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Celebrating Women's History Month 2025
In March 2025, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) celebrates Women's History Month:
"Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations."
The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) is the organization responsible for crafting new themes annually, NWHA continues to highlight the vital contributions of women throughout history. Dedicated to preserving and promoting women’s history, NWHA works to ensure that the role of women in shaping society is recognized and celebrated nationwide.
Women's History Month honors the resilience, dedication, and far-reaching influence of women who have devoted their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. It highlights the pivotal role they play in shaping the minds of future generations, fostering innovation, and inspiring meaningful change across all sectors of society. From classrooms to boardrooms, from grassroots activism to global policymaking, these women serve as catalysts for progress, ensuring that knowledge, empowerment, and opportunity are accessible to all. Their contributions not only break down barriers but also create a lasting impact that transcends generations, paving the way for a more inclusive future.
"Nothing is inherently bound by the limitations of genders, except the part when one imposes such limitations upon it."
-Viraj Samant (Graduate Assistant – ODIME)
At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, we deeply appreciate the remarkable contributions and transformative impact of these distinguished women across various fields. In recognition of their dedication and achievements, we would like to extend special mentions to a few outstanding individuals.
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Anne Clarke Wolff is a trailblazer in the financial sector, bringing over 30 years of experience in banking and corporate leadership. Before founding Independence Point Advisors (IPA) in 2021, she held senior positions at major financial institutions, including Bank of America, Citigroup, and Lehman Brothers, where she was often one of the few women in leadership roles.
With IPA, she created the first woman-founded investment bank and advisory firm on Wall Street, dedicated to promoting inclusivity in financial dealmaking—a traditionally man-dominated industry. Clarke Wolff has been a strong proponent of advocating for equal representation at the decision-making table. She believes that pragmatic leadership teams drive better business outcomes and economic growth.
Despite the political and economic shifts that have challenged the corporate climate, she remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering inclusive environments. She actively works with organizations to ensure that efforts towards inclusive excellence are not just performative gestures but integral to business success. Her work has paved the way for more women and underrepresented professionals to enter and thrive in finance, making her a key figure in reshaping the industry's future.
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Bri Howard is making significant strides in the sports industry, particularly in advancing opportunities for women in professional football. As a representative of the Detroit Lions, she played a key role in the NFL's 9th annual Women's Forum in February 2025, an initiative designed to foster connections between women and NFL executives, coaches, and team leaders.
The forum serves as a pivotal platform for expanding career opportunities for women within the league, from coaching and scouting to front-office leadership and operations. Howard’s participation reflects her dedication to breaking barriers in a traditionally man-dominated field, helping to increase the representation of women at all levels of the NFL.
Her contributions align with the league’s broader push for gender pluralism, which has already led to groundbreaking milestones, such as the record 15 full-time woman coaches in the 2024 season. By advocating for inclusivity and mentorship, Bri Howard is shaping the future of professional football, ensuring that women not only have a seat at the table but also thrive in influential roles within the sport.
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Ambika Mod is a rising star in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her compelling performances and significant impact on representation in film and television. Gaining widespread recognition for her roles in "This Is Going to Hurt" and "One Day," she has been praised for bringing depth, authenticity, and emotional nuance to her characters.
In 2024, her talent and influence earned her a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list, recognizing young trailblazers shaping the future of their industries. She was also named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Emerging Leaders, highlighting her role in reshaping perceptions of leading roles in entertainment. As a British-Indian actress, Mod has been instrumental in challenging industry norms and advocating for greater representation in storytelling.
Her work extends beyond acting, as she actively speaks out about inclusivity in media, encouraging more opportunities for underrepresented voices. Through her performances and advocacy, Ambika Mod is redefining what it means to be a leading figure in film and television, inspiring a new generation of artists and audiences alike.
Here are some remarkable women who made significant contributions and brought major changes in various fields during the 2010s:
Politics & Activism
- Malala Yousafzai – A Pakistani activist for girls' education, Malala survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 and went on to become the youngest Nobel Prize laureate in 2014. She founded the Malala Fund, advocating for education access worldwide.
- Greta Thunberg – A Swedish environmental activist, Thunberg gained global recognition in 2018 for her climate change protests, inspiring millions through her "Fridays for Future" movement. She was named Time’s Person of the Year in 2019.
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) – Elected to the U.S. Congress in 2018, AOC became the youngest woman ever elected at age 29. She championed progressive policies such as the Green New Deal and economic justice initiatives.
- Tarana Burke – Founder of the #MeToo movement, which gained international momentum in the 2010s, empowering survivors of sexual harassment and assault to speak out against systemic abuse.
Science & Technology
- Katie Bouman – A computer scientist, Bouman played a key role in developing the algorithm that led to the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019, revolutionizing astrophysics.
- Jennifer Doudna & Emmanuelle Charpentier – These scientists co-developed CRISPR-Cas9, a groundbreaking gene-editing technology that has transformed medicine and genetics. Their work earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
- Fei-Fei Li – A leader in artificial intelligence, she helped develop ImageNet, a critical dataset for training AI models, and became an advocate for ethical AI usage in tech.
