SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Month, Springfield Technical Community College recognized three exemplary women who embody the spirit of service, engagement and leadership.

The Lead Female Leadership & Mentoring Program at STCC presented community leadership awards to student Chelsie Rivera, faculty member Dr. Vanessa Hill and staff member Wilma Tynes.

STCC held its ceremony on March 6, two days before International Women’s Day. The campus event featured the presentation of leadership awards, a panel discussion, networking and local female-owned businesses as vendors.

Andrea Gedeon, Title V HSI Grant Financial Literacy Coordinator, moderated the panel discussion with Vice President of Family Services for Square One Melissa Blissett and Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies, LLC, and founding director of the Healing Racism Institute.

They shared their experiences and strategies for fostering inclusivity in the workplace, addressing barriers and driving cultural change.

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