Skip navigation

TCC celebrates Women’s History Month 2015

Toshia Shaw, a survivor of sex trafficking, will tell of her personal journey back to freedom on March 3, highlighting Tidewater Community College’s observance of Women’s History Month 2015.

Having overcome her own personal encounters as both a survivor of domestic violence and sex-trafficking, Shaw shares her compelling story with audiences across the nation.

In 2006, she faced the heartbreaking reality of girls in her community being trafficked in staggering numbers. This was a turning point, and she felt compelled to start speaking up about the issue of domestic sex trafficking of minors in Las Vegas, Nev.

Shaw founded Purple W.I.N.G.S. (Women Inspiring Noble Girls Successfully), a crisis intervention and mentoring program designed to reach at-risk girls. Her March 3 visit to TCC includes breakfast with students on the Portsmouth Campus and a talk on the Norfolk Campus. Both events are free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the college’s Office for Intercultural Learning, the month-long Women’s History Month celebration includes a variety of campus events from movies to book talks to panel discussions.

For more information, call TCC’s Information Center at 757- 822-1122. Locations

 (Note: Events are subject to change and are on a first-come first-served basis.)

Women’s History Month 2015

Keynote: Toshia Shaw

March 3

Breakfast
9:30 -10:45 a.m., Portsmouth Campus Student Center, Multipurpose Room 121

Spend the morning with Toshia Shaw as she speaks about her work to save those at-risk for becoming victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence.

Address
12:30 – 2 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, 5th Floor

Shaw, a survivor of sex trafficking, transforms audiences with the story of her harrowing journey. Shaw founded Purple W.I.N.G.S., an organization that demystifies misconceptions about who is at risk for sexual violence. Shaw’s address will be streamed live to the Virginia Beach Campus Student Center. Watch the keynote address and tweet @TCCWomenscenter using the #TCCWHM15 hashtag.

Campus Programs and Events

March 17

Book Talk – “If I Am Missing or Dead: A Sister’s Story of Love, Murder, and Liberation”
12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Potomac Seminar 3116

This book is a double memoir depicting two sisters’ story of domestic violence. One sister made it out alive; the other did not.

Munch & Movie – “Very Young Girls”

Noon – 2 p.m., Norfolk Campus Student Center, 5th Floor

The title “Very Young Girls” reflects the fact that in the United States the average age of entry into prostitution is 13. The film takes the audience into the work of a former sexually exploited youth-turned-activist named Rachel Lloyd, who started the New York City organization GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) to help victimized young women escape their pimps and find another way of life.

March 18

Panel Discussion: Work/Life Balance
2 – 4 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Potomac Seminar 3116

Learn tips and techniques from a group of working women on how they balance life, school and work.

March 19

Munch & Movie – “Miss Representation”
2 – 4 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, 3rd Floor, and Little Otter Room 3310

Explores the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America, and challenges the media’s limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful woman.

Munch & Movie – “Say Yes to Success”
12:30 – 1:30 pm & 5:30 – 6:30 pm, Virginia Beach Campus Student Center, 3rd Floor

Come to a confidence-building workshop and a healthier image.

March 24

A Day to Celebrate – “I Am Woman”
12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Portsmouth Campus Student Center, Multipurpose Room

A day of celebrating the spirit of womanhood with various activities with the focus on health, wellness and hygiene.

March 25

Quick Tips for a Fit and Fresh You
Noon – 2 p.m., Virginia Beach Student Center, Gymnasium

Learn about quick workouts and easy and healthy meals for busy people.

March 30

Munch & Movie – “Girl Rising”
Noon & 5 p.m., Virginia Beach Student Campus, TV Lounge

“Girl Rising” tells the stories of nine girls from different parts of the world who face arranged marriages, child slavery and other heartbreaking injustices. Despite these obstacles, the girls offer hope and inspiration. By getting an education, they break barriers and create change.

March 31

Panel Discussion – Women in Leadership in Nontraditional Careers
12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Chesapeake Campus Student Center, Big Otter Room

Learn tips and techniques from leaders in the manufacturing industry in Hampton Roads.