We are delighted to announce that Pacifica Graduate Institute celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th with a powerful theme of “Embrace Equity.” The event took place at 10am at the Barrett Center on Ladera, and attendees had the option to join virtually via Zoom by registering in advance. It was a remarkable gathering that brought together an inspiring lineup of speakers and panelists, all dedicated to fostering equity and inclusivity.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Leonie H. Mattison, President and CEO of Pacifica Graduate Institute, setting the stage for a day filled with enlightening discussions. Dr. Nuria Ciofalo led the opening reflections.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the #EmbraceEquity Panel, expertly moderated by Indhushree Rajan, an esteemed adjunct faculty member. The panel featured an impressive lineup of individuals who shared their experiences, wisdom, and insights on the journey towards equity. Among the esteemed panelists were Alisa Orduña, a CLIE alumna; Lauren Lastra, a dedicated staff member; Aaqilah Islam, a CLIE Dissertation Student; Mary Wood, Core Faculty and Chair of DCH; Krystle Farmer Sieghart, Co-Founder of Healing Justice SB; Katya Armistead, Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Students at UCSB; Vanessa Ramos, a Community Organizer at Disability Rights California; Leah Garza and Katie Robinson, both CLIE Dissertation Students. Their collective voices echoed the importance of unity, empowerment, and dismantling barriers that hinder equity.
The event fostered a vibrant community dialogue, allowing attendees to engage in thoughtful discussions and share their own insights and experiences. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and mutual support, further emphasizing the significance of embracing equity as a collective endeavor.
The day concluded with expressions of gratitude, as participants expressed their appreciation for the event and its impact on fostering a more inclusive and equitable community at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
International Women’s Day at Pacifica Graduate Institute was a momentous occasion, highlighting the institution’s commitment to creating an environment where equity thrives. By bringing together diverse voices and promoting dialogue, the event served as a catalyst for meaningful change and inspired attendees to continue advocating for equity in all facets of life. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the organizers, speakers, panelists, and attendees who made this celebration a resounding success.
