Governors State University is celebrating Women’s History Month 2025 with the theme: “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The theme highlights the accomplishments of women who have been at the forefront of breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for a just and equal society.
One of the month’s highlights was the Women in STEM Panel Discussion, which took place on March 25, in Engbretson Hall. The event was designed to celebrate women from the GovState community who have built successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
This insightful event featured accomplished women from the GovState community who have built successful careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The panelists included Terry Smith Asher, Lisa Merchant Harrell, Gloria Young, and Domoniqué Attole, with Jada Lesly serving as the moderator.
These distinguished professionals shared their experiences, challenges, and advice on breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. They emphasized the importance of mentorship, resilience, and corporate social responsibility, highlighting how businesses can support women in STEM through initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion.
The event also underscored GSU’s commitment to strengthening connections between students and alumni in professional fields, creating a pipeline for mentorship and career opportunities. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and gained inspiration from the panelists’ journeys. One student remarked, “Hearing these stories made me feel empowered to continue pursuing my career in STEM.”
The event was praised for fostering mentorship, providing valuable insights, and encouraging more women to enter STEM fields.
The professors and students praised the event for its thought-provoking debates as well as the inspiration it provided to potential women in the STEM field. “Listening to these women share their own personal experiences was motivating. It encouraged me to keep following my own path in STEM,” a student stated.
Apart from the panel discussion, GSU’s Women’s History Month activities have included events such as the HERStory 2025 Display, which highlights prominent women throughout history, and a Hygiene Product Drive to benefit poor women.
The GSU Women’s History Month celebration is still a strong reminder of the importance of honoring and empowering the voices of women. Through reflection and remembrance of the pioneers, the university inspires the future generation to keep striving for a bias-free and discrimination-free future.
Following the STEM panel, the guests were seated for a luncheon where they could interact and talk with the speakers. This provided space for students and educators to mingle and freely interact among themselves as well as listen more to successful women in the field of STEM.
Where lunch was provided, they had the opportunity to network and engage in informal conversations with the speakers. This provided a welcoming space for students and faculty to connect, share experiences, and gain further insights from accomplished women in STEM.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session where the students were able to ask the panelists questions about their professional lives and suggestions for future professionals.