Arts & Entertainment
- Beyoncé – A global music icon, Beyoncé used her platform for empowerment and feminism, releasing groundbreaking albums like Lemonade (2016) and headlining Coachella in 2018 with a historic performance.
- Lupita Nyong’o – The Kenyan-Mexican actress won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave (2013) and became a champion for non-discrimination in Hollywood.
- Ava DuVernay – A filmmaker who broke barriers, she directed Selma (2014) and 13th (2016), highlighting injustice and criminal justice reform. She was the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars.
Sports
- Serena Williams – One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Williams continued dominating the sport throughout the 2010s, winning multiple Grand Slam titles while advocating for maternal health awareness.
- Megan Rapinoe – A U.S. soccer star and activist, Rapinoe led the U.S. Women's National Team to victory in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup while advocating for equal pay in sports and LGBTQIAP+ rights.
- Simone Biles – A record-breaking gymnast, Biles dominated the sport in the 2010s, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship medals while also speaking out on mental health and abuse in sports.
These trailblazing women not only shaped history but also paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. Their resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements in politics, science, entertainment, and sports have redefined what is possible for women across the globe. Whether advocating for education, climate action, or technological advancements, each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on society.
"With this Women's History Month, we look back to the incredible work that has been done and we look forward to what can be done. There isn't a doubt in my mind that some of the future leaders and makers of history will come from the WPI community."
-Lauren Feldman (they/she), Assistant Director for Gender Equity and Sexuality (ODIME)
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in 2025, we honor their legacy and recognize the vital role women continue to play in shaping our world. Their contributions remind us that progress is built through determination, courage, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. By uplifting and supporting the next generation of leaders, educators, and changemakers, we can ensure that their impact continues to resonate for years to come.
The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.
Latest Announcements - For Employees
- Cybersecurity Webinar on 3/19Come join us on Wednesday, 3/19 at 2:00PM ET for our webinar, Information Security Journey. It is about how members of WPI's Information Security team arrived in their roles. Plenty of time to ask questions, or submit in advance at registration! Please register on this Microsoft Form to receive the Zoom link. For more information about cybersecurity careers, check out SECURE IT - March 2025.
- Don't forget to Apply! Undergraduate Awards Deadline is Approaching.Applications for Undergraduate Awards Kranich & Two Towers awards are due on Friday, March 21st. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be recognized for your outstanding work. If you have additional questions, please contact undergradstudies@wpi.edu.
- WPI Students Providing Sounds to Go With Sights at Planned EcoTarium ExhibitStudents in Assistant Teaching Professor David Ibbett's Music and Science: Climate Change class recently collaborated with the EcoTarium in Worcester. The group developed prototype audio and visual technology enhancements for the nature and science museum's planned re-imagination of its African Communities exhibit. The technology will help the museum update the space to become more accessible, interactive, and engaging, while educating guests about the impact of climate change on African animal habitats. The work was one of several ongoing partnerships between the university and the EcoTarium. Just last year, the museum went live with a navigational app developed by a student Major Qualifying Project (MQP).
- Graduate Student and Postdoc NewsletterGraduate Student Newsletter March 13, 2025 Edition Announcements Graduate Student Health & Wellness Series: Financial Wellness March 18 4pm – 5pm Unity Hall 420. Join the Office of Financial Aid for a workshop to enhance your financial wellness and provide you resources that will support you with items like protecting yourself from identity theft, buying a home, and building up your credit. Refreshments will be served. Please register here. EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE + INNOVATION - A Life Sciences Career Expo | Worcester Polytechnic Institute For current and aspiring scientists in the field, there’s no better place to advance your career than at the Life Sciences Expo. The life sciences industry is exploding in WPI’s backyard, with big names like AbbVie, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Insulet, UMass Chan Medical School, and more carving out a foothold in Worcester County. Meet with those and other potential employers. Check out Catalyst – WPI Graduate and Professional Studies Blog. Catalyst offers practical tips, professional development tools, and discussions of hot topics in STEM with insights direct from WPI's labs, researchers, and industry experts. Career and Professional Development Grad Student Training and Readiness Sessions (STARS) Grad Alumni/Career Panel March 21. 