Women changing the world

March is Women’s History Month, and the Center for Student Involvement hosted a celebration March 12 in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus.

The event included crafts, snacks and networking opportunities to “honor the amazing women who’ve shaped our world,” according to the CSI’s V Link page.

The center also observed Women’s History Month March 6 on the Student Union veranda on the Brownsville campus.

    “You may have one face; I may have one face but, as a community, with this event, we can work for the best of everyone,” said Leticia Cavazos, public programming coordinator at the Museum of South Texas History. “We got in touch with so many young people who were interested in learning real stories.”

Cavazos also shared an interesting personal fact relating to the event.

“My tía was one of the first Hispanic women to be accepted as a flight attendant,” she said.

Lolly Peña, education officer at the Museum of South Texas History, said after attending the UTRGV Black History Month event, she was very hopeful about returning for this one.

“We were here for the Black history celebration and it was phenomenally well done,” Peña said. “This particular segment is strongly promoting female empowerment and supporting the importance of education in women’s lives.”

She emphasized the strong sense of womanhood in the Rio Grande Valley, noting that education is vital for everyone, regardless of gender.

“I think the Rio Grande Valley is known for its strong womanhood, as well as its offerings of education in everyone’s life, it is not just about gender,” Peña said.

When asked how she hopes her work will impact future generations of women, she stressed the importance of education.

“I think it’s important that I meet your generation and strongly enforce the importance of education regardless of what social status you are,” Peña replied. “Anyone can achieve and do well if given the opportunity.”

She highlighted the significance of strong female leaders in the community, recognizing the importance of womanhood and female empowerment.

“I think it’s really important that we try to stress the importance of education and achievement,” Peña said.

Giovanna Granados, program coordinator for the cultural programs and family involvement programs at the Center for Student Involvement, said she and her team focus on the different cultures of the university, as it is constantly expanding.

“We want to make sure all students feel at home and always have a little place of home to be celebrated here at UTRGV,” Granados said. “It is really a big part of our culture to embrace and pay homage to these holidays remembering those who made a mark in history.”

She said people can learn from these important individuals in history.

“It is important to find people to look up to, people who you can see and say, ‘If they could do it, so can I,’” Granados said. “Finding success in our own life takes time, maturity and challenges.”