International Women’s Day at STCC Highlights Power of Mentorship and Collective Growth

Dozens of women gathered inside Springfield Technical Community College today for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and empowerment. 22 News reporter Sarah Piena-May joins us live in studio with a closer look at the 4th annual International Women's Day Celebration. Nikki Sierra, what started as an idea is now a tradition. For more than 150 years, women have been fighting for their rights. Whether that was for education or workplace protection, local women leaders are urging families to celebrate those achievements and contributions. And the annual International Women's Day Celebration at Springfield Technical Community College seems to always be the place to do so. How would you say it has grown over the years? Yes, in many aspects the event has grown. For one, absolutely in terms of attendance. Every year we also try to incorporate students in many aspects of our program. For example, this year we have one of our very own lead students moderating the panel today. The Lead Female Leadership and Mentoring Program at STIC gathered dozens of women in a space to network and hear words of empowerment. They call this celebration the Power of Giving, Women, Growth, and Collective Gain. During the panel discussion, each panelist described how their work aligns with the broader message of International Women's Day. This year's theme is Give to Gain, which is all about mentorship, leadership, giving back to the community. And for the last eight years, a woman-led empowerment organization has accomplished that goal. Samantha Hamilton, one of the three women chosen to speak, now encourages young girls and women to take part in the Queen's narrative. We're not going to start today and end up where we are tomorrow. Sometimes there are bumps in the road and obstacles that we'll face. But the encouragement is that there's still an end point that we can reach if we persevere and stay determined. Tonight at 6, I'll introduce you to the other panelists and their achievements. Working for you, Sarah Vianna-May, 22 News.