The ballroom at Western Colorado University swelled with anticipation as the Women’s History Month Celebration Committee hosted its 30th annual celebration on March 5.
Leslie Taylor, Western’s vice president of marketing and enrollment opened the event, welcoming the mix of students, faculty and community members. This year’s celebration was themed around sustainability and the women who foster it.
The event doubled as a female author book swap, giving everyone an opportunity to share their favorite works written by women. There was a collection of novels, memoirs, scientific accounts and poetry.
Dr. Jessica Young and Sally Romero were both honored at the event. Young, the provost and vice president of academic affairs, has served Western since 1996.
“Every year I think this is one of the most spectacular events in Gunnison,” she said. “It brings together women from across the campus and community.”
Romero, who started the committee in 1996, retired from her role as director of multicultural affairs in January.
“I think anyone who spends any time here in Gunnison knows this entire valley is so amazingly incredible, and I think sustainability is key to keeping it that way,” Romero said, noting that she learned early on in life the importance of taking care of the environment. “I really believe in sustaining people. This is a celebration of women continuing to sustain cultural groups and different segments within those communities. Our young women are tomorrow’s leaders.”
The event’s keynote speaker was Brooke Zanetell, Western’s assistant professor of land management, teaching the attendees about women in public lands management. She gave an overview of people who have helped strides be taken in public lands protection, and sustainability, highlighting women’s achievements in conservation, even praisingWestern professors Kindra Jesse De’Arman, Briget Eastep and Jessica Young.
“There are so many extraordinary women out there that we don't always know about. We try to make sure to acknowledge what they’ve done for us so that maybe we can help them move whatever their tasks are forward,” said Carrie Reinecke, a board member since 2011. “This is really about supporting women in whatever way we can.”
Leslie Taylor followed up Zanetell’s speech with one of her own, filling the ballroom with the tale of Wilma Mankiller, the first elected woman to serve as deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation and later principal chief. Mankiller showed women what it meant to step into spaces where others may doubt you, never to fear being first and to lead with conviction even when your leadership challenges expectations.
“Being a leader is not about a title, it’s about having purpose, seeing what your community needs and most importantly choosing to do something and make a difference,” said Taylor. “She learned how ordinary people united by purpose can spark extraordinary change.”
Taylor went on to list the many accomplishments of Mankiller and how she changed what was thought possible for all women, especially indigenous women.
“She didn’t come in with a top-down iron fist. Instead, she empowered communities to become the architects of their own solutions,” Taylor said. “She broadened opportunities for women in the Cherokee Nation. She emphasized that Cherokee culture historically valued women as leaders and decision makers, and she sought to restore that balance.”
The afternoon ended with women’s history trivia as attendees snacked on the donated hors d'oeuvres and tested their knowledge. There was a final reminder to grab a book, the leftovers of which were set to be donated, and a plea for everyone to take home the centerpieces, which were plants all homed in reused jars and vases.
The Women’s History Month Celebration Committee is always looking for donations.
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