Women’s History Month hits 35th milestone

Hanna Stocker
In Motion Staff Writer

As part of its annual Women’s History Month celebration, Daytona State College’s Center for Women and Men ended the observance with a keynote address by The Rev. Dr. Oledia F. Bell, along with honoring two DSC students, Elizabeth Caban and Carrie Emery, for personal achievements that elevate the status of women.

Every year, the luncheon celebrates the work and showcases women for their strengths and as a community. National Women’s History Month in March celebrated its 35th anniversary with the theme, “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.” The recognition of women and their achievements was designated by joint resolutions of Congress and proclamations by six American presidents. It was offered as an opportunity to gain knowledge and honor women’s triumphs of today and throughout history.

The Rev. Bell is a retired Chaplain Lt. Col. in the U.S. Air Force who served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She was the first African-American woman to serve as chaplain at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. She is currently president/CEO of A Fresh Start-Veteran Women “4” Veteran Women, an organization providing transitional services for veteran women and their families. Dr. Bell formed the organization upon her retirement from a distinguished 26-year Air Force career.

She spoke to the DSC audience about how women need to unite and work together, despite their ethnic or religious backgrounds, to overcome inequality. Among her other accolades, Bell established a women’s group in Iraq and Dijbouti that has taught English to 350 female Muslim orphans.

“If we work together, we can make a difference in the areas of economics, education and politics. United we stand, divided we fail,” Bell said.

A guest of the luncheon, Lizzie Johnson said, “Dr. Bell’s speech was very empowering and motivating. It reminded me, as a woman to always reflect on where we came from and to have hope to achieve anything we desire despite what the statistics say.”

Also honored were Caban and Emery, students who returned to school through the College’s Fresh Start program, which aids men and women in exploring career options, reviewing educational opportunities and developing careers as well as personal goals.

The $40 luncheon, a fundraiser for the Center for Men and Women, included Mediterranean- style entrée and dessert, along with Dr. Bell’s speech. Over 70 students of the Culinary and Hospitality Program volunteered and worked together to prepare the lunch and presentation.

All proceeds benefit the Center and/or go to student scholarships. Sponsoring this year’s luncheon was Daytona International Auto Mall and the Simpkins Family Foundation. Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach also supported the event by hosting a “Best or Nothing… Raffle.” Whoever pulls the winning ticket will get a choice of a 2015 “C” Class or GLK Mercedes-Benz to drive for a month or a $500 gift certificate toward sales, service or parts.