March is here, and that means it’s time to turn the spotlight on Women’s History Month—a month dedicated to honoring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women throughout history. Rochester, Michigan, let’s make this celebration personal, meaningful, and fun! Whether you’re a history buff, a community enthusiast, or just someone looking for an excuse to celebrate the incredible women in your life, this guide has something for everyone.
Why March? A Quick History Lesson
Did you know that Women’s History Month started as a humble week-long celebration in 1978? It all began in Sonoma County, California, when local schools and communities organized events to recognize women’s contributions. By 1987, thanks to grassroots efforts and national lobbying, March was officially designated as Women’s History Month. Today, it’s a time to reflect on the past while championing the future of gender equality.
This Year’s Theme: Moving Forward Together
The 2025 theme for Women’s History Month is “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” It’s a call to action for communities like ours to celebrate women who’ve shaped history while supporting those who continue to inspire us today. Think of it as a baton passed through time—women lifting each other up across generations.
Spotlight on Nancy Munson: A Woman Who Inspires
Let’s talk about Nancy Munson. She might not be from Rochester, but her story resonates far and wide. With a career that began as a young girl inspired by a “Nancy Nurse” book (complete with Band-Aids!), Nancy went on to become a nurse, EMT, volunteer extraordinaire, and mentor. She even received the 2024 Rochester Business Journal’s Health Care Hero Award for her work at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center.
Nancy’s advice? Be patient with yourself when starting out in your career. Find mentors who’ve been in your shoes. And most importantly, don’t chase perfection—it’s overrated. Her story reminds us that success isn’t about being flawless; it’s about finding your fit and making an impact.
How Rochester Can Celebrate Women This March
Looking for ways to bring Women’s History Month to life here in Rochester? Here are some ideas:
- Support Local Women-Owned Businesses: From boutiques to bakeries, Rochester is home to incredible women entrepreneurs. Make it a point this month (and beyond!) to shop local and support their dreams.
- Host a Movie Night Featuring Female Directors: Gather friends or family and watch films directed by women or featuring strong female leads. Think Greta Gerwig or Ava DuVernay—because representation matters.
- Organize a Walk for Women: Lace up your sneakers and hit one of Rochester’s scenic trails with friends or family. Use the time to talk about women who inspire you or causes you care about.
- Volunteer Locally: Follow Nancy Munson’s lead and give back. Whether it’s mentoring young girls or helping at local shelters, volunteering is a powerful way to honor the spirit of Women’s History Month.
- Plan an Empowerment Event: Host an event where women can share their stories, talents, or businesses. Add fun elements like awards for “Most Resilient Friend” or “Best Multitasker.”
Celebrate the Past While Shaping the Future
Women like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and Sojourner Truth paved the way for so many freedoms we enjoy today—but the work isn’t done yet. From pay gaps to underrepresentation in leadership roles, there are still challenges to tackle. This month is an opportunity not just to reflect but also to act.
Here in Rochester, let’s make it personal. Who are the women in our lives who inspire us daily? Maybe it’s your mom who juggles work and family like a pro. Maybe it’s your best friend who started her own business from scratch. Or maybe it’s someone like Nancy Munson—a woman who proves that giving back is its own reward.
Fun Ways to Get Involved
If you’re looking for more lighthearted ways to celebrate this month:
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Book Club with a Twist: Pick books by influential female authors—think Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie or Maya Angelou—and discuss them over coffee.
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Social Media Shoutouts: Highlight women who inspire you on social media using hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth or #WhyIWalk.
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DIY Empowerment Art Night: Gather friends for an evening of creating art inspired by trailblazing women like Frida Kahlo or Georgia O’Keeffe.
A Toast to Resilience
As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March in Rochester, let’s remember that every woman has a story worth telling—from historical icons like Harriet Tubman to modern-day heroes like Nancy Munson. So grab your coffee (or wine), gather your friends, and let’s make this month one for the books!
Sources: nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org, blog.soroptimist.org, history.com, rit.edu
Header Image Source: Sierra Koder on Unsplash
