STCC to host International Women’s Day event on March 25

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will host its fourth annual International Women’s Day celebration on Wednesday, March 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members for an afternoon of inspiration, connection and empowerment.

This year’s celebration features a panel discussion titled “The Power of Giving: Women, Growth, and Collective Gain” and aligns with the broader International Women’s Day message of “Give to Gain.” The event will highlight the achievements and contributions of local women leaders while fostering a strong sense of unity, encouragement and support throughout the community.

Attendees gather at a Women's Day event held at STCC in 2023. STCC's Lead program will host an International Women's Day event on March 25, 2026.

The event is presented by the Lead Female Leadership & Mentoring Program, which offers female-identifying students inclusive and holistic academic support, mentoring, leadership development and community engagement opportunities. Lead seeks to improve access, retention and completion for underrepresented female-identifying students at STCC by engaging participants in educational, cultural and civic activities, while building strong personal and professional networks. The program promotes leadership, self-advocacy, and self-development.

“International Women’s Day at STCC is about celebrating the incredible strength, leadership and generosity of women in our community,” said Darcey Kemp, Vice President of Student Affairs at STCC. “Through programs like Lead and events such as this, we are creating spaces where students feel supported, empowered and connected.”

The celebration will feature local women-owned business vendors, networking opportunities, community leadership awards and a catered lunch. The event will culminate in a featured panel discussion focused on mentorship, leadership and the importance of giving back as a pathway to both individual growth and shared community impact.

Panelists include:

  • Sharay Salters, Lead program alumna, former peer mentor and STCC Student Body President for the Class of 2025
  • Samantha Hamilton, Director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Mass and co-founder of A Queen's Narrative
  • Nikai Fondon Bannister, CEO and founder of Evolve Her Enterprises

The panel, titled “The Power of Giving: Women, Growth, and Collective Gain,” will feature leaders from diverse backgrounds sharing their experiences and perspectives on mentorship, leadership, and giving back and how these practices contribute to individual growth and collective success.

Event details:

  • Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
  • Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Panel discussion: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Springfield Technical Community College Gymnasium, Building 2, first floor

For more information on the event, or to register, please visit stcc.io/thepowerofgiving.

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu