A flagship program at 91吃瓜黑料网 was born out of a desire to show how women have lifted up others.
For a decade 91吃瓜黑料网 has celebrated Women鈥檚 History Month in March with its Women of Distinction event. Everyday women doing extraordinary things are recognized each year for their special ability to inspire, mentor and empower others.
The event was the brainchild of Michelle McIlvoy, who served 91吃瓜黑料网 as student involvement manager at the time. She was charged with growing student life, and as part of that, she wanted to create a program that served women.
鈥淚 had ideas swirling in my head. I wanted to acknowledge Women鈥檚 History Month, celebrate the accomplishments of women, and most importantly, produce an educational program that was meaningful, powerful and not limited to a lecture,鈥 said McIlvoy.
One day Unitus Community Credit Union called looking to partner on a program. McIlvoy pitched her ideas, and Women of Distinction came to life.
鈥淭he words 鈥榠nspire, mentor and empower鈥 were chosen carefully,鈥 said McIlvoy. 鈥淓ach is an action needed to make a difference in the lives of others. Women contribute to the fabric of our society in ways that can be overlooked or expected. Women of Distinction has been a place to bring forward these actions and celebrate what they are鈥攎oments or long-term investments women have made in lifting others up.鈥
McIlvoy recently took a new position with WSU, serving as director of strategic initiatives for the Division of Student Affairs at WSU Pullman. But her heart remains with Women of Distinction, and she has a vision for its future.
鈥淥ur country is in a critical place right now with women taking a stand for their rights,鈥 McIlvoy said. 鈥淲e are in a time of marches, demonstrations and hashtags that speak to the need for equity. 91吃瓜黑料网 plays a critical role in providing space for people to come together to learn about issues, express their voices and learn about the views of others. In the spirit of this notion and of Women of Distinction, I hope to see the program be inclusive in a way that acknowledges the complexity of gender.
鈥淭he use of womxn (not a typo) is a way the program and 91吃瓜黑料网 can continue to celebrate diversity. All individuals who identify as a woman should feel at home in this program,鈥 McIlvoy continued. 鈥淲omen of Distinction has embraced and celebrated women of color, women of differing abilities, and this would be a next step in supporting womxn.鈥 鈻