Pennsylvania takes a global approach by celebrating International Women's Day in big and small cities all across the state.
In a rich history, it has shown that in cities like Philadelphia, it is committed to creating cities of sisterly love as it is in keeping Philadelphia known as the city of brotherly love. That is why we are PA all the way today! Happy International Women's Day!
Say WAT: Pittsburgh/Virtual
International Women’s Day 1M 5K 10K Entire month of March
Say WAT WAT: Moon Joggers, a national running community to empower everyone to run, is holding a nationwide virtual run event to celebrate International Women’s Day. The options for race length include 1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon. Pick a time and place, pay the $22 fee, complete your race, and report your time to Moon Joggers to receive your victory medal and race bib. Run or walk, inside or outside, treadmill or on foot, the possibilities are endless! Tickets are $22, and 15% of each entry is donated to Dress For Success.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
In the neighboring city of Philadelphia, we found a golden girl on the running front. In addition to being a nurse, Samantha Roecker is an Olympic Trial-qualifying long-distance runner. After earning her undergraduate degree from Providence College and her master's from Georgetown University, Roecker moved to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s nursing program. She trained rigorously throughout her college and professional careers to improving her long-distance times, often running 100 miles a week. In December of 2018, Roecker qualified for the Olympic Trials by finishing third place at the California International Marathon.
Say WAT: Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Womxn’s Day at Asian Arts Initiative
March 7th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: Based in Philadelphia, the Asian Arts Initiative and Qunify co-present their International Womxn’s Day 2020. The event will feature interactive stations, performances, a queer dance social and fosters a space of care and joy for women, trans, and non-binary people. Notable performances include SuperKnova and Messapotamia Life. While tickets are on sale for between $5 and $30, no one will be denied entry due to lack of funds, making this one of the most inclusive ways to celebrate International Womxn’s Day this year!
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
SuperKnova is a renowned Queer Pop artist from Chicago who aims to break free from oppressive stereotypes. As an Asian American transgender woman, SuperKnova rejects the traditionally “racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, imperialist, fatphobic gatekeepers” of the music industry in favor of what she calls the DIY culture of creating her own success.
Say WAT: West Chester
ARTolerance International Women’s Day March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: The powerful organization known as ARTolerance lives at the intersection of female empowerment, art, and cross-cultural communication. Their upcoming event features two shows in celebration of International Women’s Day. The 2:30 pm show will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and the 7:30 pm show will be at the Chester County Historical Society. Both shows honor women's economic, social, cultural, and political achievements through musical performances and storytelling.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world or this event
In her extensive history as a vocalist and composer, Tammy Sheffer has certainly made her mark, and she’s not stopping any time soon. Sheffer was born in Belgium and raised in Israel. She then moved to the United States to pursue her musical education and attended the New England Conservatory. After graduating with honors, she opened her own studio in Brooklyn, performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the country, and participated in Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead workshop in Washington, DC, and Philadelphia.
Say WAT: Philadelphia
Workout and Brunch
March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: Based in Philadelphia, Women of the Row provides female rowers with a platform to further the success of women in rowing and beyond. They work to break down barriers between women and the historically male-dominated sports industry by connecting female-identifying rowers and paddlers along Philadelphia’s historic and iconic Boathouse Row. For just $10, you can start with a workout at Cassandra Cunningham’s workout facility, Power of 3, and then enjoy brunch surrounded by other badass women.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Smashing competitions and boundaries alike, Cassandra Cunningham has distinguished herself as a prominent coach and athlete. Before her renowned coaching career, Cunningham won three state championship titles in rowing while attending Sacramento State for her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. She trained with the Women’s U.S. Rowing National Team for three years and won the US National Elite Championships five times. Between 1998 and 1999, Cunningham won a silver medal at the World Rowing Championships and another silver medal at the Pan American Games. After receiving her Master’s of Education in Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Cunningham has become a successful trainer and rowing coach.
