womenscenter.udayton.edu Striving to promote equality, understanding, and mutual respect and to foster a strong educational community.

February 2006 Women’s History Month Issue 11 Three speakers share knowledge with UD P. 2 What’s The University of Dayton In 1994, LaDuke was Series. Going On? will welcome three prominent nominated by Time magazine •Women’s Judith Ezekiel, a native speakers to campus during as one of America’s 50 most History of Dayton, is currently an Month Women’s History Month. promising leaders under 40 associate professor of Although they come from years of age. She was the Green P. 3 American Studies at •Women’s different parts of the country, l’Université de Toulouse- Leadership they all have done Conference le-Mirail. Her book, considerable work with • New opportuni- in the ties in Women’s fighting for women’s rights. At a glance... Heartland, tells the story Studies Robert Jensen: Winona LaDuke is of second-wave feminism P. 4 February 28, 7:30 p.m. internationally known as a in Dayton. The book traces Women’s Center Sears Recital Hall Profiles voice for Native American the lives of 85 women •Lynnette Heard economic and environmental activists who fought for •Irish Dance Judith Ezekiel: concerns. She is Anishinabe women’s rights in this city Club March 3, 4:30 p.m. from the Makwa Dodaem (Bear and in the nation, and P. 5 Roesch Library Health & Clan) of the Mississippi Band of discusses four main Wellness the White Earth reservation in

inside organizations that Winona LaDuke: • “Ask the Doc” northern Minnesota, and structured the women’s •Call for Body March 6, 8 p.m. credits her background with movement in Dayton. Monologues KU Ballroom • International her interest in activism. She According to Ezekiel, it Spotlight has written extensively on is important for today’s P. 6 Native American and men and women to Voices Raised environmental issues, and • UD Mono- Party vice presidential running understand the women’s logues began the White Earth Land mate to Ralph Nader in both liberation movement, as Recovery Project, which P. 8 1996 and 2000. She will visit well as other movements in works on protecting wild rice From the campus on March 6 as part of our nation’s past. Director’s Desk and local biodiversity, and the Distinguished Speakers buying back tribal lands. continued on P. 7

