Women’s History Month events feature inspiring speakers and celebrate women’s contributions to society

Luther College is hosting several events to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. The events are open to the public.

“March is a time to reflect on women’s history and accomplishments,” said Char Kunkel, head of the Identity Studies Department at Luther College. “Women have always contributed to society, but have often been invisible or ignored. Now is the time to acknowledge and lift up women.”

The monthlong Women’s History Month celebration will kick off with the “Power of Hair with Folashade Oloye” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Mott Room, located on the first floor of the Dahl Centennial Union. Oloye is the founder and CEO of Cashmere Lux Hair Salon in Rochester, Minnesota. As a cosmetology expert with more than 20 years of experience, Oloye will provide healthy hair care and styling tips for a variety of hair types. The event is sponsored by the Center for Engagement and Support (CIES).

Sorority members from Alpha Beta Psi (ABY), Beta Theta Omega (BTQ) and Tau Delta Gamma (TDG) will host the annual International Women’s Day Tea on Sunday, March 8, in the Peace Dining Room, located on the second floor of the Union. The event begins at 11 a.m. Organizers said the annual tea is a wonderful opportunity “to pause, connect and hear from an inspiring speaker.”

“Whether you are part of a sorority or just looking to connect with a supportive network of women, we would love for you to join the conversation,” said Emily Ostermann, president of ABY. “We believe that history is made through the friendships and service we build together every day.”

Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz

University of Iowa Associate Professor Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. The lecture is sponsored by CIES and the Identity Studies Department at Luther College.

The lecture, “Feminist Futures: WTF (Women/Trans/Femme) Solidarity in the Movement for Reproductive Justice,” draws on her decades of experience in academic research and community organizing to explore trans liberation as essential to reproductive justice. Fixmer-Oraiz is the author of two books: “Homeland Maternity: U.S. Security Culture and the New Reproductive Regime” (2019) and “Doing Gender Justice: Queering Reproduction, Kin, and Care” (2025; with Shui-yin Sharon Yam). Fixmer-Oraiz teaches courses in rhetorical theory and criticism, gender and sexuality studies, social movements and feminisms at Iowa.

Community members are invited to a special worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall. This service will include the sharing of communion and lighting candles in prayer and remembrance.

“We will celebrate the gifts and legacy of women of faith. All are invited to bring pictures or mementos of inspiring women in their lives to add to our table of gratitude,” said Pastor Melissa Bills, director of college ministries at Luther.

Self-described decolonial pathfinder Shelley Buffalo will present her lecture titled “Rematriation and Indigenous Futurism” at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, in the Recital Hall at the Center for Faith and Life. This event is co-sponsored by CIES and Identity Studies.

Buffalo is an enrolled member of the Meskwaki Tribe, also known as the Sac and Fox of the Mississippi, in Tama, Iowa. Buffalo served her community as the Meskwaki Food Sovereignty Coordinator and now offers consultancy for food sovereignty and local foods initiatives. She is an advocate for indigenous foodways, food justice and rematriation. In 2024, Buffalo received a 2024 Environmental Leader Award from the Center for Rural Affairs.

The Women’s History Month celebration concludes with a Cultural Community Connections Event to honor the contributions of women at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, at The Landing Market, 211 College Drive in Decorah. A meal will be prepared by ABY, BTQ and TDG sorority members.. The cost is $10 per person. The cost is $5 for students (with ID) attending any college or university and for children 17 and younger. No reservations are needed.