72 E. 11th Street Chicago from March 5 to 15 in Sheldon Patinkin Theatre features scenes from various classic novels, including a parkour piece and a discussion among heroines from “Pride and Prejudice,” “Jane Eyre,” “Little Women,” and “Wuthering Heights.”
Sofía Roldán, a transfer senior acting major and student performer, said the play is significant for its topical relevance and artistic expression of feminist themes.
“This piece specifically is about the women kind of taking their power back,” said Roldán. “I think it’s really cool not only that we’re doing this show at this school, but to show that it matters to us, and in our art, your art is your voice.”
Matthew Rillie, SDI coordinator of education and community development, discussed the critical importance of representation and inclusivity, particularly due to growing concerns over federal DEI policies.
“It says a lot, but I think it still bears being true that marginalized identities right now feel both like they are under attack,” said Rillie. “I think one of the best ways that we feel like we can combat a lot of the hatred or discourse in the world right now is to be very loud and proud of who we are, which is a diverse school founded by two women.”
The Chronicle has recently reported on the uncertainty of the college’s program changes due to the Trump Administration’s attacks on DEI. Rillie reaffirmed the college’s dedication to its diverse student body and inclusive practices, assuring that these values would not waver, regardless of political changes.
“You can’t outlaw diversity, like we are a diverse school; we have a wide range of diverse students here, regardless of how things change in politics we are not going to change,” said Rillie.
The uplift theme will continue throughout the week with games and activities including an entrepreneur panel on Thursday, March 13, to offer perspectives on entrepreneurship and achieving work-life balance.
Copy edited by Patience Hurston
