Women Beyond Barriers
Women's HERstory Month at Columbus State
Join us for a month-long celebration highlighting female-identified individuals in our community and beyond, both past and present, culminating in our 35th Annual Women’s HERstory Month Awards Celebration.
Accommodation Requests: If you need to request a sign language interpreter for any event, please submit your request to interpreterrequest@cscc.edu. To ensure availability, it is important to request interpreting services as soon as possible. If you need to request any other ADA accommodations to attend any event, please contact Natalie Glenn at nglenn5@cscc.edu or via telephone at (614) 287-5059.
If you have any questions, feel free to submit them to herstory@cscc.edu.
The 35th Annual Women’s HERstory Month Awards
The 35th Annual Women’s HERstory Month Awards
When: Wednesday March 27, 2024, from 12:00pm-2:00pm
- In –Person Location: Conference Center 4th Floor Ballroom (WD)
- Livestream Link
2024 Event Recap
Columbus State Community College is proud to present the 35th Annual Women’s HERstory Month Awards. At the awards, we will come together to celebrate and recognize our students, staff, and faculty who exemplify outstanding leadership from 2024. The awards will also feature a musical performance from Ianna Turner and keynote from Lisa Gutierrez, CEO of Dos Hermanos.
Outstanding Woman Leader Award
Call for Nominations for the Outstanding Woman Leader Award and the Dr. Jan Rogers Legacy in Leadership Award
Columbus State employees and students are invited to nominate members of the College
community who they feel are excellent women leaders.
Nomination deadline:
Wednesday, March 11, 2024, at 11:59 PM
Outstanding Woman Leader Award
Eight current students and employees around the college will receive this award for outstanding leadership.
Nominees for this role serve as role models and provide excellent leadership in their profession and/or studies. They also embody the following attributes:
- Service above self through civic and/or community engagement.
- Demonstrates Columbus State’s values:
- Student Success
- Inclusion
- Quality
- Innovation
- Learning
- Partnership
- Stewardship
- Leadership
2024 Women's HERstory Month Outstanding Woman Award Nomination Form
Dr. Jan Rogers Legacy in Leadership Award
Recipients of this award have served at Columbus State for five years or more, exhibit a “heart of service", and are currently employed at the institution.
Nominees exhibit a strong ability to recognize the talents, potential, and emerging abilities of those they lead and interact with on a daily basis. They can see the potential people possess and have a major impact on the lives of others because of this ability. In their profession and with people, they demonstrate the qualities of trustworthiness, compassion, efficiency, integrity and other effective leadership qualities. They believe that community service is important on an individual and organizational level.
2024 Women’s HERstory Month Dr. Jan Rogers Legacy in Leadership Award Nomination Form
Dr. Jan Rogers Legacy in Leadership Student Scholarship ($1,000 Scholarship)
This scholarship honors Dr. Jan Rogers’ long service to Columbus State, her passion for students and learning, and her deeply embedded passion for supporting women. This award will provide a $1,000 scholarship to a student who serves as a role model and provides excellent leadership in one's studies. They exemplify service above self through civic and/or community engagement.
They also demonstrate Columbus State's values: Student success, inclusion, quality, innovation, learning, partnership, stewardship, and leadership.
Dr. Jan Rogers Legacy in Leadership Student Scholarship Application Link
Keynote: Lisa Gutierrez, CEO of Dos Hermanos
In 2012, Lisa Gutierrez left her Cheesecake Factory manager position of 10 years to
follow a wild dream of starting a food truck business with her husband. They started
with nothing but a borrowed food truck, $2,000 in savings, and a whole lot of ambition.
Through these hopes and aspirations, they brought Dos Hermanos Taco Truck to life,
bringing Vicente’s family’s authentic
Oaxacan-style recipes to their community.
This authenticity is what would eventually lead long
lines and raving fans to their truck. 12 years later, Dos Hermanos has 4 brick-and-mortar
locations, 3 mobile food trucks, a taco cart, a concession stand inside the Greater
Columbus Convention Center, and catering services. Through hard work and strategic
connections, Lisa has grown Dos Hermanos to a 7-figure business. Over the years, Lisa’s
hard work did not go unrecognized.
