Dear Darden Community,
Happy March! This month marks the start of Women’s History Month in the United States and International Women’s Day. Though the day has its roots in early 20th century suffrage movements, the United Nations formally adopted the holiday in 1977, while the United States codified Women’s History Month a decade later. Both commemorations encourage us to think about the many contributions and achievements of Women pioneers and leaders. As staff, faculty, and students, you do not have to look far for inspirational women right here in our Darden Community. And, naturally showing support and allyship with those who identify as women doesn’t have to be limited to one day or month. Please check out the opportunities below for ways to engage this month, and beyond.
Last but not least you’ll see throughout the digest resources for supporting and understanding the conflict in Ukraine. Special thanks to those who joined the community conversation last week in encouraging the sharing of these resources, and special thanks to Austin Widener for providing a comprehensive reference.
Be Well,
-The Darden Diversity Team
Resources of Interest This Month
Darden Club Fundraiser for Ukraine
Resources for Supporting Ukraine
International Women’s Day Events
Additional Events of Interest
DARDEN SPECIFIC :
Running Start: Women in Politics Workshop
Friday, 3.25 2022, 11:00am -2:00pm
The Darden Business and Public Policy Club, Graduate Women in Business Club, and the Adam Smith Society are excited to partner with Running Start, a non-partisan, non-profit organization to educate and empower women who are interested in running for student government and/or office. The workshop will be moderated by UVA Law Alumna, Susannah Wellford, CEO and founder of Running Start.
Darden Africa Business Conference
Friday, 4.1. 2022 – Saturday, 4.2. 2022
For the past two decades, we have witnessed a surge in innovative solutions across Africa, specifically in the creative industry. As such, the conference will center around “the emerging trends in Africa’s creative industry”, featuring inventive responses from leaders driving innovation in the industry. Specifically, you are welcome to engage with fellow students as well as creators and professionals in the industry sub – category spanning, entertainment, fashion, and art. Attendees will walk away with knowledge of the interplay between Africa’s economic development and the creative industry, new connections, and relationships
Belonging Book Club Series: We Should All Be Feminists
Wednesday, 3.30. 2022, 5:30pm -6:30pm (virtual option available)
Join members of the Darden Community to discuss Chimamanda Ngozie Adiche’s We Should All Be Feminists.
Description: In this personal, eloquently-argued essay—adapted from the much-admired TEDx talk of the same name—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now—and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.
Women of Color Mindfulness Moment
Wednesdays, 9:35am – 9:55am, March 23rd – May 4th (virtual option available)
Take a mini-mental vacation every Wednesday morning! Join Christie Julien from Darden’s DEI office for a 15 – 30 minute session on mindfulness and meditation centered around the experiences of women of color. Take a moment out of your day to breathe, center yourself, rest and refuel for the day ahead. Sign up here to get updates on locations, topics, and facilitators. Sessions are open to students, partners, staff and faculty.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Tour of Women’s History at UVA
Wednesday, 3.16 . 2022, 12:00pm -1:00pm
Saturday, 3.19. 2022, 12:00pm -1:00pm
Wednesday, 3.23. 2022, 12:00pm -1:00pm
Saturday, 3.26. 2022, 12:00pm -1:00pm
Join the University Guide Service to explore a refreshed, critical, and intersectional understanding of the women who shaped the university.
Women in Data Science Charlottesville
Friday, 3.18. 2022 10:00am -5:00pm
Women in Data Science (WiDS) Charlottesville is an independent event that is organized by the University of Virginia School of Data Science as part of the annual WiDS Worldwide Conference hosted by Stanford University with an estimated 200+ locations worldwide. WiDS features women doing outstanding work in the field of data science, and all genders are invited to attend conference events. This year, WiDS Charlottesville will be held virtually with an in-person reception to follow.
Light in the Darkness: An Illumination of Female-Identifying Artists in South Asia
Sunday, 3.20.2022 4:00pm -6:00pm
oin us at Mudhouse Cafe as we showcase the works of female- identifying South-Asian poets, writers, and artists– including but not limited to Arundhati Roy, Rupi Kaur, and Amrita Sher-Gil (artist)– to celebrate International Women’s History Month! We look forward to an entertaining evening full of slam-poetry, charcuterie, writing, and painting!
Black Women Speak! Community Stories of Resilience and Radical Hope
Wednesday, 3.23, 6:00pm -7:30pm
Join local community members, Bernadette Whitsett – Hammond, Marcha Howard and Diane Brown Townes to hear their personal transformative community stories of Resilience and Radical Hope as they reflect on growing up in Charlottesville.
Notable Dates/ Observances
Ash Wednesday – March 2
International Women’s Day – March 8th
Harriet Tubman Day – March 10th
Purim – March 17th
Holi – March 18th
What We’re Reading/Watching/Listening to This Week
- UVA’s Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs created this blog which offers insight analysis, and resources to help the UVA community better understand the complexities of the current conflict in Ukraine.
What Does it Mean to Be a True Ally to Women of Color?
Summary from HBR: Women of color (WOC) face some of the most notable disadvantages at work, being simultaneously underestimated and tokenized, and having to deal with the compounding effects of sexism and racism. Allies can help create real change — but they also still have much to learn. Deepa Purushothaman outlines tactical strategies and methods for people to become impactful and sustained allies.
The Lavender Scare by Criminal Podcast
- This podcast explores the experiences of Helen James, a gay woman who joined the military in 1952, just before the Federal government signed an executive order that banned LGBTQ+ individuals from holding federal positions. Phoebe Judge walks through Helen’s experiences of being detained, questioned, and dismissed from the career that had defined her family for generations.
