University of Pacific is honoring the contributions of women and creating space to connect with a robust series of events for Women’s History Month.

The month-long celebration began Feb. 28 with a kickoff event at the McCaffrey Center, where attendees could get information from student clubs and organizations and shop from women-owned businesses in the community.

“Women's History Month is important because we can highlight women and all of the achievement and the contributions women have made to society as a group, especially women of color,” said Yvette Quintana, program specialist for the Center of Identity and Inclusion. “We also want to highlight all of the resources on campus that provide support to women and non-binary students.”

The kickoff event, hosted by the Center for Identity and Inclusion, showcased university resources, while placing an emphasis on women entrepreneurs.

“Women's History Month is important, not only for the women today, but for the women in the future,” said alumna Christian Cardona ’19, ’21. “There are so many who are looking out for us and up to us, so having an event like this is inspirational for both students and women who own businesses because we get to see and hear the amazing things these students are doing.”

The schedule for Women’s History Month includes a diverse lineup of workshops, events and experiences, including a women's wellness hike to Little Yosemite, women’s rec night, Nutrition Mission: Girl Dinner and the annual Women of Distinction awards. The full calendar is available online.

Women's Rec Night

Pacific Recreation will host a special women-only event at Baun Fitness Center March 4. The event aims to provide a supportive space to explore different fitness routines, build strength and try something new. 

Nutrition Mission: Girl Dinner!

On March 18, the Center for Identity and Inclusion and Sustainability are offering an opportunity for participants to make their own “girl dinner,” a term coined in 2023 by Tik Toker Olivia Maher which refers to simple, easy to assemble meals.

Participants will create a charcuterie board featuring organic vegetables, herbs and fruit using fresh produce grown at the Ted and Chris Robb Garden on the Stockton Campus.

Women of Distinction Awards

Pacific will honor women-identified students, faculty, staff and community members who are leaders in promoting gender and racial equity and inspiring future generations of women leaders at the annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony March 21.

Additional Events

Graduating seniors Kat Thomas ’25 and Molly Mobley ’25 will highlight Black women's journeys, challenges and legacies leading change across professions in a moderated panel March 5 at the Janet Leigh Theatre for Black Women in Leadership: Leading Change and Building Legacies.

On March 19, the Center for Identity and Inclusion and Pacific Gaming Center are partnering for the PGC Takeover: GameHER Edition. The event is centered on celebrating the impact women have on gaming and is open to women gamers of all levels.

The events all center on celebrating the achievements of women and working toward a more inclusive future.

“Women's History Month matters at Pacific, especially having such a large population of women here who are doing such powerful things. It's awesome to have those mentors available in our professors and in our administration,” said student Victoria Linville ’26.

“We’ve seen many times in history women whose accomplishments have gone under recognized. I think Pacific does a really good job of making sure that our women are seen, that our women, non-binary, cis, trans and the whole community is seen. We love all coming together so it's great that Pacific allows that and shows us a way we can be one together.”