Northwest Missouri State University is commemorating Women's History Month with a series of events, culminating with its annual Influential Women Awards.

The nationwide observance of Women’s History Month this year uses the theme “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” as a tribute to women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth and reflecting society.

“It’s our chance to reflect on the women who inspire us,” Ashlee Hendrix, a member of Northwest’s Women’s History Month Planning Committee and digital content manager in the Office of University Marketing and Communication, said. “Women often juggle so many things, and we may miss when we are the spark for others. This month’s events hold something for everyone. The lunch-and-learn events allow us to get real with image and work-life balance. The movie night tells the story of a woman rising from adversity.”

Northwest’s activities, which are free and open to the public, begin with a showing of the movie “The Queen of Katwe” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom. The film depicts the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda who learns how to play chess from a traveling missionary and the adversity she faces as she tries to advance her chess career and provide a better life for her family.

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in Meeting Room B of the Student Union, Wellness Services will host Wellness Lunch and Learn, featuring three women discussing their professional journeys and how they prioritize wellness.

Northwest’s reception and recognition of “Influential Women” is 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, in the Agricultural Learning Center. The event annually honors female students, faculty and staff at Northwest who have positively influenced lives and made outstanding contributions to the University community. The recognition event also will include a panel discussion – led by Northwest first lady Chelli Green and Becky Albrecht, the executive director of the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce – with the award recipients to discuss their professional journeys and women who have inspired them to be the people they are.

The month-long celebration concludes with another Wellness Lunch and Learn session from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, in Meeting Room B of the Student Union. Wellness Services Counselor Courtney Koch will lead a discussion about women’s body image, embodiment and relationships with food. The session is a collaboration of Wellness Education and Prevention, Wellness Services and the Student Dietetics Club.

National Women’s History Month originated in 1981 as a week-long celebration and the U.S. Congress declared in 1987 that it be celebrated each March. A presidential proclamation is issued annually to honor the achievements of American women.

In collaboration with the Women’s History Month Advisory Board, Northwest activities are sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

For more information about Women's History Month activities at Northwest, contact Hendrix at ashleeh@nwmissouri.edu or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/diversity/whm/.