This week the D-E community commemorated Women’s History Month in March across divisions. In the Lower School, students were introduced to young women initiating change, including Xiye Bastida, Jasilyn Charger, Mari Copeny, and Adora Svitak, who are environmental, racial justice, and literacy activists, respectively. Students also shared stories about female leaders they know and are inspired by, including author Lady Lee Andrews (a pen pal of Karissa V. ’35); Bhawna Garg (aunt of Samara S. ’33), who works in the Indian civil service; and Dr. Neeta Chitkara, an infectious disease specialist (grandmother of Zayn C. ’35 and Simran C. ’38). In the Upper School, Club Être co-hosted its Women’s History Month Assembly with Women of Color Affinity (WoCA), AURA (Actively Understanding Reproductive Autonomy), WISE (Women in STEM Education), and Women in Finance. 

Daniela Hochstadt ’28, co-leader of Club Être, said the assembly’s goal was “to connect the D-E Girl Groups to celebrate Women’s History Month and highlight important women’s issues today.” Students who answered trivia questions correctly on topics such as the 19th Amendment received “The Epic Mentor Guide,” by Être founder and D-E alumna Illana Raia ’86. Presenters also discussed current events that are examples of women’s accomplishments being diminished and devalued even today (the U.S. Men’s Hockey viral video) and how we can ensure a culture of equity exists at D-E. The day concluded with a ‘period cramp simulator’ activity with the Discover Medicine club. Club co-leader Piper Rosenberg ’26, noted, “This activity is a great opportunity to experience what a period is like; offering it concurrently with recognizing Women in History Month also made a lot of sense.” Here’s to honoring all the women who shaped history and those who move it forward as leaders, innovators, and trailblazers!