By Itzel Chavero
On Tuesday, March 11, the Center for Cultural Liberation (CCL) organized a “She Inspires Me” panel, in which they invited five Dominican faculty members to share on their experiences and stories being female leaders.
The intimate event was held in the CCL at 2:30 p.m. with around 15 students in attendance. Food and refreshments were provided to those who joined as well as the chance to take pictures in the photo booth decorated with a pink and purple flower backdrop.
The panel had special guest speakers including President Glena Temple, Claudia Herrera-Montero, assistant professor of theology, Sophia Hamilton, associate professor of psychology, Tamara Bland, dean of Borra College of Health Sciences, and Jaqueline Neri Arias, executive director of student experience and inclusion.
The conversation was hosted by Daniela Mendoza, a sophomore majoring in graphic design, who works closely with the CCL as their senior marketing and communications intern.
The questions to the speakers had examples such as asking them who is the woman that inspired them to become leaders. While most speakers shared their biggest inspiration being the women in their families, others emphasized the inspiration transmitted by the women at Dominican.
Hamilton, who is also chair of the psychology department, said she holds admiration and appreciation to the women who work at Dominican and are undeniably a staple in the community.
“Everybody on this panel has some way been encouraging and inspiration to me,” she said. “So, I’m going to encourage all of you to look around our campus because there are some amazing women who are doing amazing work.”
Speakers were able to share some personal stories that were useful to them in becoming the positive models they are today as well as with the legacy they hope to leave behind.
President Temple emphasized to audience members the message she hopes to leave with her work towards the education of Dominican students.
“I certainly hope I’m remembered as being kind and I don’t mean kind on an individual basis, but the role in helping the world become a better place,” she explained.
Panelists were also asked to offer some words of encouragement to the young women at Dominican and advice on how to become authoritative figures like themselves.
Herrera-Montero, an active advocate for Latinx students on campus, highlighted how embracing her Latina identity and roots motivated her to become part of the 1% of Latinas with a PhD in the U.S.
“Don’t be afraid to bring to the classroom who you are and where you come from because that’s where your strength lies, that’s how you will shine,” she said.
Freshman Maria Rodriguez says the panel helped her realize how much she has in common with her professors.
“Hearing some of the women I’ve had [as professors] talk about some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives and the way they’ve found solutions and peace with themselves meant a lot to me,” she said.
“I think in the society we live in and with everything going on it’s important to show support and recognize the women in our lives,” saidsenior Pablo Leon. “It starts with empowering and acknowledging their hard work not only professionally but personally.”
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