Women’s History Month
Women's History Month 2026
Northeastern Illinois University is proud to celebrate Women's History Month through a series of events organized by the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs in collaboration with departments and units across the University.
The 2026 national Womens History Month theme is "Together, We’re Writing Her Story."
Please note: All events are free and open to Northeastern Illinois University students and employees.
Events with an asterisk (*) are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Events not marked with an asterisk are open only to the Northeastern Illinois University community.
Women’s History Month Art Exhibition
Monday, March 2 - Wednesday, April 8, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
The Department of Art + Design and the Pedroso Center are co-sponsoring a Women’s History Month themed student art competition and exhibit. Works will be on display throughout the month of March and the show will be juried by University President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan, Ph.D. Winners will receive gift cards from BLICK Art Supply and be announced at a celebration on April 7.
Women’s History Month Keynote Speaker: Alderwoman Angela Clay
Tuesday, March 3, noon-2:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
Alderwoman Angela Clay from Chicago’s 46th Ward will discuss her path and journey to change as a Chicago Alderwoman. A luncheon will follow.
Self Defense Workshop for Women’s History Month
Thursday, March 5, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
Student Health Services, Campus Recreation and Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority are teaming up with the Pedroso Center to conduct a self-defense workshop and demonstration where participants will learn kicks, holds, grappling techniques and other self-defense skills. Participants are strongly encouraged to wear comfortable workout clothes. Refreshments will be served.
Mujeres que Inspiran: Doctoras en Acción celebration
Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.-noon
El Centro
“Mujeres que Inspiran: Doctoras en Acción” is a Women’s History Month celebration and collaboration between the Pedroso Center, NEIU Alumni Association, and El Centro. The celebration will uplift NEIU alumni and community leaders whose work in academia, activism and public service continues to empower the next generation of mujeres poderosas. This panel creates space for storytelling, mentorship and reflection as panelists share their educational journeys, professional paths and the cultural values that shaped their leadership.
Today’s Inspired Young Latina: Voces, Poesía, y Resiliencia
Thursday, March 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
“Today’s Inspired Young Latina: Voces, Poesía, y Resiliencia” is an intimate spoken-word and open-mic gathering in collaboration with Undocumented Student Resources centered on womanhood, migration, identity and strength. Inspired by the “Today’s Inspired Young Latina” anthology, this event creates a creative and affirming space for students and community members to share original poetry and storytelling in English, Spanish and Spanglish.
Vision Board Workshop
Monday, March 23, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
Join the Pedroso Center to visualize your future, hopes and dreams with our vision board workshop conducted by Sonia K. Gebhardt, an artistic director and teacher. Workshop supplies will be provided and refreshments will be served.
Financial Literacy Workshop and Market with Mujeres Latinas en Acción*
Tuesday, March 24, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
Learn about debt, credit and savings strategies during this financial literacy workshop presented by Mujeres Latinas en Acción. Coffee, desserts and crafts will be available for purchase from vendors. Mujeres Latinas en Acción is a nonprofit organization that develops comprehensive programs that promote nonviolence, reproductive health and leadership development in the communities they serve.
Women in STEM Career Panel
Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
In collaboration with the Student Center for Science Engagement, the Pedroso Center will host a career panel with women actively working in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Panelists will discuss their career journeys and answer questions from the audience followed by a short reception and meet and greet. Refreshments will be served.
Artist Talk: Jasjyot Singh Hans
Tuesday, March 31, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
In collaboration with the Departments of Art + Design and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies and the Pedroso Center will host an artist talk with Jasjyot Singh Hans. Hans is Art + Design’s Spring 2026 RISO Resident Visiting Artist. His work focuses on body image, sexuality and self-love as a queer Sikh man. Hans will speak about his art practice followed by a Q&A session. Refreshments will be served.
Women’s History Month Art Contest Winners’ Ceremony
Tuesday, April 7, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Main Campus, Pedroso Center, B 159
The winners of the Women’s History Month Art Contest will be announced and receive gift cards from BLICK Art Supply during a celebration in the Pedroso Center. Refreshments will be served.