Happy Women’s History Month!
Women’s History Month is an annual celebration in which we honor the impact and achievements of women past and present. Women’s History Month began as “Women’s History Week” and was officially declared a month-long celebration by Congress in March 1987 to become what we know it to be today. This year, we’re highlighting just a few of the many incredible organizations and events that contribute so much to our campus, and create space and learning opportunities for our female-identifying and non-binary Trojans.
Organizations
Girl Up USC
Girl Up USC is a regional affiliate of the internationally recognized leadership development organization, Girl Up, which focuses on equity for women and girls in spaces where they are underrepresented. Girl Up USC hosts a number of offerings throughout the year, including feminine product drives and weekly conversations surrounding different kinds of health, such as mental and reproductive.
Marshall Women’s Leadership Board
MWLB is a student-led organization housed under the USC Marshall School of Business, but is open to women and non-binary individuals of all academic interests. MWLB is focused on professional development, seeking to prepare students to be leaders in their desired fields and today’s world of business. Common events MWLB hosts include networking nights, professional workshops, and various guest speakers. Please note: this organization does require an application to join.
OWN IT
USC OWN IT serves female and non-binary individuals looking to build their leadership skills through a Women’s Leadership Summit held each spring. This annual event celebrates new connections as attendees share their own experiences and uplift the voices of those around them. Some of OWN IT’s main themes include empowerment and representation, and you can keep up to date with all things #2023USCOWNIT via their website: uscownit.com.
Trojan Women’s Network
The USC Trojan Women’s Network (USC TWN) is just one of a few female-specific subsets of the USC Alumni Association. This organization engages in multiple events throughout the year, focusing on personal and professional development, most notably hosting the annual USC Women’s Conference. This year, that event falls on Friday, March 3, and is open to the public. You can keep up to date with all the details of the day at @uscwomensconference on Instagram.
Women and Youth Supporting Each Other
WYSE is a nationally recognized mentorship program, providing young women with support and resources as they make important decisions about their future. USC WYSE specifically serves four schools in the Los Angeles area. Current USC undergraduate students work closely with these middle school students to build trusting relationships and empower them to make informed decisions in their daily lives.
Women in Science and Engineering
The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program at USC spans the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty/staff levels of the university. WiSE is focused on increasing the representation and success of women in STEM, and has tremendously contributed to the increase in female faculty in science and engineering fields on campus. WiSE hosts a number of programs and series throughout the year, including WiSE Researchers, which aims to provide undergraduate students with hands-on research experience.
Upcoming Events
USC Women’s Conference (March 3)
Hosted by USC Trojan Women’s Network, the USC Women’s Conference brings together women, non-binary and transgender people of all ages and backgrounds—alumnae, parents, students and friends—for a day of programs and activities designed to inspire and empower them to create positive change in their personal lives, their communities, and the world. All members of the Trojan Family are welcome to register and attend.
USC Visions & Voices presents: Birds of No Nation (March 8)
A Visions & Voices event: Birds of No Nation is a three-part series celebrating International Women’s Day that explores the powerful role the arts and creativity play in global struggles for women’s rights. The public is invited to create art with globally known feminist street artist, Shamsia Hassani, if they wish, and chat about the process and purpose of her work, the power of creativity and communication, and more.
Young Women’s Leadership Conference (March 25)
This annual conference is designed for high school girls in California who have leadership potential and an interest in politics and civic engagement. Young women will meet with and learn from elected female officials and professionals and learn valuable communication and relationship building skills.
Please join us this Women’s History Month in celebrating the vital role of women in our society!
Written by: Natasha Hunter, Assistant Director – USC Office of Admission