Binghamton University kicks off Women’s History Month with inaugural Women of Color Summit

Following the success of three Men of Color Summits, the staff at Binghamton University’s Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) recognized the need for a similar platform for women to shine and foster community. So, on March 1, in honor of Women’s History Month, the University hosted the first-ever Women of Color Summit.

“We were hearing from women of color students who wanted a similar space to build connection, find mentorship or guidance, and gain tools to navigate the unique set of challenges that women of color face in academia, professional spaces or out in the real world,” said Kayla Colon, MRC coordinator and one of the summit’s key organizers.

This year’s summit theme was “Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” Its primary goal was to create an environment where women of color could build meaningful relationships, celebrate their diverse heritage and gain practical strategies for personal and community advancement.

Fourth-year biological sciences major Kelise Joly, MRC student manager, was a member of the event’s planning committee and served as a panelist for a workshop on student activism.

“It was so inspiring to see student leaders from other schools share similar challenges and experiences balancing life as both a student and student leader,” said Joly, “and the summit workshops provided a lot of insight into how to creatively be an activist in the very censored world we live in.”

Blueprint for shattering the glass ceiling

Joyce Shim, the vice provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs at Ramapo College in New Jersey, delivered the opening address for the day’s activities. A two-time Fulbright Specialist and recipient of the New Jersey Senate Award and the General Assembly Award for Distinguished Contribution to Immigrant Communities, Shim shared personal stories of resilience. She discussed her experiences as an immigrant child assisting her mother in overcoming language barriers and as an Asian-American woman in academia. Shim attributes her achievements to a combination of “deep faith, determination, mentorship and community support.”

More than 100 students were in attendance, representing the University and SUNY Broome Community College, Binghamton High School, Elmira City School District and Oneonta Job Corps Academy.

Breakout sessions throughout the day included workshops on activism, mental health, leadership, overcoming adversity, navigating the college application process, embracing identity and other strategic approaches to achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Local musician and poet Sharon Ball, whose decades-long career has spanned broadcast journalism and arts administration, closed the event with a talk on the importance of nurturing mind, body and spirit and cultivating curiosity about the world. She reminded attendees that, although much work remains, they possess the tools and leadership necessary to advance this movement for future generations.

“Building these kinds of authentic relationships, passing down experiences and knowledge, and empowering younger generations are all key to the success of our entire community,” said Colon.