MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students is asking the community to join together in celebration of National Women’s History Month throughout March.

This year’s theme for the national celebration is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”

“This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership,” said Maigan Wipfli, director of the June Anderson Center. “Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present.”

Civil rights champion Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the historically Black Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona, Florida, is featured on this year’s collectible button. The wearable pin can be picked up at any of the events as well as in the June Anderson Center office, located in Room 330 of the Student Union, 1768 MTSU Blvd.

Highlighted events

The month kicks off on campus with “My Journey to Leadership in Industry and ACS,” a talk by Dorothy J. Phillips, president of the American Chemical Society, at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, in Room 1006 in the Science Building. Phillips will speak about her 30-year career. For more details, contact judith.iriarte-gross@mtsu.edu.

New this year is the Women’s Celebration Dinner, set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, in the Student Union Ballroom, 1768 MTSU Blvd. on campus. Deadline to reserve a spot is Thursday, Feb. 20.

Guest speaker at the NWHM flagship event is Amanda Nachman, CEO of College Magazine, motivational speaker, and bestselling author of “#Qualified: You Are More Impressive Than You Realize.”

At 21, Nachman launched College Magazine, which grew into a podcast, book and nationwide speaking engagements. Following her talk, Nahman will sign copies of her book, which will be available for purchase in Phillips Bookstore on campus prior to the event.

“Amanda is a great example of someone who set a goal and crushed it. As a CEO, TEDx speaker, and author, she has shown that she doesn’t stop achieving what she sets out to do. Wipfli said. “We are looking forward to her inspirational message.”

The celebration will include a catered dinner, networking, and awards that spotlight women in the community who have educated and inspired others to achieve their goals. Winners and their categories this year include:

• Alumni Trailblazer: Holly Hamby

• Community Trailblazer: Jen Teachenor

• Faculty Trailblazer: Cathy McElderry

• Trailblazing Student Organization: Alpha Delta Pi

• Staff Trailblazer: Gina Poff

• Student Trailblazers: Anna Jacobellis and Claire Holbrook

Documentary filmmaker Christy Carpenter will be “shaking it up” with a talk about her mother, legendary journalist and activist Liz Carpenter, at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in Room 106 of Paul W. Martin Honors Building, 1737 Blue Raider Drive.

Liz Carpenter made significant strides in journalism and politics. She became executive assistant to then Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first woman in that position. When Johnson became president, she served as a spokesperson for the White House, as Lady Bird Johnson’s press secretary and confidant.

The two days prior to Christy Carpenter’s talk, her documentary, “Shaking It Up! The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter,” will be screened at 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, in Room 106 of the Honors College.

Carpenter’s guest talk and documentary screenings are free and open to the public.

For a full list of NWHM activities on the MTSU campus, visit https://jac.mtsu.edu/nwhm/.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)