Livingstone women leaders attend nat’l conference

Published 12:00 am Thursday, October 3, 2024

Women leaders of Livingstone College Honors Program attended the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Regional Conference Sept. 27-29 in Richmond, Virginia. College freshmen Leah Alford, Brihanna Epting, TyAnna Robinson, Genice Smith and advisor Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish engaged in the regional event that welcomed women from multiple states to continue the fight for gender equity in America.

As the conference hosted sessions to include Title IX, the Equal Rights Amendment, and Women and Girls in STEM, attendees were immersed in AAUW’s mission that advocates for federal, state, and local laws and policies to ensure equity and end discrimination. In fact, AAUW’s advocacy efforts have led to the passage of several laws, including the Equal Pay Act, Title IX, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, whereas current issues regarding voting were also addressed as policy is being framed.

“This conference awakened me to many inequities in our nation and helped to build my knowledge and confidence about opportunities I can pursue,” said Brihanna Epting, a biology major from Jacksonville, Florida.

At the conference’s close, the women relied on the college’s Zion connection and worshipped at Hood Temple AME Zion Church, also celebrating Livingstone College alumnus, Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Meekins’ retirement as pastor.