Women’s Center HERS develops future women leaders LOCATION: The Summer Institute for College in Pennsylvania. The (HERS). Alumni Hall, 2nd Floor Women in Higher Education curriculum consists of “The purpose is really to Administration seeks to intensive training, working 12 develop future women HOURS: improve the status of women hour days Monday-Saturday. leaders in higher 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. in the middle and executive It is a unique opportunity for education,” said Lisa Monday – Wednesday levels of higher education women administrators and Rismiller, Director of the 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. administration. Beginning this faculty, preparing participants Women’s Center. “People Thursday – Friday year, the University of Dayton to work with issues currently who are good candidates will nominate one female staff facing higher education, such for HERS are women who PHONE: 937-229-5390 or faculty member per year to as the growing diversity of the have aspirations or FAX: 937-229-5334 attend the institute. student body and the work certainly the talent and Nearly 2,000 women have force. The Institute, which ability to rise to the WEBSITE: attended the conference since admits around 70-75 women administrative level at a womenscenter. it began in 1976. This year, the per year, is co-sponsored by university or college.” udayton.edu conference will be held June 25 Bryn Mawr College and Higher through July 21 at Bryn Mawr Education Resource Services continued on P. 7 womenscenter.udayton.edu What’s Going On? March is Women’s History Month February 2006 Issue 11 Self-Defense Workshop Women’s Advocacy Dinner Hollywood Arms Diana,ForUD a RecPlex.more a Celebration complete Explore listing the inner of 6:00 Reception and 7:00 Dinner KU Presented by the Dayton Presentedeventsworkings held by ofduring the self Dayton defense March, Art and visit learn Ballroom. To bring together the Playhouse, this is a funny and Institute,ourpractical website. this actions display to featurespractice self dynamic groups of women located moving story of three generations nearlyDiana,defense. 150 a Celebration objectsThis program from the will life help and across campus in an evening dinner of women living on welfare in humanitarianPresentedwomen connect by workthe Dayton spirituallyof the lateArt with to pay tribute to women’s progress California in 1941 and 1951. The PrincessInstitute,themselves Diana. this to display Forfind tickets,the features strength, call and empowerment, to celebrate the play is showing Fridays and Page 2 223-5277.nearlypassion 150 and objects desire from to be the able life to female spirit and bring awareness to Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays Women’sandstand humanitarian up Leadershipfor themselves work of inthe a late issues of women’s rights worldwide. at 2 p.m. For tickets call 424- ConferencePrincessvariety Diana.of situations. For tickets, call Visiting historian Judith Ezekiel will 8477. “Real223-5277.International Women… Real Fair Stories.” deliver the evening’s keynote Through the Years... a look NotableWomen’s6:00 KUwomen Ballroom.Leadership from the The Miami evening address. back at UD Women’s fashion Valley,Conferencefeatures including a variety keynote of entertainment speaker Wear Your Badge With Pride A life-sized glimpse of “the look” Vernellia“Realwith Women… an Randall, international Real a professor Stories.” flavor atand Day for UD women, from the first female students in the 1930’s to UD’sNotablefood School from women ofaround Law, from willthe the beworld. Miami sharing A day to show your pride by wearing present day. theirValley,Contact stories. including the ToCenter register keynote for for speaker the your Greek organization’s letters. conference call 229-3351. Tickets “Introduction to Basic Self- VernelliaInternational Randall, Programs a professor at 229- at Linda Tillery and the Cultural Defense: A Lecture in Why are $10 for students, $50 for UD’s3514 School for more of Law, information. will be telling Heritage Choir 90% of It’s All in Your Mind” communitytheirWomen’s stories. members. LeadershipTo register for the 8:00 Boll Theatre. These songs are Noon KU 331. Presented by Self-DefenseconferenceConference call Workshop 229-3351. The “survival music.” As Tillery Carolyn Zengel, this will include a UDcost“Real RecPlex. is $10Women… for Explore students, Real the Stories.” $50inner for explains, “this music, particularly discussion of mental and verbal workingscommunityNotable of women selfmembers. defense fromSelf theand Miamilearn the spirituals, has kept Black people self-defense, predators, and tips practical actions to practice self DefenseValley will Workshop be sharing their stories. alive through slavery, night rider’s for staying safe. defense.To register This forprogram the conference will help call raids, and segregation. This is the For a more complete listing of women229-3351. find the Tickets strength, are $10passion for music that has been used as a events throughout March, visit andstudents, desire to $50 be ablefor communityto stand up for support for just about every political our website. members. movement in this country. ”

Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Robert Jensen Body Monologues 15 at 4:45: Judith Ezekiel Women’s Leadership Conference Self Defense Appreciating Chinese Medicine Women in our Workshop for Sinusitis/Allergy International Women’s Advocacy Past February 28 12Fair 3 Dinner 4 Winona Hollywood Arms Busy Persons Linda Tillery and Spring LaDuke (3/10-3/26) Retreat the Cultural Heritage Choir Break (3/5-3/9) Wear Your Badge Maangamizi With Pride Day concert (3/11-3/19) 5 687 91011

Through the 15 at 4:45: Years... a look The Women back at UD

March we are Today Women’s fashion (3/15-3/31) For more 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 information on WHM events, Milagro Del Introduction to please visit our Basic Self-Defense Muyer website: Miryam Award womenscenter. 19 22 udayton. 20 21 23 24 25 edu. 15 at 4:45: Blessing for our Future 26 27 28 29 30 31 womenscenter.udayton.edu Women’s Leadership Conference promises real stories from real women

