Empowerment will be the theme for both of the nationally recognized speakers visiting the UALR campus for Women’s History Month.

The Power of Women Program, sponsored by the Office of Campus Life, will host two speakers’ events during the month.

“Women’s History Month is a perfect time to connect our students with issues that are facing them in the real world,” said Emily Cox, student development specialist in the Office of Campus Life.  “I always try to schedule speakers who can truly connect with our students, faculty, and staff and share stories and information that will make a positive impact on the audience. This year’s speakers are no different.”

On Thursday, March 7, the campus will host Kimberly Dark, a sociology professor at Cal State San Marcos who uses her humorous first-person stories to educate audiences. Her keynote, “Becoming the Subject of Your Own Story (Rather than the Object of Another’s Gaze),” will challenge audience members to discover their own empowerment and live up to their potential while staying true to themselves.

Dark’s lecture, which includes a light lunch, will take place at noon in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall Room A.

The Office of Campus Life Diversity Programs is co-sponsoring Dark’s appearance. Following the address, Dark will meet with interested students in the Student Leadership Lounge for a workshop.

The second speaker will give a talk  at noon on Tuesday, March 26.

Tish Norman, executive director of consulting company Transforming Leaders Now, Inc., encourages women to empower themselves by examining the interplay among behaviors, social environments, and media perceptions. Norman, who received her master’s degree in education from Pepperdine University, uses her “Girls, Let’s Talk!” lecture to help undergraduates create a positive self-image, maintain healthy relationships, and learn about personal responsibility.

Her lecture will be in Ledbetter Hall Room A in the DSC. A light lunch will be served.

“Kimberly Dark and Tish Norman are both dynamic speakers that will challenge women of all ages to think about issues that affect them on a daily basis and how to positively overcome those issues,” Cox said. “I would like to encourage the campus community to join us for these programs.”

Contact Cox at ebcox@ualr.edu or 501-569-3308 for more information.