CCI highlights women as change agents

Women have a long history of suffrage including a lack of rights and social injustice. However, the last 100 years have brought great strides for women. One of which is the 19th amendment allowing women the right to vote. Society is beginning to recognize that women are more than housewives, they are agents of change.

The University of Tennessee’s College of Communication and Information’s Diversity and Inclusion week is recognizing and highlights women. Wednesday, Sept.30, the college held its fourth session for Diversity and Inclusion Week titled, “Women as Change Agents.”

The session features three panelists who are all women who have fostered change in their lives. Monica Arias Miranda is the President and CEO of the Hispanic Coalition in New York. Carlotta Wall LaNier is a Civil Rights pioneer and advocate, as well as a member of The Little Rock Nine. Madeline Rogero is the former Mayor for the City of Knoxville. The moderator for the session Courtney Boykin is a Research Fellow at the University of Memphis Institute for Health Law & Policy as well as a UTK alumnus.

Becoming Women of Change

The panelists discussed their pasts and what led to their role as empowering women of change. Miranda talked about her political ambitions and roles in New York. She also discussed growing up as a Latina immigrant in the USA. Miranda also claims that her community activism stems from the hardships she faced as an immigrant.

“My mom came here for the same reason everyone comes to America, for the American dream, to do better than we could in our birth country,” Miranda said. “And that road is not always as easy as the movies.”

Carlotta LaNier also talked about her time growing up. As a member of the little rock nine, LaNier claims that education is an important factor in her life. She also claims that her decision to attend Little Rock Central High School was a decision she made to receive the best education she could gain access to. LaNier has received many awards for her courage and activism throughout the years. The most prestigious being the Congressional Gold Medal.

Madeline Rogero is the former Mayor of Knoxville. Rogero worked as a member of the County Commission for several years before encouraged to run for Mayor. She lost her first race in 2003 but tried again in 2011. She ran with three other men. When it was down to her and a final male, all the other males endorsed her opponent. Despite all this, Rogero won and became the first female Mayor for Knoxville in 2011.

Big Issues for Women

The panelists also discussed what they believed were some of the biggest obstacles for women today. LaNier quickly highlighted the issue of gender bias. Rogero agreed and also pointed out more issues specific to women in the workforce.

“I think what we face now is equal pay for equal work,” Rogero said.

She also discussed how women in the workforce are still expected to be primary caregivers. Therefore a few things such as affordable child care and paid family leave need to be made available not just to women, but men as well.

Miranda also emphasized how women need a seat at the table. She also said that one important seat that women are still holding small percentages in is politics. Miranda also stated that society needs to change.

“As a society, we need to change those views about women and where we belong,” Miranda said. “We belong anywhere.”

Next Step

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Notorious RBG… she said, ‘Real change, enduring change happens one step at a time’ so my question for you ladies is what’s our next step? Where do we go from here?” Boykin said.

LaNier encouraged women to get involved where their passions lie and create a dialogue to make a change.

“You must know yourself. Once you know yourself and you know how much you can take, how much you can give, those things are very important because then you are centered and able to do what you’re charged to do,” LaNier said.

Rogero likened the battle for women as a “marathon, not a sprint.” Miranda also clarified that women don’t have to be involved in politics to help. Something as small as being a coach or being involved in your children’s schools helps involvement in communities.

Response to Zoom-Bombers

Several participants who attended the zoom had ill-intentions. Near the conclusion of the panel, they spouted racial slurs and derogatory content as well as plastering participants’ screens with pornography.

Alice Wirth, the head Chair for Diversity and Inclusion week had a response.

“We have a lot of challenges… and when I say challenges I mean people who don’t want to listen to what is being communicated,” Wirth said, “There will be people out there who do not want us to participate or to get this message across. We’ve got to ignore the ignorance and let everybody know, ‘you have a voice, you can make a difference’.”

She along with the other panelists also encouraged people to go out and vote.

For information about CCI’s Diversity and Inclusion Week visit the CCI website.

Edited by Madalyn Torres

Featured Photo courtesy of Creative Commons