March 8, a day recognized as International Women’s Day, started in 1908 when needle trade workers in New York City led a protest against child labor, sweatshop conditions and demanded women’s right to vote, according to the United States Census Bureau.
In honor of this day, the Newman Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is hosting an event to celebrate women, featuring three upstanding female speakers from the Newman community. The event, “Strong Women Boldly Building Dreams,” will be held March 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
All participants must register by March 1. Registration, which includes lunch, is free to members of the Newman community and $20 for others.
Along with the speakers, there will also be many women-owned businesses at the event. Those who attend will have the opportunity to learn and/or support these companies, along with their products, stories and where to find them in Wichita.
About the Speakers
Wendy Glick
Glick retired at the beginning of 2023 from her position as executive director of Catholic Charities in Wichita. She served in this position for six years. She has contributed to the Newman community in many ways, from giving talks to serving on the Board of Trustees.
Teresa Lovelady
Lovelady is the current CEO of HealthCore Clinic in Wichita. In 2004, Lovelady found herself in the same clinic needing medicine for her son. Then in 2009, her night class in the Master of Social Work program was held at HealthCore Clinic. Two years later, she became CEO. She holds two master’s degrees from Newman, one in social work and the other in business administration.
Michelle Vann
Vann is the CEO and founder of Vanntastic Solutions. She graduated from Newman University in 1996 with her Bachelor of Science in elementary education. She taught in the Wichita Public Schools for more than 20 years and is now a full-time speaker and CEO. She has also written multiple books, has a blog and podcast and is an advocate for mental health.
Madeline Vardell, student support specialist, is one of the women behind this event.
“We find these three women motivational, and exceptional in their fields,” Vardell said. “Their fields are so unique, demonstrating a wide scope of women thriving in various areas. We hope this variety will aid every attendee to leave with a takeaway.”
Vardell added, “We believe all attendees will be motivated to continue to strive through the example and information of the presenters.”
Register for ‘Strong Women Boldly Building Dreams’
All participants must register by March 1. Registration, which includes lunch, is free to faculty, staff and students of the Newman community and $20 for others.
