The University of Toledo has several events planned in honor of Women’s History Month, including a gala, self-defense class, leadership symposium and women’s history jeopardy.

Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Science Center in Detroit, will give the UT Women’s History Month keynote lecture 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 in the Driscoll Alumni Center Auditorium. She will discuss strong female leaders and their diverse management styles, especially women in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine.

“This month’s carefully planned events are not only about recognizing strong women leaders, but celebrating the historical contributions of women in the greater society,” Dr. Shanda Gore, associate vice president of the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women, said. “It is critical that we continue to educate, empower and, through collaboration, engage our campus community in relevant, timely conversations that impact us all.”

“Women’s History Month celebrates the vital role that women have played in all aspects of our society,” said Danielle Stamper, interim program coordinator in the Office of Multicultural Student Success. “Recognizing the accomplishments of women from diverse backgrounds allows us to add strength and inspiration to our own lives and stories.”

A display marking the 40^th anniversary of the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women will be on exhibit on the first floor of Carlson Library. The display is presented by the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections.

Listed by date, additional events at the University include:

Thursday, March 1

• “Herstory” Month Kickoff, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thompson Student Union Trimble Lounge. Learn about women who made “herstory,” take a photo with a “shero,” and learn about events taking place during Women’s History Month.

Tuesday, March 6

• Toledo Women in Leadership Symposium, 8 to 11:30 a.m., Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. “Women Blazing Trails” is the theme of this year’s event, which will feature area leaders, including Dr. Amanda Bryant-Friedrich, dean of the UT College of Graduate Studies. Topics to be covered include caring for your whole self and how to handle difficult conversations with confidence. Cost: $99. Register: wilsymposium.com/2018-symposiums/2018-toledo/#reg-cta.

Monday, March 12

• Women’s Leadership Development Workshop, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women, Tucker Hall Room 0180. This six-week program will continue on Mondays at the same time and place through April 16. Live 4 Change LLC will present this workshop designed for women who want to pursue leadership roles or refresh their leadership skills. Register for the free program by calling the Eberly Center at 419.530.8570.

Tuesday, March 13

• Film screening of “Afuera,” 5 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2582. This 2016 dramatic short follows a transgender woman who starts to work in the sex trade to survive and receives an ultimatum from her boyfriend.

Wednesday, March 14

• Women in Business: From Concept to Culmination, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Scott Park Campus. The Minority Business Development Center and the Toledo Ohio Minority Business Assistance Center are sponsoring this program that will discuss how to start a business, including formation options, capital resources, networking, and marketing and promotion. Register for the free event: 419.530.3344.

Thursday, March 15

• Self-Defense for Women, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eberly Center for Women, Tucker Hall Room 0180. Retired UT Police Officer Jill Goldberg will lead this Rape Aggression Defense System program that will teach hands-on tactics to use against an attacker. Participants will need to sign a waiver and should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Cost $25; free for UT students. Space is limited; register by calling the Eberly Center at 419.530.8570.

Friday, March 23

• Women of Color Symposium, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2582. “Navigating a Primarily White Institution” will be the theme of the event, which will be presented by the UT Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Register: utoledo.edu/diversity/webforms/womenofcolor.html.
• Fifth Annual Women’s Gala, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Thompson Student Union Ingman Room. “The Skin I’m In” is the theme this year. Tickets — price to be announced — will be available at Ask Rocky.

Wednesday, March 28

• Women’s History Jeopardy, 6 p.m., Memorial Field House Room 1030. Learn about amazing women who have been left out of most textbooks. Prizes will be provided by the History Department, Office of Multicultural Student Success, and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.