Honoring four inspirational MEC women

Well, that was a ton of fun.

Women’s History Month at Medgar Evers College officially kicked off on March 4 with an energetic gathering in the Founders Auditorium.

There was a flag parade (that is some serious energy), a rousing remembrance by Goldene Lewis, a steelpan icon (still vibing with you, Travis Roberts!), a keynote speaker that had everyone on their feet (thank you for taking us to church on a Monday, Rev. Monica DaCosta!) and two incredible dance performances by Medgar Evers College Preparatory High School.

All of it to set the stage for four incredible Medgar Evers College women that garnered the Employee Recognition Award.

Atop the carved plaque that each received, it reads: 

“Your impact on others is bigger than you think. Someone still laughs to themselves when they think of that funny thing you said. Someone still smiles when they think of the compliment you gave them. The advice you give has made a difference for people. The support and love you’ve offered others has made someone’s day. Your input and opinions have someone think twice. Every smile, every loving word, every kind action are reflections of the beauty of your heart and soul. You’re not insignificant and forgotten. Your existence makes a positive difference, whether you see it or not.”

Here is a look at the four women, including a quote from each during their acceptance on March 4:

Faye Wangfei Chan

“This is my 31st year, and everyone is here to serve the community and the globe. And I’m grateful for that.”

Lurie Daniel Favors

“We are going to be here to use our power and our privilege to make this world better for all of us. And so, every woman says to you, man, I’m just grateful to be able to stand in that tradition. Because we have privilege. We have power, we have resources, but we do not have value unless we are using all of that in the service of our people.”

Esther Llamas

“I think it’s really on us to make a difference and make that noise and keep our voices alive where we’re at and loud where we can and you know, just just really treat speak truth to power and so I think higher education, especially here at Medgar Evers College, especially at CUNY is so so important for this city.”

Sherrill-Ann Mason

“I remind us a lot of this is why we show up every day at this amazing college. Because these students that come through these doors, they are depending on us every day. And every day we need to commit to making sure that the service that we give is steeped in excellence.”

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Women’s History Month calendar

For the full calendar of events throughout the month, click here.

For more on Rev. DaCosta and Travis Roberts, click here.

For President Ramsey’s interview on ABC7, click here.