“Real Women … Real that divide us.” including Dayton Mayor Rhine Stories” is a fitting title for an An important voice that has McLin, Margaret Peters, Doris event that gives women the helped transcend these Ponitz and Gail Littlejohn, will February 2006 skills and resources to become barriers is this year’s keynote tell their stories that highlight Issue 11 3 Page leaders of the 21st century. This speaker, Vernellia Randall, a the journey of how they got to year, at the 5th Annual Annie professor at the UD School of where they are today. A T. Thorton Women’s Law. Randall co-founded the University of Dayton student Leadership Conference Miami Valley Community from Rwanda will also be (ATWLC), participants will Summit on Eliminating sharing her story of survival in hear real stories from real Racism, which is a call to the 1994 genocide that women in the Dayton action against racism at the occurred in her country. Heard wins community. institutional level. Keeping in line with the Since the inception of the “To look at where she sits University’s mission, YWCA ATWLC five years ago, more today, one might never Mahoney says, “[This than 600 women have imagine the obstacles that she conference] will provide new award benefited from attending the has encountered,” Mahoney opportunities for women to conference. said. “I had heard her speak grow mentally, physically, and continued from P. 4 “We live in a society where before and was motivated and spiritually.” there’s energy and if you women’s voices are often inspired by her message. I • Danielle Meinhardt stifled or silenced,” said Yemi believe those who hear her at Junior share that with others, there’s Mahoney, a founder of the the conference will feel the Journalism empowerment.” ATWLC. “It brings women same way.” This award is a testament to together and allows us to Along with Randall, four Heard’s passion- uplifting transcend societal barriers women from the Dayton area, women and helping them to fulfill their vision and mission in life. What’s Happening with Students: In addition to this award she has also received the Top Ten African-American New Opportunities in Women’s Studies Women Award, Dayton Daily Sheila Hassell Hughes, Director of Women’s Studies News Ten Top Women Award, Up and Comer’s Award, Since the inauguration of the connection and a sense of University, has agreed to Woman of the Year from Women’s Studies major in community among those in the serve as faculty co-editor, and Metropolitan Women’s Club 2004, the opportunities for Program, and we may we will soon be forming a and YWCA African-American students have been eventually even launch a student editorial board. Join Women’s Achievement and snowballing, and I want to take student organization. The us for our first “First Monday” Pathfinder Awards. th this opportunity to highlight a February 6 meeting is set for or contact the Program office This time Heard will be few. 5-6:30 pm in Alumni 212. at 229-4285 if you are sharing the stage with two of In November, Women’s Students have also responded interested in getting involved. her inspirations, Reba Gaston Studies majors were invited to positively to the proposal of Many Women’s Studies and the Rev. Vanessa Ward. my home for dinner, and we launching a student-centered students are also involved in Seven women are receiving had a fun time sharing our feminist web-zine, to be linked plans for this year’s “Women’s the Women of Influence ideas and hopes for the to the Women’s Studies Week” and “Women’s History award at the Recipient’s program. One new initiative Program web page. The zine Month” events. We are Luncheon at the Dayton that arose from that discussion will feature original writing by delighted to be sponsoring Convention Center February is “First Mondays for Women’s UD students—including visits by Dr. Judith Ezekiel, 28. For tickets, call the YWCA Studies.” On the first Monday creative work, book reviews, Robert Jensen and Winona Dayton at (937) 461-5550, of each month, Women’s reflections, essays, the Durham LaDuke. Women’s Studies is ext. 179. Studies majors, minors, and Award winner, and maybe also sponsoring a table for others interested in the even a feminist advice column! Women’s Studies majors at the Program, will be gathering for Dr. Akhila Ramnarayan, who first Women’s Advocacy • Leslie Cebula pizza or wings and has just joined the English Senior Dinner March 4, and we hope Electronic Media conversation in the Women’s Department from Ohio State to see you there! Center. Our goal is to promote womenscenter.udayton.edu Women’s Center Profiles February 2006 Issue 11 UD’s Woman The Art of Irish Dance

