Honoring Women’s History Month

Carnegie Mellon Women's Association

On March 11th, the Carnegie Mellon Women’s Association (CMWA) partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to host renowned speaker Sonia Layne-Gartside! The event, held at the O'Hara Student Center Dining Room on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus, was full of female-identifying members from both universities who endeavor to thrive and lead in and through a professional world that is not always welcoming to them.

This event was a unique opportunity to engage with Sonia as she dove into the vital topic of increasing resilience while navigating the pressures of being women in business. Sonia shared insights on how to collaborate, enhance resilience, improve teamwork, and foster a culture of knowledge sharing. 

Sonia offered valuable strategies in an effort to empower audience members to thrive in their professional journey. 

After the event, Sonia reflected on her visit, sharing, “This conference provided a vital space to address the unique challenges women face in leadership, especially in higher education. My goal was to offer not just actionable strategies, but also a sense of solidarity among women navigating similar challenges. We tackled universal concerns—carving out time for meaningful connections, establishing authority, setting boundaries, advancing careers, and battling imposter syndrome.”

Sonia went on to express her hopes for those who attended. “I hope attendees left with both practical tools to grow their careers and the reassurance that they are not alone. Ultimately, when women support each other and build strong professional relationships, we all rise together."

Describing herself as a “cheerleader of people”, Sonia currently serves as a CEO of SoniaGartside.com, an organization geared towards inspiring leaders to lead in ways that transform themselves, their employees, and the systems that they serve. A Pittsburgh-resident, Sonia also makes time to serve as a board member for Gwen’s Girls and Alma Lewis. She also loves to be daring, challenging herself and her own fears, by taking on opportunities like bungee jumping!

Sonia was hosted by the CMWA, a 100-year-old CMU organization that, from the beginning of its time, has thrived to create space and opportunity for female-identifying individuals across the campus. At its core, CMWA President Rebecca Abrams explains that the organization truly is about “women helping women.” From networking with colleagues to making new friends, it is a prolific space for faculty, graduate students, trustees, and staff as well as partners, family, and friends who advocate for female power and progress across the campus.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the CMWA and gaining access to events like Sonia’s lecture, all you need to do is provide up to a $25 donation, which is awarded to carefully selected students in the form of a post-graduate scholarship that aims to set students up for success after graduation.

Second Annual World Storytelling Day

CMU Employee Resource Groups

We're thrilled to update you on the success of the CMU Employee Resource Groups’ 2nd World Storytelling Day event! The event, held as part of an annual celebration, had approximately 38 attendees and 6 storytellers.

This year's theme, "Deep Water," was wide open for interpretation, encouraging storytellers to dive into a range of topics—whether literal or metaphorical—that explored the depths of human experience.

This year, the coordinators of the events also brought in Brad King, Hunt Library's Anniversary Exhibits, and Publishing Managing Editor, as part of an exciting new initiative. In line with a mission to preserve and celebrate local narratives, Brad offered the opportunity for the stories shared at the event to be included in the library's Oral History Project.

Here's a brief overview of how this collaboration worked:

• Stories were recorded live during the event, and those who did not have the opportunity to share can participate in one-on-one sessions with Brad to capture their tales.
• The stories will be transcribed, and biographical information will be collected for an archived collection titled, "World Storytelling Day."
• Storytellers will retain full ownership of their stories, with the option to work with Brad on editing, ensuring that only light copyediting changes are made.
• Participants will also have control over whether they want their story to be public, private, or private to researchers.

The hope and product of this initiative is a published book containing these stories, which will be distributed to participants and preserved in the library's archives for future generations.

A huge thank you to all those who coordinated this great event, to those who participated, and to Brad's invaluable collaboration in making this event even more special. Keep an eye out for future storytelling events and opportunities to be part of the oral history project – we look forward to the stories yet to be told!

Learn to Mend and Repair Clothing in a Relaxed Setting

Join Kat D’Arms, a CMU College of Engineering graduate and Fifth Year Scholar, for a hands-on mending workshop focused on sustainability. Whether you want to repair a favorite garment or simply learn new skills, this is a great opportunity to reduce textile waste and give your clothing a second life.

Bring an item to mend, or just come to learn! No experience is needed—materials are provided, and both hand and machine sewing options are available.

Workshops will take place on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. in TechSpark High Bay, Hamerschlag Hall, C101, from March 31 through April 21.

Read more about Kat D'Arms

Hosted by TechSpark

Updates to Dismount Zones and Riding Areas Coming in April

To ensure the safety of both pedestrians and riders, the uncovered walkway along the west side of the Cohon University Center will change from a shared riding/walking path to a wheels-only path in mid-April. The covered walkway that runs parallel to the path will continue to be a dismount zone Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more about these updates.

Provided by Transportation Services

President's Lecture Series: The Value of Narrative Storytelling in Polarized Times

Join us Wednesday, April 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Simmons Auditorium, Tepper Building, for a lecture with John Wells (CFA 1979) — Hollywood producer, writer and director. As the founder of John Wells Productions, Wells will share insights from his career and discuss how storytelling shapes perspectives, fosters understanding and bridges divides in today’s polarized world.

Register today!

Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University Leadership

Scotty Strong Self-Defense Course

If you haven't attended a Scotty Strong Self-Defense Course yet, now is the time to secure your spot! 

These 2-hour sessions are an excellent opportunity to learn efficient and effective techniques that can enhance your personal safety. 

Join us for the next session on Wednesday, April 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Are you interested in organizing a class for your department, group, or club? If so, please complete this short request form.

Hosted by CMU Police Department