Bay Path University, Springfield Museums, and the Springfield Women’s Commission Convene 2020 “On the Move Forum to Advance Women”

Longmeadow, MA—    In honor of Women’s History Month (March) and International Women’s Day (March 8), Bay Path University, Springfield Museums, and the Springfield Women’s Commission will present the fourth annual On the Move Forum on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA. This year’s theme, "Generation Equality: “Stand up, Stand Out - RISE” offers attendees an intergenerational, cross-cultural, gender-inclusive conversation focused on women’s rights, civic engagement, career opportunities, and wealth. Now in its fourth year, the forum explores women's history and the advancement of women.

The On the Move Forum 2020 will engage attendees in an interactive conversation about the gaps, gains, and opportunities to advance women, empower young professionals, and inspire students. Kamilah A’vant, Director of Diversity Programs for Color Magazine, will be the event’s keynote speaker. The forum will also include a panel discussion, where attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions addressed by community, business, and academic leaders.

On the Move Springfield City Council Women’s Commission Chairwoman Kateri Walsh shares, “The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women's constitutional right to vote. I am proud to promote and support the advancement of women in all fields, especially as we hope to get more young women involved in civic engagement.”

Janine Fondon, Bay Path Professor and founder of the On the Move Forum, adds, “I look forward to engaging in this intergenerational conversation where women of all backgrounds can share their voices, insights and leadership. There will be dialogue, networking, resource-sharing, and relationship-building. We hope to advance women by connecting the dots and helping women find tangible ways to reach their goals, build new skills and take advantage of existing resources – all to break barriers and remove obstacles to success.”

“The Museums, historically known as the People’s College, are proud to be a part of the conversation orchestrated by the On the Move Forum,” said Kay Simpson, President and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “As a gathering place for curious people, the Museums strongly support collaborative efforts to help us all engage through authentic educational and social experiences that foster connection.”

This event is free and open to the public, and is hosted in collaboration with The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Arise for Social Justice, the African American Female Professors Association, NAMIC New England, Rhode Island Black Film Festival and others. Registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit https://onthemoveforum2020.eventbrite.com. 

Opportunities to sponsor On the Move’s 2020 year-long series and programs are still available. For more information, contact Janine Fondon at (413) 221-7931 or jfondon@baypath.edu.

 

# # #

 

About Bay Path University

Bay Path University was founded in 1897. With locations in Longmeadow (main), East Longmeadow (Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center), Springfield (MA), Sturbridge (MA), and Concord (MA), Bay Path’s innovative program offerings include traditional undergraduate degrees for women, The American Women's College on-ground and online, the first all-women, all-online accredited bachelor’s degree programs in the country; over 30 graduate programs for women and men, including doctorate degrees; and Strategic Alliances, offering professional development courses for individuals and organizations.  Bay Path’s goal is to give students confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.

About Kamilah A’Vant
Kamilah A’Vant is the Director of Diversity Programs for Color Magazine, a diversity and inclusion publication owned by BridgeTower Media, which provides unique signature events to address issues in diversity and inclusion (D&I), shares tools for enrichment, fostering long-lasting partnerships and recognize the achievements of D&I leaders. For over a decade, Color Magazine has maintained a strong reputation for creating informative content and thought leadership as highlighted in its print and online publications. A’Vant received her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Rhode Island College and a Master of Science degree in management from the University of Maryland.