of Influence Building up backgrounds

Page 4 strong legs is with numerous he may not see S Committee; and the National great, but what opportunities, herself as an Underground Railroad Free- really counts such as in- influence but to the lives dom Center. are students services for she’s touched in the Day- “I’ve always been called to with a passion dancers ton community, she’s service,” Heard said. “It’s so for something brushing up on more than an influence- ingrained in my whole being, they truly love. or just learning she’s a role model and in- my DNA, if you will. I know no Students the dancing spiration. other way.” possessing a techniques. Lynnette She was talent are wonderful, but Currently, they are working Heard, the Ex- taught by the “I’ve always been having them take that talent to set-up a schedule for the ecutive Direc- lives of her and share it with the UD group to come together and tor of the Office called to service. I mother and community is a gift to the practice. This year, the of the Presi- know no other her mother’s university. Senior, Ashley dance team also plans to dent of the friends, way.” Herb, and junior, Kelly perform at local nursing University of whom she Gallagher, have done just that. homes, St. Patrick’s Day Dayton, is be- -Lynnette Heard calls god- Combining Herb’s 13 years of shows, possibly participate ing recognized mothers, Irish dance experience with in the Dance Marathon, and with the 2006 that women Gallagher’s 15 years of take part in numerous other YWCA could do dedication to the art, these two dance functions. “Woman of In- anything. Heard first started women have molded the UD “The club is really just fluence” award for her serving and multitasking to Irish Dance Club from the starting to get off the commitment to promoting help her mother. Her mother ground up. ground,” Herb said, but there women and equality. lost her hearing after Heard’s “We wanted to create the is reason to believe that the Her mission goes hand in birth so she grew up interpret- club for the large Irish dance Irish Dance Club has found hand with the YWCA’s— ing and relaying her mother’s population we have at UD,” itself a happy home on UD’s empowering women and messages. Herb said. campus. eliminating racism. “You Heard saw the deafness as a There are an overwhelming With the Irish Dance Club find in life principles you blessing. “It gave me a number of students on campus just beginning its second year have to stand by and my compassion for those who come from Irish descent, of existence, there are feet are firmly planted in appearing different,” Heard making a large population of around 30 dancers already these two principles,” said. “Watching her bravery students familiar with Irish signed up on the club roster, Heard said. and courage from this was dance. The initial goal was to up from last year’s head She lives out these prin- truly inspiring to me.” target the campus’ competitive count of 25 members. ciples daily in every role Her mother never let her loss Irish dancers, who had “We really had no idea that she’s in, whether it’s in her of hearing get in the way of stopped dancing when they it would be so popular,” Herb career, community ser- serving others and she became went off to college and were said. “We hope that after we vice, or family life. Cur- the first Y-Teen Director at the taken away from their dancing leave, future generations of rently she’s the president Dayton YWCA. Heard likes to routine, but the club actually dancers will keep it alive.” of the Alpha Kappa Alpha say, “My life is wrapped in YW,” caters to a wide range of For further information on Sorority Inc. (Trotwood because of the leadership it dancers; from people without the club, contact Ashley Chapter); member of the gave her as a Y-Teen and it was an Irish heritage or prior Herb at herbasha Queen City Chapter of The the place her parents met. knowledge of Irish dance, but @notes.udayton.edu, or Links, Incorporated; Jun- “If women rise, our society who have the desire to learn, Kelly Gallagher at gallaka ior League of Dayton Com- rises,” Heard said. “In joy to students who have been @notes.udayton.edu. munity Advisory Council; dancing competitively for Kettering Medical Center’s continued on P. 3 years. The club presents • Betsy Simon Walk for Women’s Wellness Senior people of all dance English womenscenter.udayton.edu Health & Wellness

