WCTC’s Multicultural Engagement Center to host virtual Women’s History Month, Cesar Chavez Day programs

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, March 16, 2021) – Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is celebrating Women’s History Month and Cesar Chavez Day this month with two separate online events – both free and open to the public -- coordinated by the College’s Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC).

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH EVENT

To celebrate Women’s History Month, which highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society, the College is hosting Melissa “Melly” Denizard, a 21-year old activist, organizer and documentarian who is a native of Haiti, on Thursday, March 24, from noon to 1 p.m.

Melly is a political educator, writer and and documentarian who uses an interdisciplinary approach to teach political education rooted in pop culture, history and contemporary politics. Her work expands our understanding of Black identity, history and liberation. Her background is primarily in political organizing with expertise in developing strategy and narrative storytelling with documentary films exploring the Flint water crisis and Puerto Rico's financial crisis.  Guided by her upbringing in the countryside of Mirebalais, Ayiti (Haiti), and Spring Valley, N.Y., Melly creates educational experiences that expand possibilities and challenge the status quo.

>> To join the online event on March 24 at noon, visit https://wctc.zoom.us/j/93300390373.

CESAR CHAVEZ DAY EVENT

Cesar Chavez Day is celebrated on March 31 and recognizes the birth and legacy of civil rights and labor movement activist Cesar Chavez. This year, WCTC will honor the day with a special virtual presentation featuring his granddaughter, Christine Chavez, on Wednesday, March 31, from noon to 1 p.m.

Christine Chavez has made a lifetime commitment to civil rights, the labor movement and community organizing. Her work is based on the values passed down to her from her grandfather: the fight for civil rights, social justice and labor equality.

She was born in the City of Delano, in the heart of California’s Central Valley, where she was surrounded by the farm worker movement. Her grandfather was one of the founders of the United Farm Workers, the nation’s first enduring and largest farm workers’ union. 

Currently, Christine Chavez works for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on the Public Affairs team as an outreach coordinator. She is responsible for reaching out to underserved farmers, including Hmong, Latino, African American, Veterans, LGBTQ and women. 

>> To join the online event on March 31 at noon, visit https://wctc.zoom.us/j/93136978269.

WCTC is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) seeks to prepare all students to work actively toward equity by providing knowledge, dispositions and skills for acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups. The MEC offers all students, especially those from traditionally underrepresented groups at WCTC, a safe place to call their own.

Events are free and open to the public.