12-1 PM via Zoom. The panel session will feature several WPI graduate alumni, both Masters and PhDs, and will cover their career paths and provide advice on career advancement. Registration required. WPI students are invited to participate in WPI’s 17th Annual Sustainability Project Showcase, hosted by the Office of Sustainability and Gordon Library! Submissions are open to any student project that tackles a sustainability-related problem, local or global, with consideration to at least one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Registration opens on March 17th. Find key dates here. 2025 NextProf Nexus Future Faculty Workshop September 8 – 11, 2025 This 3-day workshop is intended for senior-level Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and early career scientists or researchers in the field of Engineering. This preeminent event is designed to give participants the opportunity to explore and prepare for a faculty position in academia. Social, Community, and Wellness Activities Graduate Student Health & Wellness Series: Financial Wellness March 18 4pm – 5pm Unity Hall 420 Join the Office of Financial Aid for a workshop to enhance your financial wellness and provide you resources that will support you with items like protecting yourself from identity theft, buying a home, and building up your credit. Refreshments will be served. Please register here. Energizing Meditations April 8 12pm – 1pm Salisbury Labs Feeling the weight of the semester? Tired? Tough to get motivated? Learn Energizing Meditation practices that will help revive you. Lunch will be served. Please register here. March Wellness Day – March 31, 2025 11am – 12pm: Start your Herb Garden- From Seed to Table, location TBD. Come to pot cilantro, mint or basil. Register here. 3pm – 4pm: Graduate Online Meditation Session – Join other Graduate Students to engage in a short meditation practice followed by a time to meet fellow graduate students. Register here. Registration is still open for D-term Graduate Student ProjectConnect! ProjectConnect is a fun, 6-session peer-led program to help you build community on campus. Questions can be sent to cwb@wpi.edu Registration is still Open for Intro to Mindfulness Meditation in D-Term MIEA Intro to Mindfulness is a four-week evidence-based mindfulness curriculum that runs Mondays, 4:45 to 6:00pm, Mar 17 to Apr 14 (skip Mar 31, wellness day). Internships/Job Opportunities/Employer Info Sessions Heebner Career Development Center Check out upcoming Talent Tabling: Chemtek on March 18th 9am – 2pm, Amazon, March 26th 9am – 3pm and City of Worcester Emergency Community Response Team, April 3rd 10am – 2pm. How to Ace your Interview as a Master’s Student: A webinar by Beyond Graduate School March 19th 2pm – 2:30pm. Whether you’ve already booked your first screening interview, or you’re wondering what to expect, this webinar will help you prepare for your first meeting with an employer. WPI VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR – April 17th 12pm-4pm – Register on Handshake. EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE + INNOVATION - A Life Sciences Career Expo | Worcester Polytechnic Institute For current and aspiring scientists in the field, there’s no better place to advance your career than at the Life Sciences Expo. The life sciences industry is exploding in WPI’s backyard, with big names like AbbVie, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Insulet, UMass Chan Medical School, and more carving out a foothold in Worcester County. Meet with those and other potential employers. Funding Opportunities and Competitions Celdara Medical Fellowship: experiential learning opportunity for student and post doctoral researchers Entrepreneurial skills are critical for many high-impact careers, including academia, biotech, healthcare, private practice, investing, and consulting. Our fellowship program is a 1 day/week commitment for a period of 9 months. This is expected to be in addition to the participants’ current responsibilities in academic research. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter (2 page maximum) and their CV to chef@celdaramedical.com Sigma Xi Virtual Student Research Showcase March 30th – April 13th, 2025. Students compete for awards and recognition of outstanding virtual research presentations. Learn more here. Search Graduate and Postdoc Funding Opportunities at the UCLA GRAPES Database. Over 625 scholarships and fellowships listed. Volunteer and Community Service Opportunities Volunteer for WOMEN in STEM DAY We are excited to announce the 3rd Women in STEM Day will take place at WPI on Saturday, March 29! We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the day a success as we inspire the next generation of young women in STEM through hands-on workshops, inspirational conversations, and a team design challenge! Volunteer here or contact nmanterni@wpi.edu with any questions! Highlighted Resources Resources If You’re Facing Difficulties Sometimes an unforeseen situation arises, and you need some emergency help. WPI has a few resources that can assist you in times of need. Hull Loan Fund Immediate short-term loan for emergencies and unforeseen situations. The loans are generally $25-$300, 0% interest, and expected to be repaid in 30 days. Emergency Assistance Fund This grant fund can help provide support up to $1,000 for unforeseen medical bills, expenses, or other hardships. The application is available on the Dean of Students’ website. Food Insecurity If you are experiencing hunger issues or food insecurity, reach out to the Dean of Students Office for help. They can offer you both short-term and long-term solutions. Contact the Dean of Students Office staff at dean_of_students@wpi.edu for additional information
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- Student Voices Page Shows the Student PerspectiveHave you seen the Student Voices page? In their own words, undergraduate and graduate students---both current students and recent graduates--share their unique perspectives and experiences as part of the WPI community, giving prospective students a window into life as a WPI student from different and diverse viewpoints. From IQP projects and research collaborations to athletic pursuits and extracurricular activities, and everything in-between. Through automated functionality built into Drupal, the platform of wpi.edu, relevant Student Voices are strategically pulled in and displayed throughout the website, including department and school sites, admissions, and more. If you'd like specific Student Voices added to your website, cmshelp@wpi.edu can help. If you know a rising sophomore or junior, or graduate student, who would be a good fit for a Student Voices profile, please email marketing@wpi.edu with the student's full name, class year, and major/degree program. Marketing Communications will reach out to these students to see if they are interested in participating in the project.