Celebrating Women’s History Month at NOCCCD
NOCCCD welcomes Women's History Month with a wave of engaging events and award ceremonies, plus a special Save the Date announcement for the District's new Women In Power Spaces Initiative coming Fall 2026.
Since 1987, the U.S. government has recognized March as Women's History Month, a time to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of women throughout history and recognize their impact in shaping our world. The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) embraces this opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in academia, advocacy, and leadership while reaffirming our commitment to fostering gender equity in scholarship, research, and institutional culture.
Theme for 2026
According to the National Women's History Alliance (NWHA), the theme of National Women's History Month this year is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." The theme, according to NWHA's website, "expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power — women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet."
The NWHA also publishes a yearly magazine to celebrate Women’s History Month, and supplies a toolkit for faculty and community members to use for helping to design blueprints for sustainable transformation.
How You Can Engage This Women's History Month
As a District dedicated to interdisciplinary inquiry, civic engagement, and social justice, NOCCCD is deeply committed to advancing the visibility and contributions of women. Throughout March, we encourage faculty, staff, and students to actively engage in discussions, events, and initiatives that honor the legacy and ongoing contributions of women.
Thursday, March 19 | "A Conversation with Randa Jarrar"
Fullerton College, Student Support Center Room 205 @ 2 – 4 p.m.
College, Student Support Center Room 205. Randa Jarrar is the author of the memoir Love is An Ex-Country, the novel A Map of Home, and the collection of stories Him, Me, Muhammad Ali. She is a filmmaker and actor who has appeared in independent films and on the A24 TV shows Ramy and #1 Happy Family USA. She is a recipient of a Creative Capital Award, an American Book Award, and others. She lives in Los Angeles.
Thursday March 19 | "Women in Business" Luncheon
JW Marriott Anaheim Resort @ 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
NOCCCD is a sponsor of the Anaheim Chamber's "Women in Business" Luncheon. Tickets are still available for purchase.
Monday, March 23 | "Own the Room: Dismantling Imposter Syndrome & Perfection Pressure"
Anaheim Campus, Room 105/107 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Speakers include Dr. Lisa Mednick Takami, Dr. Temperance Dowdle, Dr. Annette Letcher, and Candace Lynch. This event is free and open to all.
Tuesday, March 24 | 3rd Annual NOCCCD Women Champions of DEIAA Recognition
Anaheim Campus Board Meeting Room @ 5:30 p.m.
Ceremony to be held during the regular Board of Trustees meeting at Anaheim Campus at 5:30 p.m. These champions are employees who do the important work of uplifting other women and advancing student success.
Thursday, March 26 | Women Empowerment Gala
Cypress College, Veterans Resource Center @ 5:30 p.m.
Hosted by Cypress College’s EOPS/CARE and the Veterans Resource Center, this event is centered on this year’s leadership subtheme "When Women Lead, Communities Rise". The event honors the transformative influence of women who lead with intention, integrity, and purpose.
Save the Date: Women in Power Spaces Convening
While Women’s History Month provides a dedicated time for recognition and reflection, our commitment to uplifting women in academia and society must extend beyond March. At NOCCCD, we continue to foster an environment where women’s voices, research, and leadership are not only recognized but prioritized in shaping institutional progress.
Following the tremendous success of the inaugural Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Convening in September 2025, the NOCCCD Public & Governmental Affairs department has established a new District program: The Women in Power Spaces Initiative.
Designed to be a community of engagement for employees, students and members of the public, the Women in Power Spaces Initiative aims to promote the advancement of gender equity through education, research, advocacy, and leadership development. The WiPS Initiative is part of the North Orange County Community College District and is open to all, regardless of sex or gender.
The date of the next WiPS Convening is Thursday, September 17, 2026, to be held in Fullerton, CA. For more information, please go to the WiPS website.
