PCC Celebrates Women’s History Month
At Portland Community College, we proudly celebrate Women’s History Month as an opportunity to honor the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women throughout history. This month allows us to reflect on the past while recognizing the vital role women continue to play in shaping our communities, industries, and future generations.
Women’s History Month has its roots in education – first established as a local celebration by educators in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. As a community college dedicated to learning and growth, we find special meaning in this legacy of education and empowerment.
This year’s theme, Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations, also speaks directly to our mission at PCC. Every day, our college aims to educate and inspire the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers. And that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of women educators and leaders who have served at PCC for decades.
Throughout the month, we invite you to join us in programs, discussions, and events that celebrate women’s achievements and explore the challenges that remain. But our commitment doesn’t stop in March – uplifting women’s voices and stories is a conversation that should continue all year long.
About the PCC Women’s History Month graphic
The design of this year’s PCC Women’s History Month graphic visually represents the richness and complexity of women’s stories throughout history. The overlapping silhouettes symbolize the intersectionality of women’s experiences – how women often balance multiple identities, responsibilities, and expectations while shaping society.
The typography was carefully chosen to be both elegant and strong, capturing the resilience and determination that define women’s contributions across time. The mix of warm and cool tones conveys a sense of unity, empowerment, and shared purpose. Purple was also one of the main colors used by the American suffragist movement in the early 1900s, symbolizing justice, dignity, and visionary thinking.
Through this design, we celebrate the voices, leadership, and impact of women past, present, and future. It serves as a visual reminder that Women’s History Month is not just about reflection, but about continuing the work of those who have paved the way.
Campus events
Learn about these events and more at PantherHub.
Appreciation Jars: Celebrating Women with Love
March 3, Cascade Women’s Resource Center (Student Union 301)
Honor the women in your life by creating a personalized appreciation jar filled with messages, small tokens, and symbols of love, celebration, and gratitude. Learn more about Appreciation Jars »
Feminist Reading Group
March 3 and 10, Zoom and Southeast Campus (Mount Tabor Hall 137)
Join the Winter Term Feminist Reading Group! We will be reading and discussing Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker. Learn more about Feminist Reading Group »
Tea and Feminism: Women in History
Tuesdays through March 18, Cascade Women’s Resource Center (Student Union 301)
Each week, learn about an important historical figure while enjoying a tea party featuring specialty teas, cute snacks, and engaging conversations. Learn more about Tea and Feminism »
Her Horizons: Feminist Streams
Wednesdays through March 19, Cascade Women’s Resource Center (Student Union 301)
Drop in every Wednesday during winter term to experience TED Talks, YouTube videos, and podcasts featuring inspiring feminist voices and stories from around the globe. Learn more about Her Horizons »
Women’s Day with DRC
March 5, Rock Creek DREAMers Resource Center (Building 2, Room 101)
Join us for a presentation of personal branding and female empowerment, create letters for domestic violence survivors, write notes recognizing the women in our lives, make bracelets, and enjoy snacks. Learn more about Women’s Day with DRC »
Empowerment Journals for International Women’s Day
March 6, Sylvania Women’s Resource Center (College Center 232)
Join the Office of International Student Services and Women’s Resource Center as we kick off Women’s History Month with empowerment journals, mindfulness techniques, and community resources. Learn more about Empowerment Journals »
Female Empowerment Thursdays
Thursdays through March 20, Cascade Women’s Resource Center (Student Union 301)
A weekly gathering focused on empowerment, creativity, and community-building! Whether you have 10 minutes or an hour, stop by to connect, unwind, and get inspired.
- March 6: Cinema Feminista – GTFO: Women in Gaming
- March 13: Tote Bag Decorating
- March 20: Game Day – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Learn more about Female Empowerment Thursdays »
International Women’s Day Luncheon
March 7, Zoom and Rock Creek Event Center (Building 9, Room 122)
Keynote speaker Ximena Keogh Serrano will explore the radical power of love as a principle for collective transformation. This talk will offer a vision for a world where collective care is our most powerful tool, rooted in feminist solidarity and the everyday acts of love that sustain us. Lunch provided. Learn more about International Women’s Day Luncheon »
Periods Around the World
March 17, Rock Creek Women’s Resource Center (Building 7, Room 119)
Help destigmatize the topic of menstruation as we engage with informational videos, share personal stories, and deepen your understanding of womanhood. Learn more about Periods Around the World »
PCC resources
Women’s Resource Centers
PCC’s campus-based Women’s Resource Centers apply the principles of intersectional, multicultural feminism to resist and dismantle sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression in order to support the success of all women and gender minority students. At each center, students can get help navigating their college experience, attend events, connect with students and staff/faculty, get menstrual products and safe sex supplies, get coffee/tea and snacks, and enjoy a space to relax. Learn more about the Women’s Resource Centers »
PCC Library Women’s History Month Collection
Each year, PCC’s Library offers a wide selection of books, videos, and websites to help students learn more about women’s stories past and present. Visit the library collection »
Other Student Resources
PCC provides a wide range of student-focused resources in various areas to help students succeed while enrolled. Learn more about PCC’s student resources »
Community stories
Alum Spotlight: Candice Bland finds her academic and career calling at PCC
From a high school dropout to a master’s degree program at George Washington University, Candice Bland is going places.
Carmen Sylvester Knocked Down Barriers in Law Enforcement and Still Does
Carmen Sylvester was a pioneer within the Portland Police Bureau. Now, she continues her work to help change criminal justice training and support students.