In 2019, the SBA named Lisa as Minority Owned Small Business Person of the Year. Also,
Dos Hermanos was recognized by the ICIC as one of the fastest growing inner-city companies
in America in terms of revenue and job creation. Further, in 2022, Lisa was personally
invited to attend an event at Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence in celebration
of Hispanic Heritage Month. As Lisa works to keep her business growing, create new
job opportunities for her community, and collaborate with other small businesses,
she also finds
time to sit on the advisory board for the Women’s Center of Economic Opportunity.
In addition, she sits on the Executive Board of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce as
President Elect, where she helps moderate and create discussion about helping the
community. Lisa’s most recent accomplishments are launching both her public speaking
company, Lisa G. Speaks, where she
enjoys teaching business owners how to gain momentum and run a profitable business,
and
Food Truck Millionaire, a coaching platform where Lisa takes food truck owners from
the concession window to the CEO seat. Lisa, having no prior business education, knows
the struggles of starting from zero with no connections. This drives her desire to
share all the
knowledge she has to lead other aspiring entrepreneurs to the path of success.
Lisa Gutierrez,
CEO of Dos Hermanos
Musical Performance:
Ianna Turner
Ianna Turner is a current Columbus State student and multifaceted creative who prioritizes
healing through the arts. The Columbus-based native is a performing artist who thrives
in the areas of singing, dancing and songwriting. In 2022 Ianna decided to share her
talents after participating in multiple art groups and programs offered by other artists
in the community. Ianna’s involvement in the performing arts has helped her overcome
her shyness, building her confidence in her artistic and personal health. She is influenced
by R&B and Soul music from all eras and likes to experiment with all genres.
Ianna Turner
Ukeme Awakessien Jeter Lead Fearlessly. Permission Optional
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
12:30 to 2 p.m.
In-Person and Virtual
Location: In-Person Lunch
Center for Workforce Development (WD) Ballroom
We’re kicking off Women’s History Month with a luncheon featuring guest speaker Ukeme
Awakessien Jeter, who encourages her audiences to lead without fear, because the best
leaders understand they don't need permission; they need courage.
Ukeme is an expert at women’s and immigrant leadership development and an engaging
speaker. Drawing from her vast experience working within Fortune 500 companies, national
law firms, universities, local governments, and specialized agencies of the United
Nations, Ukeme advocates, writes, and speaks about how immigrant-inclusive leadership
yields innovation, promotes business growth, and transforms workplace culture. An
immigrant herself, Ukeme's work is informed by her unique perspective as a mechanical
engineer with an MBA and a lawyer who has lived and worked in eight cities across
three countries.
The program will include a keynote talk by Ukeme after which Luz Salinas, program
coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Assessment and co-lead of A World of Experience
ERG, will interview Ukeme and take questions from the audience. This event is sponsored
by A World of Experience ERG, Women’s ERG, and Student Engagement and Inclusion.
We encourage students and employees to register early as in-person space is limited.
Ukeme Awakessien Jeter
Own Your Crown. Recognize, Relate, & Release the Leader in YOU!
Wednesday, March 6
2:30 to 4 p.m.
In-person
Location: Center for Technology Building (TL) Room 218
The Student Engagement and Inclusion Leadership Series Presents: “Own Your Crown.
Recognize, Relate & Release the leader in YOU!” Presented by Tracy Thornton.
Forget titles and positions; true leadership begins with understanding and empowering
yourself. Lead with the kind of passion and purpose that changes our community, but
change first begins with you!
Leadership Series
Tracy Thorton
Masithethe |
Celebrating Women –
A Motivational Talk and A Discussion on How to Support Women
Thursday, March 7
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
In-Person and Virtual
Center for Workforce Development (WD), room 414
To begin this month’s Masithethe, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Primrose Igonor will offer a motivational talk. Following her talk, Women’s Employee Resource Group Co-Leads Dr. Crystal Clark, assistant dean of the Delaware Campus, and Dr. Kelly Hogan, associate vice president of academic affairs, will facilitate a discussion about how to support women.
