Women of Color Conference 2005

More than 90 participants attended the second annual Women of Color Conference at Slippery Rock University, March 17-19. The conference focused on recruitment and retention of women of color at the 14 PASSHE universities.

Keynote speaker Dr. Julianne Malveaux, an economist, author and activist, spoke on the theme: Women of Color in the Academy: Our Struggles, Successes and Future.

Workshop sessions covered such topics as research, overcoming roadblocks, racial identity issues to student evaluations, community support systems, personal finances, and having a voice at the table. A panel of PASSHE faculty and management lead a discussion on retention and recruitment.

During the conference, Chancellor Judy Hample was presented with a special award in honor of her commitment and support to the recruitment and retention of women of color in PASSHE and for her support of the conference.

Others were recognized for role modeling outstanding service as a woman of color in their various capacities. They included:

• Millersville University President Francine McNairy
• West Chester University Trustee Jessie Pincus
• Dr. Alicia King Redfern, Faculty member from Bloomsburg University
• Carmen Martinez Marin, Community Service

Entertainment included music and poetry of women of color and a performance by Black Action Society Step Team, a student dance team from Slippery Rock University.

A DVD of participants addressing the conference themes and sharing specific experiences will be provided to each PASSHE campus. Participants also will receive a resource directory including participant information, information on research and current grants and projects. Organizers hope the directory will inspire collaboration among the participants.

Plans are in the works for next year's conference. For more information about this year's conference, contact the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity in the Office of the Chancellor, 717-720-4040.  

Photo Gallery

^ Dr. Renay Scales of Slippery Rock University welcomes participants to the Second Annual Women of Color Conference.	^ Keynote speaker Dr. Julianne Malveaux, an economist, author and activist, addresses the conference.

^ More than 90 women from across PASSHE participated in this year’s conference. Here attendees listen to one of the conference speakers.

< Various races and ethnicities were celebrated during the conference. Exhibitors displaying wares from Latino, African and Native American cultures were part of this year's conference.