North Miami – March is Women’s History Month – commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. As part of this commemorative tradition, the City of North Miami always takes pride in hosting several events throughout the month.
With more than 35% of its municipal departments headed by women and half of its elected offices held by women, the city hosted several events last month, including: A Conversation with Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields; Misses, Mommies, Manners Etiquette Class; and a citywide bike ride.
The Women’s Empowerment Network Luncheon, which was held on Thursday, March 23th, at FIU’s Kovens Conference Center, was one of the most successful events this year, as it was a sold-out.
This was Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin’s initiative. According to Mrs. Irvin, the luncheon was a way of celebrating the contributions of many women in the advancement of various industries as well as the city. The three hour event featured numerous guest speakers, all whom were women.
Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin said they wanted to offer events and programs for women to celebrate and uplift each other.
The luncheon welcomed over 100 attendees and was focused on ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.’ It was preceded by a networking hour where women had the opportunity to meet other like-minded women, share contact information, and strengthen their person networks.
Among the special guest speakers was Aileen Bouclé, AICP, Executive Director at Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization. This special event was moderated by Sharron “Charito” Henley, Executive Director Journalist, Conversations With Charito, LLC.
“It is a time to celebrate women for women, to be encouraged by each other, and our hope is that they leave different from when they came in after attending this event,” said North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estimé-Irvin. “Our goal each year is that women come to our events during that month and feel good when they come in, but definitely, by the time they leave, they are empowered, and they believe that they can do some things that maybe they didn’t think they could do when they first walked in.”
Women have always been a vital part of American culture and while they may not be celebrated as robustly or loudly as men, that shouldn’t diminish their impact. Women have fought hard for the rights they enjoy today, and while every struggle seems long and difficult, its benefits and rewards become clear, especially during events like this.
Congratulations to the women we celebrate today, to the leaders, to the mothers, to the supporters and the visionaries, to the ones who know there’s still work to be done and who support one another through trials and challenges in life. Without the women we should celebrate more often, our society would not be what it is today: a beacon of hope that continues to ring throughout the world. Thank you to all the amazing women out there. Thank you.
LF