February 2006 Issue 11 Ask the Doc 5 Page Mary Buchwalder, M.D. I’ve thought about becoming a vegetarian? Is this a good idea? Well, it depends. Some used for protein. And meatless an interest in vegetarianism, at International people go veggie for ethical diets tend to be low in iron, [email protected] or (937) reasons: to better feed the zinc and some B vitamins, so if 885-1432. You can also Spotlight world by decreasing our you plan to avoid ALL animal contact the UD Dining Services From The Hindu, products, extra care must be meat consumption, or to dietician Wylan Ganote at 229- India’s National preserve the lives of taken to include these 4225. animals. These reasons nutrients and get adequate Dr.B Newspaper stand on their own merits. good-quality protein daily. If If you wonder if it is you also do not intend to eat Gearing up for more healthier than a diet that or can’t tolerate dairy, then “Ask the Doc” is a service of the medical tourists you have to be careful to get University of Dayton Health Center. includes meat, the answer is If you have any questions that K. V. Prasad yes and no. Americans in other sources of calcium too. would be of general interest, general eat too much fat and If you intend to go totally please send them to: COIMBATORE: Mark J. not enough fruits, veggie, make sure to read [email protected] Biggers, 50, is the second about it first or talk to a This e-mail is NOT checked daily. vegetables and whole- Do NOT send personal or U.S. citizen to undergo a hip grains. Most vegetarian registered dietitian. emergency questions; please come resurfacing surgery here diets supply the latter, but Also, if you’re interested, to the health center or dial 911 for within a month. He is can also easily have too you can contact the emergencies! This service is not convalescing at Ganga intended to replace a visit with a much fat if lots of whole-fat Vegetarian Society of Greater Hospital and is set to leave cheese, eggs and nuts are Dayton area, a local group with physician. for home in Arizona. Gregg Dean, 59, left for home in Wyoming last week after a Body Monologues calls for thoughts resurfacing surgery in another hospital. about your body A home and land developer, Mr. Biggers is What thoughts do you break down or when we Monologue may include: among the growing club of have about your body? compare them to others’ descriptions, feelings, foreigners, especially in the When you think about it bodies. Our body is our house- emotions, attitudes, thoughts U.S. who surf the Internet what feelings arise? What we live in it 24 hours per day, and/or experiences of living in for orthopedic surgeons feelings do you have about seven days per week, and 52 YOUR body, your personal and land in Coimbatore. your body during certain weeks per year, or in other house. Please email your Talking to presspersons at situations: such as, when words, ALWAYS. We love it, Monologue to rebecca.cook@ the hospital, Mr. Biggers you get out of bed in the we hate it, we reward it, and notes.udayton.edu or forecast a rise in the inflow morning; when you are we punish it, usually all [email protected] of U.S. patients to India. eating lunch with a friend; without thinking much about no later than February 24th. when you encounter an “our house.” We plan to publicly post these uncomfortable situation; Well here’s your chance to do Monologues anonymously To read the when you try on a new outfit an inventory of “your house” around campus the first two complete article, in the dressing room at the (e.g. your body) or have a weeks of March. If you would go to store; or when you see “heart-to-heart” talk with your like to participate but do not www.thehindu.com/ someone whose body you’d