Say WAT: Emmaus
FD Market and FD Design’s International Women’s Day Networking Celebration March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: Located in Emmaus, FD Design Co. is an Interior Design Studio run by Jaime Benett. Those in attendance at the event will have the opportunity to peruse the FD market and studio while networking with other female business owners. As a plus, make and take home your own flower bouquets courtesy of Georgia’s Flower Truck. When women come together to forge relationships and support one another, great things happen. Events like the FD Market and FD Design Networking Celebration provide an environment for professional women to meet, greet, and collaborate. Tickets for this event are $25.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Kaitlyn Harrison is certainly someone who enjoys stopping to smell the roses. In doing so, Harrison established herself as one of Lehigh Valley’s most imaginative entrepreneurs. After bringing up a 1959 Volkswagen Transporter truck from Georgia, Harrison decided to transform the truck into a mobile flower shop with a twist. Customers have the unique opportunity to craft their own flower bouquets by choosing from over a dozen types of flowers and greens. When you see the blue Volkswagen pickup truck, you’ll know that it’s time to stop and smell the flowers.
Say WAT: Reading
LUNAFEST female film festival
March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival that showcases movies made by women about women. By showcasing the work of female filmmakers, LUNAFEST promotes female causes and work that may otherwise be overlooked. The American Association of University Women hosts this event from 3 PM to 6 PM at Albright College’s Wachovia Theater. The event kicks off with refreshments, displays, and a jewelry sale and closes out with social networking and discussions. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 or at the door for $30.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Brittany B. Monét Fennell continues to push boundaries and fight to represent underrepresented groups across all films and media. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English from Spelman College and her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television from New York University, B. Monet began her professional career. In her 2018 debut, B. Monet blew audiences away with her short film Q.U.E.E.N., earning her the award for Best Graduate Feature Screenplay and runner-up status in the Women and Hollywood’s First Time Female Filmmakers Contest. Her new film, Ballet After Dark, follows a young woman who utilizes dance therapy to help herself and other women find strength after sexual abuse and domestic violence. As shown at the Cannes Short Film Corner and dozens of other film festivals, B. Monet promises to be an influential female filmmaker.
Say WAT: Philadelphia
EmpowHERment Brunch Party
March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: The City Tap House in University City is throwing a party to celebrate International Women’s Day. Grab your girls, build your own mimosas for just $15, and enjoy pop-up shops by local female shops and music by Philadelphia’s own DJ Yolo Ono on the largest terrace in Philly. The event starts at 11 am and runs until 3 pm. This is a party that you don’t want to miss! Whether you’ve found your tribe or you’re still looking, dive deep into events like these because you never know who you’re going to meet.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Founder of Girls Gone Happy and a vendor at this event, Justine Haemmerli wants to change the world by "giving women the tools they need to learn to listen to themselves again and become those agents of change.” Girls Gone Happy features activities and products that help women connect more deeply with themselves and others. A popular product is Haemmerli’s card decks that focus on a central theme, allowing women to choose their deck based on where they’re at in life. From the motherhood deck to the clarity deck, Girls Gone Happy products support women in their journey to be their best selves and connect with fellow women on a meaningful level.
Say WAT: Pittsburg
International Women's Day Trail Project March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: Join Pittsburgh’s female Park Ranger staff in building and maintaining trails in Boyce Park. Whether you’re a fitness queen who wants to conquer it all or just looking to help out, there is work to be done for all fitness levels. The event starts at 9 AM and lasts until 12 PM. This event allows you to volunteer your time and energy in honor of our ultimate mother, Mother Nature, as well as support female park rangers in your community. This event is a perfect choice for families who are looking to celebrate International Women’s Day together.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was the world’s first national park, and it remains one of the most famous worldwide. For almost 148 years, Yellowstone has been overseen by strictly male chief rangers, until now. Sarah Davis, a National Parks Service veteran of 20 years, was appointed the new chief ranger in the fall of 2019. As the first female chief ranger in history, Davis serves as an inspiration all over the world.
Say WAT: Pittsburgh
All Rise Female Maker Faire
March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: The Wild Rose Collective, an organization that empowers women through creation, is hosting this free event from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Ace Hotel Pittsburgh. Whether you’re there for the handmade goodies, the jewelry, the performances, or the free tote bag, you’re guaranteed to walk away with something that strikes your fancy. Not only is buying local important but buying from female-owned businesses is an incredible way to support women within your community and all over the world. Come out and support your local women and get some goodies doing it!
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Lindsey Smith and Quelcy Kogel, co-founders of The Wild Rose Collective, have a rich and interesting history that makes them women-watch! As an author and speaker, Smith has inspired more than 1,000 writers to launch their own dream books. Through her work, Smith has been featured in Cosmo Magazine, Oprah.com, and a Zagat documentary. Working as a contributing editor for TABLE Magazine, Kogel specializes in photography, event design, and food and prop styling. Kogel also released her own gluten-free cookbook, The Gluten-Free Grains Cookbook, and launched a website dedicated to following her farm-to-table lifestyle.
