The Women in Power Spaces Event Coming in September
NOCCCD will host a special event to examine gender equity issues in American politics, technology, education, and healthcare spaces.
The Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) Convening will be held September 5, 2025 in Brea, CA, and will focus on methods and systemic changes needed to overcome the issues experienced by women seeking leadership opportunities and positions of power. Hosted by the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), and sponsored by District partners including Nossaman LLP, Piper Sandler, and the Hilton Buena Park, the Convening will be the first of its kind at NOCCCD and seeks to bring together women and gender justice allies from across industries and disciplines.
The Women in Power Spaces event program will examine the intersectionality between gender and political power, economic rights, reproductive rights, and gendered violence. Expert participants include keynote speaker Nina Jankowicz, acclaimed author of books such as How to Be A Woman Online and appointed by President Biden to head the Disinformation Governance Board; Dr. Caroline Heldman, Professor of Gender Studies at Occidental College and co-author of the textbook Women, Power and Politics; Krista Hollinger, CEO of Planned Parenthood Orange and San Bernardino Counties; Kathryn Perkins, CSULB Professor whose research and teaching explores the intersections of law and society with a focus on queer and trans jurisprudence and politics; Gabrielle Blanchard, Board Member of relationship violence organization Human Options; and Barbara Dunsheath, NOCCCD Board of Trustees Vice President—with more to be announced soon.
“This event came out of conversations following the results of the 2024 Election,” said Kai Stearns Davis, chief communications officer for NOCCCD and WiPS Event Committee Chair. “During the WiPS Convening, we’ll discuss the historical, sociological, and economic reasons why power is so deeply associated with masculinity in this country and what we can do as gender justice advocates to achieve true equity. North Orange County Community College District has a long history of giving voice to marginalized people in our community and hosting this event continues that tradition and commitment.”
Tickets are extremely limited and only available by request, with special pricing for current students. Full itinerary details, speaker profiles, sponsorship information, and ticket requests can be found on the WiPS website, which is live now.