body. Since March is Women’s want your monologue posted, 2006/01/31/stories/ love to have? We often do History Month, we invite all please let us know. 2006013111110100.htm not think much about our faculty, staff, and students to • Becky Cook, Ph.D. bodies until they begin to write a Body Monologue. The Counseling Center womenscenter.udayton.edu Voices Raised UD Monologues is a diverse show February 2006 Issue 11 everyone can relate to In its first “This is celebrating women showing at the and women’s issues,” Richardt University of said. “If students are able to UD Monologues Page 6 Dayton, the UD find their voice then it will be Monologues seeks to an effective show.” When: Friday Feb. 24 8 p.m. personalize women’s lives Richardt said it is a rarity Saturday Feb. 25 8 p.m. and experiences on when a show comes along that Sunday Feb. 26 8 p.m. campus, and encourages gives students of the campus a all students to relate. chance to speak up and share Where: UD’s Black Box Theatre Both male and female their own thoughts and students had the feelings. Men and women who How: Call 229-3685 for opportunity to submit see the show are encouraged reservations monologues to be to learn about and relate to the performed by one of 12 situations discussed in the cast members, nine monologues. We first met when I was “I think that’s what art should women and three men. and dramatic, covering a wide a freshman in high be about,” Richardt said. Because each monologue variety of issues, from eating school. I didn’t really Leslie Singel, co-director, is written by a student at disorders and dating to “chick said the UD Monologues helps have any friends and I the University of Dayton flicks” and cars. to show the reality of each was wandering around and is drawn from “It’s going to be a very situation. the lunchroom looking experiences of the diverse show,” Singel said. “The theater is a fantastic students, the show is Singel warns that the show is for a place to sit. That’s medium to get the message out personal to the campus. not what viewers may be when Annie found me. It because you have this Josh Richardt, co- expecting. may not seem like audience in front of you director of the show, “Don’t have any preconceived listening to what you have to much, but that day—the encouraged students to notions,” Singel said. “Don’t say,” Singel said. day I met Annie—that look within themselves come in thinking you’re going The show will include about was one of the defining and really find their to see a certain kind of show.” 20 monologues, both comedic voice. Singel and Richardt hope the moments of my life. UD Monologues continues in coming years. “We want it to be the start of I’m hanging out on Humanities plaza. something new,” Richardt said. Step on the Maybe I’m producing a play or The show will appear in the treadmill. Browse attending a lecture. You probably think Black Box Feb. 24-26, with an open dress rehearsal Feb. 23. through the you know me. Actually, a part of you, no Tickets are free of charge, but programs. No idea matter how much you want to deny it, reservations must be made by what any of those may be just like me. Consider me your calling (937) 229-3685. mean. Hm. Quick conscience. But I hear others around me, Donations to Womanline of Start it is… I hit half behind me as I walk through campus. Dayton, a non-profit counseling center dedicated to a mile. How long has What’s it that people call me? Call us? the prevention and treatment it been since I ran It varies I guess. of sexual abuse, will be even a quarter mile? accepted. Probably since I was • Tricia Parman nine. Women’s Center Communications womenscenter.udayton.edu LaDuke, Ezekiel, Jensen to speak at UD continued from P. 1

