Durham proudly celebrated the 22nd Annual Women’s Forum on Thursday, honoring Women’s History Month while recognizing the extraordinary contributions of women in the local community.
Under the theme “Moving Forward Together — Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” this year’s forum featured a panel discussion led by Beverly Thompson, the director of the city’s communications department. The event brought together honorees from various sectors, including government, nonprofit, and private industries, to share insights about their careers and the unique challenges faced by women today.
“Women throughout history have been pioneers, mentors, and agents of change, forging pathways for future generations through education, advocacy, and leadership,” remarked Alexis John, interim director of the Neighborhood Improvement Services Department. The department’s human relations division collaborated with ISLA NC, an organization focused on serving Spanish-speaking families, to co-host the event.
The forum commenced with the recognition of 11 remarkable women from Durham. Among the honorees was Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, a family physician and associate professor, who leads health equity efforts at the Duke Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Panelists shared their career journeys and the sources of their inspiration. For Vanity Reid Deterville, the director of the Gender Resource Advocacy and Support Program at the LGBTQ Center of Durham, the ongoing challenges to public health drive her commitment.
“We are witnessing an assault on public health in this country,” Deterville stated. “As a Black queer individual, I feel it is my responsibility to leverage my experiences to enhance the quality of life for those who share similar backgrounds.”
Nida Allam, chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, emphasized that women of color often engage in service not by choice, but necessity. Allam decided to run for office after the tragic loss of friends in a 2015 shooting in Chapel Hill, motivated to amplify Muslim and immigrant voices in politics. She made history in 2020 as the first Muslim woman elected to public office in North Carolina.
Linda Shropshire, founder of Ella West Gallery, the only art gallery in the state owned by a Black woman, shared a transformative moment from her early career when a miscalculation with a report turned into a lesson learned through support from her boss.
“In many situations, we feel the pressure to be perfect, to produce flawless results,” Shropshire reflected.
The discussion also highlighted the significance of education and leadership roles in enhancing women’s representation.
“When environments lack our representation, we must hold them accountable,” asserted Maya Jackson, founder of MAAME, Inc., dedicated to advancing maternal health care for marginalized communities.
Addressing the obstacles they faced, Allam recounted being advised to “wait her turn” when pursuing public office at the age of 26. She observed, “This country offers opportunities, yet often views people like us as ‘others’ unfit for leadership roles.” Despite the absence of a “playbook” for Muslim women in politics, Allam was inspired to run by the examples of women around her, including her mother, who held leadership at their mosque.
Mercedes McCurley, senior program manager of family engagement at the DPS Foundation, spoke about resilience in the face of adversity, stating, “Giving up is not an option; fighting for change is the only path forward.”
The panel concluded with empowering advice for women aiming to advance their careers. “Don’t wait for a seat at the table,” urged Allam. “Step up and claim your place.”
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