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Moving Forward Together: Celebrating Women Who Educate and Inspire

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Hello! I’m Christabel Ghansah, and it’s a privilege to serve as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion on this year’s Student Government Association (SGA) cabinet. As we step out of Women’s History Month, we must come together to honor the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history those who have transformed lives, shattered barriers, and ignited movements. Their stories remind us that resilience, courage, and innovation are the cornerstones of progress. 

Since last month was Women’s History Month, under the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” I would like to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable women of our SGA cabinet. These dynamic leaders and advocates are champions of change, tirelessly working to create a more inclusive and empowering campus environment. Their dedication uplifts our community, proving that when women lift each other up, the possibilities are limitless. Together, we can forge a future where every voice resonates, and every dream is within reach. 

Educating to Empower: Women Who Opened Doors 

Education has long been a battleground for women, and yet, against all odds, they have risen to become the architects of knowledge. Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for girls’ education, took a stand against the Taliban’s oppression of women in education and nearly lost her life for it. Yet, even in the face of violence, she emerged stronger, inspiring millions of young girls to demand their right to learn. 

Going back in time, Savitribai Phule of India broke societal norms in the 19th century by opening the first school for girls in her country, defying caste and gender-based discrimination. Her fight laid the foundation for generations of women to step into educational spaces that were once barred to them. 

And then there’s Mary McLeod Bethune, a Black educator and civil rights leader in the United States, who founded a school for Black girls in 1904, paving the way for future generations of African American students to access education in a deeply segregated society. 

These women, and so many others, understood that education is the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of oppression. Their legacies remind us that knowledge is not just power it is liberation.

Inspiring Change: Women Who Led Movements 

History is marked by the footprints of women who, despite resistance, marched forward and demanded change. Sojourner Truth, born into slavery, became one of the most powerful voices for abolition and women’s rights, delivering the historic “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech that still echoes through time. 

Across the ocean, Emmeline Pankhurst spearheaded the suffragette movement in the United Kingdom, relentlessly fighting for women’s right to vote. Her activism shook the foundations of British politics, proving that women’s voices could no longer be ignored. 

In Latin America, Rigoberta Menchú, an Indigenous K’iche’ Maya woman from Guatemala, has spent her life advocating for the rights of Indigenous women and communities, fighting against systemic violence and oppression. Her work earned her a Nobel Peace Prize, but more importantly, it has amplified the voices of countless marginalized women. 

These women remind us that progress is not given it is demanded. Their courage fuels today’s activists, ensuring that the fight for justice continues. 

Moving Forward Together: A Global Sisterhood 

As we honor the past, we must also recognize the women who continue to shape the present and future. In Africa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization, is breaking barriers in global economics. In the Middle East, Tawakkol Karman, known as the “Mother of the Revolution,” fights for democracy and human rights in Yemen. In STEM, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a leading scientist behind the COVID-19 vaccine, is revolutionizing healthcare and inspiring a new generation of women in science. 

Women’s progress has never been a solitary journey. It is a collective movement one that transcends borders, cultures, and generations. When we educate one woman, we educate a community. When we uplift one voice, we amplify a movement. When we move forward together, we ensure that no woman is left behind. 

This Women’s History Month let’s celebrate the trailblazers who paved the way, honor those who continue to fight for equality, and commit ourselves to empowering the next generation. The future is ours to build together. 

 

Black History Month: A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Possibilities

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February is more than just another month, it’s a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration. Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance, and impact of Black individuals throughout history. This month is an important reminder of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve overcome, and how much work still lies ahead. 

At Missouri State University, diversity is not just a word, it’s a commitment. This month gives us a chance to not only acknowledge Black history but to actively engage with it, learn from it, and carry its lessons forward. 

More Than a Month, More Than a Moment 

Black history is often reduced to a handful of names and events, but its influence runs far deeper. That influence is found in the creativity of artists, innovation of scientists, the leadership of activists, and everyday excellence of Black individuals pushing boundaries in every field. 

From the civil rights movement to present-day advocacy, Black change-makers have continuously shaped history. And that history is not just something to study, it’s something to live. Right here at MSU, Black students, faculty, and staff are making history in real-time, breaking barriers, leading organizations, and driving change on campus and beyond. 

The Power of Acknowledgment and Action 

Representation matters, but representation alone isn’t enough. True progress happens when we move beyond acknowledgment and take real action. That means creating spaces where Black voices are heard, where Black achievements are celebrated, and where systemic barriers are actively dismantled. 

This month, challenge yourself to do more than just observe. Engage. Educate yourself. Support Black businesses. Attend campus events. Have real conversations about race, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, carry that energy beyond February because Black history is being made every single day. 

Ways to Get Involved This Month (and Beyond) 

Show Up & Learn – Attend events that highlight Black culture, history, and contributions. Listen to speakers, join discussions, and engage with new perspectives. 

Support Black Creators & Businesses – Whether it’s a local Black-owned business, an independent artist, or a content creator, your support makes a difference. 

Educate Yourself – Read books by Black authors, watch documentaries, and explore history that often is not taught in textbooks. Knowledge is power. 

Speak Up – Advocate for inclusivity, challenge bias, and amplify Black voices in your everyday conversations and spaces. 

A Collective Responsibility 

Black History Month is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. It’s about recognizing the contributions of the past while actively shaping a future where equity, representation, and opportunity exist for everyone. 

At MSU, we have the power to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated not just in February but every single day. Let’s make that commitment together! 

– Christabel Ghansah, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, SGA 

SGA Moves to Support Global Living Learning Community

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Missouri State University’s Student Government Association voted on February 28, 2012 to support the creation of a Global Living Learning Community (LLC) in the university’s residence halls.

The community, geared towards international students, language students, global studies students, or students that either have or are interested in studying away would join the ranks of other interest-specific LLCs already in existence at Missouri State.

The creation of a Global Living Learning Community, spearheaded by Kristina Moller, would not only support the cultural competence pillar of Missouri State’s public affairs mission, but would also allow Missouri State to join the 7 benchmark institutions that currently have Global Living Learning Communities in place.

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Student Government Association Commends Dr. A. Leslie Anderson

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Missouri State University’s Student Government Association recently moved to unanimously approve a resolution commending the work of Dr. A. Leslie Anderson, Associate Professor and former Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

Aside from working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education, Dr. Anderson has also served on the President’s Commission for Diversity since 2005. Dr. Anderson co-chaired the Commission from 2007 to 2008 and served as chair of the Commission from 2008 to 2010.

In 2010 Missouri State University’s Board of Governors identified the goal of “promoting diversity through ‘Inclusive Excellence’ across the institution.” The Board then created the chief diversity officer position and appointed Dr. Anderson as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

The Student Government Association would like to commend Dr. Anderson’s work as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, including her efforts to promote inclusive excellence while serving on the Long-Range Strategic Planning Committee.

Dr. Anderson relinquished her duties as Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion on October 3, 2011 to Dr. Kenneth Coopwood, and will return as a full time faculty member on January 1, 2012

For more information, please contact Paige Oxendine, Chief Communications Officer, at Oxendine100@live.missouristate.edu.

Unity Council recap 2

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On December 07, 2009. Unity Council held another great meeting. At this meeting we discussed steryotyping and how we can make the campus more unified. Of particular importance was Greeks and Non-Greeks supporting eachother. By the end of the meeting, students were discussing creating a kind of “street team” that would work soley to help student organizations publicize their events to a larger range of people outside of a particular organization’s reach. If you have any questions or are intrested in this “street team” please feel free to contact me via e-mail.