Arcadia University honors Women’s History Month throughout March with several events that promote women’s health, history, and achievements.

On Tuesday, March 1, Institutional Diversity will host a ladies-only open mic night at 7:15 p.m. in the Dining Hall Complex. Women from across the University community are invited to perform their favorite songs, poetry, or stories in celebration of life’s successes and challenges. Those interested in performing at the Women’s History Kick-Off event should contact May Their Aye at theirayem@arcadia.edu to register.

On Wednesday, March 2 from 9 to 10 a.m., Arcadia faculty, staff, and students are invited to hear Philadelphia’s Black Pearl Orchestra conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson lecture in the “Women Composers” program in Murphy Hall. She will discuss her experiences as a female conductor and what it is like being a woman in the music industry. Johnson is the first African American woman to win the international Taki Concordia Conducting Fellowship in 2005.

Two weeks later, on Wednesday, March 16 from 7 to 9 p.m., the “Women in Composers” series continues with Dr. Cynthia Folio, theorist, composer, and award-winning flautist. She will discuss women in musical composition and her own accomplishments. Folio has won several awards, including the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1996, the Creative Achievement Award in 2012, and the ASCAP Standard Awards for composition 19 consecutive times.

The public is invited to the Women’s History Month Panel Discussion: Women of Color in Higher Education on Wednesday, March 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Stein Fireplace Lounge. Panelists Dr. Foram Bhukhanwala, assistant professor of Elementary and Early Education at Arcadia University; May Their Aye, coordinator of Diversity Programs and Initiatives at Arcadia; Vanessa Iyua, associate director at Greenfield Intercultural Center at University of Pennsylvania; and Stephanie Reed, director at Office of Student Diversity Initiatives at Cabrini College; will discuss the challenges and successes of women in higher education. Light refreshments will be available for this public event.

To wrap up Women’s History Month, on Saturday, March 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., POWER student organization will host the R.E.A.L. Talk- Women’s Wellness Conference in Grey Towers Castle for girls and women, ages 14 to 22 and their allies. Presenters will discuss ongoing issues of women’s health and wellness, developing a professional image, and framing feminism within the context of race. Only 100 seats are available to ensure a better one-on-one interaction between audience and presenters. Registration is required by emailing power@arcadia.edu.