Let's Celebrate Women's History Month

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INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who have helped our Nation build a fairer, more just society. 

Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us. Though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers — from the women who took a stand as suffragists, abolitionists, and labor leaders to pioneering scientists and engineers, groundbreaking artists, proud public servants, and brave members of our Armed Forces.

The White House

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month 2024 will take place from Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024.
In our local South Sound Community and throughout the United Ways of the region, we celebrate the women that have helped to be a guiding light throughout this journey.

Meet Francis Wisebart Jacobs 

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In 1887, Frances Wisebart Jacobs founded Mile High United Way, the first United Way in the world. She led four faith leaders in establishing the organization in Denver (it was originally called the Charity Organization Society and would later become Mile High United Way). United Way now serves more than 1,800 communities across 37 countries and territories worldwide. Her legacy for meeting basic needs is evident in United Way's 211 resource lines. In 1885, she established the Free Kindergarten Association and opened Denver's first free kindergarten. Wisebart Jacobs is also credited as founder of the Jewish Family Service of Colorado and National Jewish Health. “At a time when women couldn’t vote and had few of the rights and privileges that women in the U.S. enjoy today, Frances demonstrated the power of one person to make changes,” said Jill Tietjen, CEO of Technically Speaking and author of Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America.

We thank Frances for making a lasting impact in communities across the world!

  • Look for Shellie Willis – Keynote Speaker to join us at the Elevate Women Event on March 15th 2024
  • Kirstin Ang – Port of Tacoma Commissionaire  
  • Stay tuned for many more impactful women leaders we will highlight and celebrate throughout the month

Women’s History Month Local Events 

  • Women's History Month Scavenger Hunt at Tacoma Public Libraries When: March 1st, March 15th, March 16th, March 20th 
    • Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and on certain days 10:00am – 8:00pm 
    • Where: At the following Pierce County Library Branches - Fern Hill, Kobetich, Moore, Mottet, South Tacoma, Swasey, Wheelock 
    • Description: March is Women's History Month. Join us at our Fern Hill, Kobetich, Moore, Mottet, South Tacoma, Swasey, and Wheelock branches March 1-30th to help us celebrate women in art with a fun scavenger hunt. Learn interesting facts and earn a prize when you find them all! 
    • Learn More: https://www.tacomalibrary.org/explore/?post-type=events&tag=womens-history
  • ​MARCH 8, 2024, International Women’s Day

  • Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.

     

    https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

 

  • HISTORY AFTER HOURS: CHEERS FOR WOMEN (21+ Event)
  • Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #InspireInclusion.
  • https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
     
  • INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (March 8) is an important day to celebrate women's social, economic, cultural & political achievements + call for gender equality.

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With #InternationalWomensDay just around the corner, make sure you've downloaded #FREE #IWDresources, information & guidance ?https://bit.ly/IWD2024 to help make your #IWD2024 activity impactful & exciting ✨ #InspireInclusion #IWD #IWDevents #IWDspeakers #IWDvideos #IWDtoolkit 

 

 

 

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United Way of Pierce County’s Elevate Women Event 

  • When: March 15th
  • Time: 10:00am-2:00pm 
  • Where: STAR Center. 3873 S 66th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409
  • Northwest Women’s Show
    • When: March 23rd and March 24th
    • Where: Tacoma Dome. 2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421 
    • Learn More and buy tickets here: https://nwwomensshow.com/ 

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We're celebrating Women's History Month by featuring women who are making a difference in our community. Shellie Willis is one of our Keynote Speakers at Elevate Women on March 15. Registration closes on Sunday!

Learn more here https://www.uwpc.org/elevate-women-0

Shellie is the Senior Director of Collective Impact Workforce Central, the public workforce development council serving employers and job seekers in Tacoma and Pierce County. She advocates for system partners and the community by facilitating the Pierce County Community TaskForce, provides education and training on continuous quality improvement opportunities, and increases access to education and employment by intentionally working with local elected officials, community partners, and employers to solve complex problems in a structured way to design and create an equitable result. 

Shellie is also the Founder of “Redefining You Foundation,” a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that supports and empowers transitioning service women, women veterans, and military spouses to redefine their lifestyles and perspectives following military service. She is a 24-year veteran of the US Army and holds a Master’s Degree in Management- Nonprofit Administration from the University of Maryland, Global Campus.
 

Learn more about how we are celebrating Women's History Month here https://www.uwpc.org/womens-history-month
 

 

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Director of Utilities, Tacoma Public Utilities
 
Leads an organization of more than 1400 employees dedicated to delivering clean, reliable power, water, and rail services essential to quality of life in the City of Tacoma and greater Pierce County. Throughout her 30 years of professional experience, Jackie has experienced first-hand the importance of diverse perspectives at the table. She is proud to have progressed from often being the only woman in the room in her early professional days to cultivating a culture of belonging where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued.
 

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Commissioner | Position #5
Email: Kristin.Ang@portoftacoma.com

First elected to commission: 2019
Current term: Jan. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2027
Current commission office: President

Kristin Ang is a Filipino-American attorney, community advocate, Port of Tacoma Commissioner and Northwest Seaport Alliance Managing
Member. She is also one of our Keynote speakers for Elevate Women Expo this coming Friday, March 15, at the Star Center in Tacoma.
She made history as the first person of color elected to the Port of Tacoma commission, along with the historical endorsement of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. She is on the Port’s environmental, DEI, and Tribal liaison committees. She is also on the executive board of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District and the Washington Council on International Trade.

Commissioner Ang earned an academic and music scholarship at the University of Puget Sound, where she completed her business degree. She obtained her law degree at Cornell Law School. She believes in the power of community and is board president of the City Club of Tacoma, a Tacoma Rotary 8 member, and Greater Tacoma Community Foundation ambassador.
 

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Here's another remarkable woman making waves in our community!

Meet Ahndrea L. Blue, the visionary behind the Making A Difference Foundation (MADF). Since 2003, Ahndrea's core belief is that everyone can make a difference, inspiring her to start MADF. Initially focusing on scholarships and global humanitarian missions in places like South Africa, Peru, and Haiti, Ahndrea's heart was deeply touched during a mission trip to Peru, leading her to launch MADF's Joy Box Ministry. This beautiful initiative sees each box filled with 5 gifts and 5 personalized letters, bringing joy to those facing hardships.

In 2009, MADF expanded its impact locally with Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank. Named after Ahndrea's generous grandmother, this food bank embodies the spirit of giving and community support. Serving East Tacoma residents with fresh produce, household essentials, baby food, and even pet supplies, ECP Food Bank has been a lifeline for many. With a heartwarming home delivery service for seniors and disabled individuals, the food bank has consistently served 10,000 people and distributed 150,000 pounds of food monthly over the past 7 years.

Join us in celebrating Ahndrea's incredible journey and the difference she continues to make in countless lives! ❤️
 

 

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