Masithethe – Zulu for “let’s talk” - is a monthly conversation series discussing topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion hosted by Primrose Igonor. Igonor has over twenty years' experience in both teaching and counseling in the field of Psychology. Her work experience spans four continents including Africa (South Africa) Asia (Singapore), Europe (UK) and North America (Canada and USA).
Primrose Igonor
Dr. Crystal Clark
Dr. Kelly Hogan
Careers in Women's Health
Wednesday, March 20
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Virtual: Link coming soon
Each year, women's health becomes a hotter topic that is integral to our ever-changing cultural and political landscape. Hear from experts in the field about what "women's
health" means and the careers that address women’s health.
Tea Time with the Girls
March 21
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Library Media Studio, Columbus Hall 111
Engage in meaningful conversations and games to empower the voice within each of us, promote self-love, and elevate a community of support. Together we will create a safe space to discuss various topics including stereotypes women face and the stress these unrealistic expectations can cause.
Hosted by the Student Women's HERStory Month Committee. Tea, coffee, assorted pastries, and fruit will be provided.
Reclaiming Harmony, Prioritizing Self-Care
Thursday, March 28
Noon to 2 p.m.
In-Person: TBA
Virtual: Link coming soon
In this busy world of juggling school, work, and family, putting your needs aside is easy. Taking care of yourself is a necessity. Join us as we identify signs of stress and anxiety and understand their impact on your well-being; explore practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety; prioritize self-care and make time for it in your daily life; explore different self-care practices to find what works best for you; and identify healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress.
Cougar Connect Registration Link
How to attend:
- In-Person (Columbus Campus) -Center For Workforce Development (WD) 418
- In-Person Livestream
(Delaware Campus) - MO 202
- In-Person Livestream
(Dublin RLC) - DB 330
Dr. Nichole Bowman-Glover
Vincent Hill
CState Serves
Volunteer during Women’s HERstory Month! We are honored to have the opportunity to
give back and hope you can serve this year.
Read more about volunteering and see which organizations are looking for volunteers
to support women in need here:
Women's HERstory Month Volunteer Opportunties on Cougar Connect
Cougar Thrive Fitness Classes
College Recreation and Wellness Cougar Thrive Classes are free drop-in style fitness classes offered to all students, faculty, and staff. No need to register beforehand, but please sign-in when you come to class!
College Recreation and Wellness Cougar Connect Page
- Cardio Kickboxing
Cardio Kickboxing is a full body workout! This 45-minute class includes a warm up, skill work, and a cool down.
Every Monday and Thursday 12:00pm (DE 075) - Conditioning for Self Defense
High intensity conditioning for total body strength and cardiovascular health.
Every Tuesday - 11:00am (DE 158) - Stretch and Roll
Take 30 minutes for you and your muscles! Learn how to properly use a foam roller to help your muscles recover!
Every Tuesday - 12:00pm (DE 158) - Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a smooth transition between asanas style of modern yoga that are based on flow of movements paired with breath. Restorative movements and meditation modalities are incorporated into each class format.
Every Wednesday - 11:00am (DE 158) - Cougar 5k Conditioning
Full body conditioning for runners! Participants are encouraged to join the Cougar Challenge 5k on May 4th.
Featured Women's HERstory Month Artist: Simone Robinson
Art Gallery on the 1st floor of the Columbus State Library (Columbus Hall)
Simone’s portfolio consists of work that speaks to the viewer both visually and conceptually. A realm where creativity finds its embodiment. Within these digital confines, her endeavors materialize, predominantly manifesting through paintings, photographs, and portraits. Central to her artistic exploration is the profound resonance she finds with the Black body—a focal point that threads through themes of beauty, adversity, and self-discovery.
With each piece, she strives to articulate narratives that illuminate the multifaceted experiences and expressions of the Black identity. Her work centers around the idea of what it means to be creative outside of being comfortable. For a long time, her work was 2-dimensional, but more recently, her work includes various other forms of art making and expression. Robinson’s pieces are inspired by the knowledge she has acquired while being an art student and while attending various retreats focusing on self-realization. During her time in the OSU undergraduate program, she was able to be diverse in her program of study and learn about multiple mediums of art making such as sculpting, drawing, painting, 3D modeling, photography and more recently murals.