Polk Celebrates Women’s History Month With Events Across County

Polk State College will celebrate Women’s History throughout March, with events at both the Lakeland and Winter Haven campuses, as well as its centers in Lake Wales.

“Polk State recognizes the incredible contributions women have made in our society, both throughout history and every day,” said Donald Painter, dean of Academic Affairs at Polk State Lakeland, and a Women’s History Month event organizer.

“Through our annual Women’s History Month celebration, we raise awareness of these contributions, and instill our students with a sense of appreciation for the life-changing work of women.”

Polk’s Women’s History Month coincides with the national celebration of influential females. Women’s History Month began in 1911 as International Women’s Day. In 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month is one of several celebrations of diversity that happens at Polk each year. Other celebrations include Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Disability Awareness Month.

Polk’s Women’s History Month events include: 

March 12
7 p.m.
Embracing Real Beauty will be presented by Stacy Nadeau, a speaker who appeared in Dove’s “Real Women” advertising campaign.
Lakeland Campus, LTB 1101

March 12
Noon to 1 p.m.
Nathalie Hernandez, singer/songwriter who competed on NBC’s The Voice, will perform.
Polk State JD Alexander Center, Lake Wales

March 13
12:30 p.m.
Putting Yourself in the Driver’s Seat will be presented by Kristen Hadeed, who started Student Maid as a student at the University of Florida. The business has grown to more than 400 employees.
Winter Haven Campus, WST 126

March 15
Lilia!, featuring celebrated playwright and actress Libby Skala
7 p.m. Lilia! is the story of Skala’s grandmother, Lilia, who was the first female architect in Austria, a refugee of Hitler’s regime, and a Broadway star.
Polk State College Lake Wales Art Center

March 18
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Creating a Meaningful Life, discussion by Polk State faculty members
Lakeland Campus, LTB 1310

March 22
7 p.m.
A Time to Dance, featuring celebrated playwright and actress Libby Skala. A Time to Dance tells the story of Skala’s great-aunt, Elizabeth “Lisl” Polk, who overcame poverty, artistic repression and the rise of Hitler to become a renowned dancer.
Polk State College Lake Wales Art Center

All events are free and open to the public.