SRU hosting Women’s History Month events, including mentorship summit

Slippery Rock University is hosting several events to celebrate Women’s History Month in March, including a Womentoring Summit.

Feb. 28, 2024

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Mentorship is the focus of Women's History Month events at Slippery Rock University. SRU is hosting several activities in March to celebrate and recognize women, including the finale of the Womentoring series that's been ongoing throughout the academic year.

Hosted by the SRU's Office for Inclusive Excellence and the SRU Women's Center, the Womentoring Series has brought empowered women from the SRU community together to discuss subject areas relating to mentorship for women.

The final event, titled "EmpowHER, InspiHER, LeadHER: Womentoring Summit," is scheduled for 5-7 p.m., March 25 at the Russell Wright Alumni House. The summit, for SRU students and invited guests, will include dinner and opportunities for attendees to network with other students, faculty, staff and alumni in various career fields. SRU President Karen Riley will be the keynote speaker and there will be a moderated discussion between successful alumna from each of SRU's five colleges. Students can register on CORE, SRU's online platform for student organizations.

Examples of SRU alumni who shared their stories at Womentoring events include Kenya Johns, '14, and Elise Michaux, '11,'13M, who spoke at SRU last fall.

   From left, Kenya Johns, ’14, and Elise Michaux,
    ’11,’13M, spoke at SRU last fall.

Johns has taken on many roles since graduating from SRU with a degree in psychology. In 2022, she became the first Black woman elected mayor of her hometown of Beaver Falls. She is also an assistant professor of counseling and school counseling program director at Geneva College and she works as a program manager and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant.

"One of the biggest responsibilities I take on is mentoring," Johns said. "No matter what level we're on, we all have different experiences that allow us to give to advice to each other. I'm really big on mentoring, especially other women."

Michaux, who earned a bachelor's degree at SRU in English literature and master's in student affairs in higher education, is the marketing and communications director at Erie County Community College, but she's also in her fourth year as a member of SRU's council of trustees.

"I'm very grateful for where I am today, and that's why I like to do these talks because I am proof that anybody can do it," Michaux said. "I don't think I'm more special than anybody else; I've just worked hard and made connections with great people. My mentors and friends saw my leadership abilities before I saw them."

Below is the complete listing of SRU Women's History Month events with links for more information. Some events that are only for SRU students and employees have links to CORE.

The Recognizing Women Project with Nathan Trice/RITUALS 
March 1, 7:30 p.m., featuring SRU dance majors  
March 2, 2 p.m., featuring students from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School  
March 2, 7:30 p.m., featuring students from Pittsburgh's Creative and Performing Arts Magnet School 
Stoner West, Dance Studio Theater 
Sponsors: Department of Dance, President's Commission for Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the Frederick Douglass Institute 

Winter Wanderlust: Essential Skills for Beginners in Solo Hiking, Empowering Women and Allies in the Frosty Wilderness 
March 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2-6 p.m.  
March 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2-6 p.m.  
The Macoskey Center for Sustainability Education & Research 
Registration: linktr.ee/MacoskeyCenter 
Sponsor: Macoskey Center 

ElevateHER: Uplifting Women  
March 5 and 7, 12:30-2 p.m.  
Materials will be provided for people to color and write positive messages for women that will be displayed in the Smith Student Center.
Smith Student Center, Lobby
Sponsor: Panhellenic Council  

Women's Bible Study
March 6, 3:30 p.m.
Smith Student Center, Room 322
Sponsor: Cru Women's Ministry

Fem-Fitness Week 
at the Aebersold Student Recreation Center 
Pilates, March 18, 6-7 p.m., RPM Room 
RockSpin, March 19, 7-8 p.m., Bike Room 
HIIT, March 20, 5-6 p.m., RPM Room 
Goddess Flow Yoga, March 21, 6-7 p.m., RPM Room 
Sponsors: Campus Recreation and the Women's Center 

Project Period
March 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
March 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information will be available at booths in the Smith Student Center lobby about feminine hygiene products and reusable menstrual cups will be provided.
Sponsors: Bonner Scholar Program, YWCA and the Women's Center

Linnea Sommer-Weddington Alumni Speaker 
March 19, 6:30 p.m.
Rear Admiral Linnea Sommer-Weddington, '81, '96M, will discuss her career in the U.S. Navy and as a business manager for the Weddington Art Gallery. 
Russell Wright Alumni House 
Sponsor: Alumni Engagement  

Real Talk: Girlies on Air Women's History Month Conversation 
Part 1, released March 20 
Part 2, released March 27 
Spotify WSRU-FM Podcast Network 
Sponsors: @girliesonair, WSRU-FM and The Women's Center 

HER Drive  
March 24-30
Collection box locations in Women’s Center, Bailey Library, Patterson Hall Lobby, Watson Hall, and Spotts World Culture Building for people to donate feminine hygiene products, dry shampoo, makeup remover and women's deodorant. A table will also be available in the Smith Student Center Lobby on March 27. 
Sponsors: Female Majority Leader Alliance, Honors College, Rock Pantry+ 

EmpowHER, InspiHER, LeadHER: Womentoring Summit 
March 25, 5-7 p.m. 
RSVP in CORE (event page will appear under Women's Center events when available)
Russell Wright Alumni House 
Sponsors: Office for Inclusive Excellence, The Women's Center, Alumni Engagement 

Women and Allies Mentor Dinner 
March 28, 6-8 p.m. 
Awards ceremony for women and allies who are SRU students, faculty, staff or alumni, recognizing them for their focus on inclusion and respect for all; for serving as role models through their creativity, leadership, compassion and dedication; and for making campus or their communities a better place with their talents, vision and determination.
Register online
Smith Student Center, Ballroom 
Sponsor: President's Commission on Women 

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854  | justin.zackal@sru.edu