“It is so important to Robert Jensen is an associate fact, to critique understand how change is professor in the School of is to contribute to real sexual within our reach,” Ezekiel said. Journalism at the University of liberation.” Jensen will be at February 2006 “It is important for young Texas at Austin. Much of his UD Feb. 28. Issue 11 7 Page women and men today to see research has focused on “I would like students to how so much of what they take pornography and men’s realize that pornography, for granted was won through violence. He is an activist in which is often dismissed as struggle—and how it can also the against harmless, plays a role in be taken away.” sexual violence in the National constructing our ideas about Ezekiel will be on campus Feminist Antipornography gender and sexuality,” Jensen March 2-4. She will speak in Movement. said. “If we look closely at the Roesch library at 4:30 p.m. on “Pornography is more images in pornography, we Women’s Center Friday, March 3 and will be the mainstream and normalized should be disturbed by the Newsletter Keynote Speaker for the than ever, and those who woman-hating messages.” Women’s Advocacy Dinner on critique are dismissed as • Tricia Parman Tricia Parman March 4. prudes,” Jensen said. “But, in Women’s Center Communications Editor

Lisa Rismiller Advancing women in higher education Women’s Center Director continued from P. 1 Pattie Waugh Tenured female faculty and administrative leadership. UD faculty or staff member Administrative Assistant exempt staff members at UD “Women who are selected to after hearing reactions from had the opportunity to apply attend will be accomplished women who had attended the Contributors for nomination. Because of the professionals,” said Kathy institute. content of the HERS program Watters, professor of “The program itself I think is Leslie Cebula and the caliber of women from Communication and just outstanding. The UD Student other universities who will committee member. “HERS networking that occurs for the attend the conference, only will provide these women with individual that goes is Betsy Simon UD Student tenured faculty and B level and an intensive leadership and tremendously helpful for that above exempt staff women are networking experience.” person and also for the Danielle Meinhardt eligible for nomination. Pat Meyers, dean of the university,” Curran said. “I UD Student Applications were sent to a College of Business at UD, saw it as a win-win.” committee of seven women, attended HERS at the According to Curran, the Sheila Hughes, Ph.D including Rismiller, that beginning of her woman nominated to attend Women’s Studies narrowed the selection down administrative career in higher the conference will be able to Program Director to not more than three education. see perspectives of other individuals. The selections “Participating in HERS institutions and become Mary Buchwalder, M.D. were then given to Dr. Dan opened many possibilities for familiar with different areas of UD Health Center Curran, President of UD, and me that I had not known the university. This will make Director the provost, Dr. Fred Pestello, existed,” Meyers said. “I saw the participant more rounded Becky Cook, Ph.D who will ultimately decide the range of skill and and allow her to bring new UD Counseling Center who will be nominated for the understanding needed to make ideas to UD. conference. good things happen at a “This is something we’d like Subscribing According to Rismiller, university, with its diverse to see go on into the future,” many HERS graduates go on to perspectives and dedication to Curran said. “This is a long To subscribe to our free be deans and presidents of inclusiveness. It was like term commitment.” newsletter, e-mail us at universities, as well as other seeing the Pacific Ocean or the parmantg@notes. mid-level positions. The Rockies for the first time; it • Tricia Parman udayton.edu and Women’s Center include your mailing women have the opportunity blew open my world view.” Communications to grow both academic and Curran decided to sponsor a address. Please contact To learn more about the Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Tricia Parman if you have any ideas for an Administration, visit their website at www.brynmawr.edu/summerinstitute upcoming issue at or http://president.udayton.edu/announcements.asp [email protected]. womenscenter.udayton.edu From the Director’s Desk February 2006 Keep your mind and heart open to new possibilities Issue 11 Many women have told me that who they are today, where they are personally and professionally, is not what they’d had in mind just 2, 5 or 10 years ago. I guess women shouldn’t be surprised when our personal lives take turns from our carefully laid out plans.

When “happily ever after” turns out to not be so happy after you need that room, that unplanned space so that your eyes all, mental and physical illnesses take their toll, and life in – not to mention your mind and heart – can see those the cute house with the picket fence turns out to require a surprises and opportunities as positive things. So that you’ll high-mileage minivan and a big mortgage, perhaps we should grab onto them and incorporate them into your worklife have seen it coming. After all, such dreams usually involve before they slip away. If you’ve planned it all out to the Nth other people, spouses, partners, and children, and those degree, or not done any planning at all, you won’t be looking people have to do their part to make it all work according to for change, for inspiration. You won’t take advantage of how we women have it all envisioned. mentoring programs, volunteer to lead or serve on But that’s the personal side. I believe women can and committees, expand your workplace network and your should have more control over their work outside the home. horizons. So keep your mind and your heart open – and Some try making carefully constructed “career plans” with soon enough you’ll be able to say, “I didn’t plan to be doing timelines, milestones and no built-in contingencies. Still this work, but I love what I do!” others drift along with nary a career plan or professional goal in sight. A happy medium is probably best, but still, I’d advise that all women leave room for surprises, • Lisa Rismiller

opportunities, even serendipity, in their worklives. I believe Women’s Center Director

Dayton, OH 45469-0322 OH Dayton,

212 Alumni Hall Alumni 212

Women’s Center Women’s University of Dayton of University