On Friday, March 23, HFCC will host its 39th Annual Women’s Recognition Luncheon in the Student and Culinary Arts Center. The luncheon will feature four distinguished women speakers, a silent auction, and a raffle.
The luncheon is a benefit for Dreamkeepers, a non-profit organization that is part of Scholarship America. This organization helps provide HFCC students with emergency financial needs—the assistance they need to stay in school. For every dollar raised at the benefit, the esteemed Kresge Foundation will donate fifty-cents towards Dreamkeepers. HFCC’s goal is to raise $20,000, resulting in a $10,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation.
A panel of four speakers will speak on the topic of “Women Paving the Way for Women Who Pursue Education and Leadership in S.T.E.M. Careers.” The women speakers are noted for their exceptional work towards equality for women in the fields of science, technology, manufacturing, and engineering fields. Representing HFCC is Dr. Gail Mee, HFCC’s first female president who has worked towards equality for women in the fields of math, science and technology. Stevie Cote, the first female IT manager at Ford Motor Company, has mentored many women in a field primarily dominated by men. Dr. Christine Bass is the Director of the Women in Science and Engineering program at the University of Michigan, and works with women pursuing work in the S.T.E.M. fields. Dr. Cheryl Bowman is a NASA research scientist.
The luncheon will also feature the presentation of several awards to women leaders in the community. These awards include the Gene L. Brazell Community Role Model Award, Beverly Duquette Award of Excellence, and the HFCC Women’s Recognition Award.
Tickets for the luncheon are $40—of which $21 is a tax-deductable donation—and can be purchased several ways. There are also several different ways to become a sponsor of the event, or donate in a variety of price ranges.