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27 February 2025

How to Celebrate Women’s History Month with UC San Diego Extended Studies

Celebrate Women’s History Month with UC San Diego Extended Studies. Explore the 2025 theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," which highlights the profound impact of women committed to education, mentorship, and leadership. 

Join us in March as we honor this legacy for a month of learning and celebration—and all year long, as we present educational events and community engagement opportunities that showcase accomplished women who have aimed to honor, inspire, educate, and unite communities.

Each March, UC San Diego Extended Studies proudly joins in the UC San Diego Women’s History Month commemoration, honoring the contributions and achievements of women in history, culture and society. 

The month of activities is a time to acknowledge strides toward gender equity while also renewing a commitment to building a more just world for individuals of all genders to thrive.

At UC San Diego Extended Studies, honoring Women’s History Month goes beyond recognition. It reflects an ongoing dedication to expanding educational opportunities, services and benefits for women while fostering meaningful community engagement 

Women’s History Month Theme 2025

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance announces the theme for Women’s History Month. The 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” honors the profound impact of women committed to education, mentorship, and leadership. 

This theme allows the opportunity to showcase accomplished women who have aimed to honor, inspire, educate, and unite communities. 

History of Women’s Month

Women’s History Month traces its origins to a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched Women’s History Week, choosing the week of March 8 to align with International Women’s Day. The movement quickly gained momentum, inspiring communities nationwide to hold their own celebrations the following year.

For several years, U.S. presidents continued to recognize Women’s History Week in March. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, officially declaring March as Women’s History Month. Between 1988 and 1994, additional resolutions encouraged the president to proclaim March as Women’s History Month annually. Since 1995, every president has issued a proclamation honoring the month-long celebration.

To learn more about the history of Women's History Month, visit the Library of Congress.

How You Can Get Involved in Women’s History Month?

There are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month, including the following ideas. Let this be a springboard to your exploration of women's unique experiences.

  • Read books or watch documentaries about influential women in history.
  • Attend lectures or panel discussions focused on women's achievements.
  • Research and share stories of lesser-known women who made significant contributions.
  • Shop from women-owned businesses and artisans.
  • Donate to organizations that support women’s rights, education, and leadership.
  • Encourage conversations about the challenges women still face today.
  • Highlight women’s achievements in your workplace, school, or community.

For more ideas, visit UC San Diego Women’s Center’s Women’s History Month Calendar.

UC San Diego Extended Studies Honors Women in March and Throughout the Year

In celebration of Women’s History Month, UC San Diego Extended Studies remains committed to expanding educational and career opportunities that empower women across diverse fields. Through specialized courses, programs and community engagement initiatives, we support the advancement of women at every stage of their journey.

There are countless opportunities to enhance your skills, grow in your career, engage in inspiring cultural experiences at the same time as you support women’s causes. The following are some key areas and the inspiring women behind them.

Sally Ride Science @ UC San Diego

As the first American woman in space, Sally Ride dedicated her life to advocating for diversity in science education and careers, serving as role model and champion. UC San Diego Extended Studies is proud to administer the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs for Sally Ride Science @ UC San Diego, reaching and inspiring thousands of students and educators. 

  • Watch Women in Leadership 2024, honoring the legacy of Sally Ride with a featured panel of trailblazers who have shattered barriers and paved the way for women across the globe

Vicki L. Krantz Memorial HR Scholarship

Vicki L. Krantz, a leader and innovator in the field of human resources, spearheaded the founding of the UC San Diego Extended Studies Professional Certificate in Human Resource Management in 1987. As one of the first certificates offered by Extended Studies, the program helped define Human Resources Management as a professional career path and has continuously equipped participants with the insights and practical skills needed to excel as responsible and effective HR professionals. Since the creation of the program, more than 1,000 students have received certificates in HR Management.

The Vicki L. Krantz Memorial HR Scholarship is designed to support individuals who are at a career crossroads later in life, and despite having demonstrated a lifelong passion for learning, hard work, and giving back to their community, now find themselves in need of financial assistance to retool their skills to gainfully support themselves. You can support future HR leaders by making a donation for the Vicki L. Krantz Memorial HR Scholarship here.

Division of Extended Studies Women of Impact

The Dean’s Council on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is an Extended Studies staff committee focused on institutional access and representations, climate and intergroup relations, and organizational transformation. Its work supports the campus and Extended Studies efforts to become a more equitable, inclusive community where all feel welcome, supported and able to thrive.

In March, the group will highlight Women of Impact across the division, recognizing female staff who are making a meaningful impact in their work as exceptional colleagues. Follow our social media channels to learn more about these individuals: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X. 

Lactation and Perinatal Programs

Lactation and perinatal professionals are essential in supporting mothers, infants, and breastfeeding. UC San Diego Extended Studies’ renowned Lactation and Perinatal Programs offer comprehensive education for every stage—whether you're new to the field, pursuing an IBCLC credential, or an experienced IBCLC seeking continuing education. By expanding expertise in lactation care, these professionals strengthen maternal and infant health, a vital component of women’s health and advocacy. Learn more about some of unique partnerships and students in this area:

Public Events and Lectures

UC San Diego Extended Studies enriches the community by helping shape civic dialogue through thought-provoking lectures and arts and culture programs. Featured events included accomplished women speakers and performers and gender-related topics.

Coming up this month:

Past programs available for viewing on UCTV:

To learn about upcoming event opportunities, please visit the Extended Studies Public Events and Lectures page.

Conclusion: Women’s History Month Is an Opportunity for Learning

March is just one opportunity to recognize women's achievements throughout history and in our own communities. At UC San Diego Extended Studies, we are committed to uplifting women's voices and accomplishments to inspire future generations. Join us in identifying opportunities to support, learn from and champion the incredible contributions of women in all fields today and every day.