Celebrating HerStory at UVA Wise: Science, Sports and Service
Come hear “HerStory,” a month-long women’s speaker series featuring a U.S. Olympian, Peace Corps volunteer, UVA Wise alumna and trailblazing dean.
The College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is sponsoring the events to celebrate Women’s History Month this March. All of the panels, speakers and events are open to the public and will be broadcast on Zoom. For more information, visit uvawise.edu/events.
“In the U.S., Women's History Month went from one day—to one week—to one month. This March we pause to commemorate, learn about and celebrate the vital role of women in our history and life today,” DEI Associate Vice Chancellor Tabitha Smith said.
This year, UVA Wise hosts lectures and events that represent a wide scope of women’s experiences—personal and professional, local and global. And the speakers will share their expertise in varied subjects including engineering and science, coaching and fitness, community development and volunteerism, competitive sports, academia and personal health.
“It is my privilege that myself and the brilliant women in our DEI office are educated females who reflect on the sacrifices others made, not too long ago, for us to have that privilege. We hope that the College’s speaker lineup this year will spotlight the paths that these women have journeyed in order to promote hope for the betterment of all and, specifically, the next generation, to lead,” Smith said.
When Karen Carter, the College’s only female professor in computer science saw a press release last year about UVA naming its first women engineering school dean—Jennifer L. West—it sparked her suggestion of her for this year’s series.
“The woman is a phenom. She has transformed so many departments and is a pioneer for diversity and equity,” said Carter, assistant professor of information systems and coordinator for the management information systems program. “She is a pathway provider. It’s important to see women who have strived to make the world a better place. Even if you can’t see yourself doing her role, you can still be inspired by the person. Technology is always doing something new, is never boring and doesn’t care if you are male or female. The process is the process.”
DEI is also hosting a unique in-person series, “Creating Inclusion in The Wellness Center” on Mondays throughout March, from 1-2 p.m. at Winston Ely Health & Wellness Center.
“Sixty-five percent of women report avoiding the gym because of fears. We want to recognize those fears and help alleviate them,” Associate Director of Compliance and Inclusion Molly Land said. “Inclusion is one of the pillars of our work on campus, and the idea that people have not always been welcomed, or even legally allowed in certain spaces, is something that deserves attention.”
Every Monday, a small group session led by a certified trainer will teach women how to use the center’s fitness equipment. The series is open to the first 15 women to sign up. To reserve a spot, email Land at mal7te@uvawise.edu.
“Inclusion often happens with education and action, so we will be offering an educational series on utilizing the equipment at the fitness center and identifying ways to make this space more inclusive,” Land said.
UVA Wise HerStory March Series of Events:
UVA WISE ALUMNI IN ACTION
Two recent UVA Wise graduates share their journeys serving others both locally and globally.
“A Glimpse at The Warm Heart of Africa” on Wednesday, March 2, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
The former Miss UVA Wise, Sharmae Stringfield, will share her experience of serving two years as a Peace Corps health volunteer in Malawi before being evacuated in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now a community developer, Stringfield, a former UVA homecoming queen and psychology graduate, helps people maintain housing stability as part of a rental assistance program at a nonprofit organization.
“An afternoon chat with Dr. Ashlee Taylor, UVA Wise alumna and Optometrist” on Wednesday, March 9 at noon via Zoom.
Dr. Ashlee Taylor, a native of Honaker, Virginia, joined Eye Physicians of Southwest Virginia in 2021. Taylor, who obtained a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in art from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2016, obtained her doctorate of optometry degree from the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville in 2021. While there, she was awarded the Alcon Case Report Award as a 4th-year student. Taylor, who is licensed to practice in Virginia and Tennessee, specializes in general optometry for adults and children, with a special interest in geriatrics, dry eye and the treatment of ocular disease.
SPORTS, FITNESS AND HEALTH
“Meet UVA graduate and U.S. Olympian Rower Meghan O’Leary” on Wednesday, March 23, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Meghan O’Leary is a 2016 and 2020 Olympian, a two-time World Championship medalist, five-time World Cup medalist and seven-time National Team member with the United States Rowing Team. For eight years, she served as the Athlete Director on the U.S. Rowing Board of Directors. At the University of Virginia, O’Leary, recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Scholarship, was a two-sport Division I athlete in volleyball and softball. Before pursuing her Olympic dream full-time, she worked for ESPN for five years. In 2015, O’Leary founded Turazo, a software platform that helps companies recruit and hire more inclusively. Since retiring from elite sport after competing in the Tokyo Olympics, O’Leary is a professional speaker and advocate for women in sports and equality, serving as an ambassador for the Women’s Sports Foundation and Athlete Ally. She lives outside Santa Cruz, California with her fiancé, Julia, and their dog, Lotus.
“A Lift Up with Bonnie Schroeder, Power Lifter and Business Owner” on Monday, March 28, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Bonnie Schroeder is an active powerlifting athlete and coach with a passion for holistic health and wellness. A well-rounded coach with extensive background in track and field, bodybuilding and CrossFit, Schroeder shares her expertise across the U.S. and on her popular social media platform. She also coaches powerlifting athletes of all levels and hosts a variety of subscription training services where she continues to empower athletes around the world. In May 2021, Schroeder underwent a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction surgery due to her BRCA1 diagnosis. Now she is passionate advocate for women's health and breast cancer screenings. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her partner, Matt, and their two cats, Ollie and Doug.
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT
“Entrepreneur Power Panel” on Thursday, March 24, at 1 p.m on Zoom and at Cantrell Hall.
A student-moderated, lively panel discussion of local women entrepreneurs sharing insight on the challenges they have faced and advice on how to overcome them.
“Meet UVA’s First Woman Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science: Jennifer L. West” on Wednesday, March 30, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Last year, Jennifer L. West was named the 14th dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science—the first woman to lead UVA’s engineering school in the University’s history. She is also Nancy and Neal Wade Professor of Engineering and Applied Science, Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. For 25 years, West has been an award-winning teacher, inventor, entrepreneur and transformational researcher. Her research focuses on the use of biomaterials, nanotechnology and tissue engineering, applying engineering approaches to studying biological problems and solving unmet medical needs, particularly in the fight against cancer. A member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors, she holds 19 patents that have been licensed to eight different companies. West also co-founded Nanospectra Biosciences Inc., which conducts human clinical trials of a cancer therapy she invented. As Dean of Engineering, West’s priorities include building upon the school’s research trajectory, increasing experiential learning opportunities for students and ensuring a clear pathway to entrepreneurship for faculty and students.