Say WAT: Millersville
Millersville University International Women’s Day Celebration
March 9th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: Forging a pathway forward, Millersville University is hosting their second annual talk series, Theodora Talks: TED Talks From A Feminine Perspective. Theodora Talks approaches issues from a female perspective, allowing women to gather, learn, and celebrate together while hearing from speakers who understand what it’s like to live as women. This year’s theme is “Pathways Forward” and will feature three female speakers. The Millersville University President’s Commission on the Status of Women is hosting this event at the Winter Center on Millersville’s campus and offering childcare free of charge. This event is free and open to the public and starts at 6 pm.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
The first speaker is Ho-Thanh Nguyen, who will share her experience as an advocate for refugees and immigrants. Nguyen founded the Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network, a nonprofit organization. The second speaker is Audrey Malagon, a professor of mathematics at Virginia Wesleyan University and a member of the Mathematical Association of America. Malagon works to promote inclusion and diversity in the mathematical community while supporting students from underrepresented groups. Last but not least, be sure to catch Millersville’s very own Dr. Tanya Rawal, a gender and media specialist with a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and Foreign Languages from the University of California. As a researcher, educator, and activist, Rawal has taught subjects including philosophy, gender studies, media studies, cultural studies, and sustainability studies.
Say WAT: Coatesville
International Women's Day Outside!
March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: REI, Natural Lands, and Well By Nature are teaming up to host an adventurous International Women’s Day Celebration. For $15, you can join the owner of Well By Nature and Natural Lands in a morning of yoga and hiking. REI will be showcasing their gear throughout the event to empower you to conquer all of your future adventures. The event will wrap up with an outdoor movie screening. The event runs from 10 AM - 2 PM, so pack your lunch, layers, and water to get ready for a venturesome celebration.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world or this event
As the owner of Well By Nature, Julie Macedo is committed to improving people’s health and happiness through yoga and holistic nutrition. Having earned her Bachelor's Degree in Holistic Health and Wellness, Macedo is a certified yoga instructor specializing in pre and postnatal yoga. Join Julie and her colleagues on March 8th to experience her yoga expertise firsthand!
Say WAT: Washington, DC
Suffragists' Tea - A Centennial Celebration of Women's Suffrage | March 8th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: We couldn't help but add in one DC event due to its close proximity to PA. That coupled with the fact that they are also celebrating the centennial anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the US at this International Women's Day. Join fellow suffragists for tea and light refreshments at the George Washington Hotel. Wear period clothing or one of the theme colors (purple, gold, and white) to immerse yourself in this historic event fully! Following a biographical performance by Yvonne Hudson and live music by the Washington Jazz Orchestra, make like a suffragist and join the short march down the main street. Tickets can be purchased for $25, but hurry, there is limited space available.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
As we honor the modern women who are pushing for change and paving the way for a better future for women at home and all over the world, let’s take a moment to honor two women of our past. Sisters Harriet Forten Purvis and Margaretta Forten were abolitionists and first-generation suffragists. Together with their mother, they founded the first biracial abolitionist group, the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. They also helped make the National Woman’s Rights Convention of 1854 possible and organized the Philadelphia Suffrage Association in 1866. Therein lies the tie back to PA and Philadelphia, the city of brotherly and sisterly love.
Say WAT: Erie
Women of Erie Progressive Paint Night March 5th, 2020
Say WAT WAT: This event is hosted by the Women of Erie, a community with a diverse makeup of citizens. Join the Women of Erie and Paintology staff for a Progressive Paint Night from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Attic Rehab. Attendees will create a collaborative project that everyone gets a piece over before the night is over. This event provides the unique opportunity to create and connect at the same time! Let your creative juices flow while you learn more about the women in your community. Tickets can be purchased for $30. Wear appropriate painting attire and BYOB.
WAT in the World: Women of Influence in relation to this world and or this event
Founder of Women of Erie, Kiara Carniewski, created this community when she moved to Erie after graduating from St. Bonaventure University in New York. After beginning her professional career in marketing, Carniewski realized that Erie needed a community to unite women from all walks of life. Thus, the Women of Erie was born.
Written by Chandler Scull