Recognizing women making impact, advancing Kentucky during Women’s History Month

Photos by UK Photo, Research Communications

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2024) — Throughout March, the University of Kentucky is spotlighting “Women Making History” across academia, health care, research and beyond.

From the distilling industry to policy making, University of Kentucky women are not just preserving Kentucky traditions — they’re rewriting them. 

Whether they are students, faculty, staff or graduates, these inspirational women are leading their fields and impacting the lives of Kentuckians through their talents, work and research.

Women’s History Month is a nationally recognized observance that commemorates the role of women throughout American History.

Though its roots as a national celebration trace back to 1981, the presidential proclamation of every March as Women’s History Month officially began in 1995. This proclamation is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to the United States and recognize specific achievements by women throughout history. 

During Women’s History Month, UK will give you a glimpse into the diverse experiences of women as they shatter glass ceilings and pave the way for future generations across the Commonwealth and beyond.

UK HealthCare will present insights from women health care professionals on challenges confronting the Commonwealth as well as their perspectives and experiences. 

Research Communications will showcase the contributions women researchers are making right now on UK’s campus, across its colleges and throughout Kentucky. From finding ways to curb substance use disorder in rural Kentucky to ensuring the histories of all Kentuckians are accessible to crafting spaces that offer distinctive experiences, women at UK are establishing a legacy of influential research.

Follow along on social media

You can follow along on UKNow, FacebookTwitter (X), Instagram and on digital signage across campus.

Health care highlights will be on UKNow as well as UK HealthCare’s FacebookTwitter (X) and Instagram.

Find research highlights on UKNow along with Research Communication’s Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram and digital signage in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building.

Women’s History Month events

Students, staff, faculty and the community are invited to celebrate Women’s History Month both on and off campus with a vibrant array of events showcasing the contributions and achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society.

Friday, March 1
Women in Islam (hosted by Muslim Student Association) 
Noon-1:30 p.m. | MLK Center, Gatton Student Center

Thursday, March 7
Trauma Informed Yoga (hosted by the Lewis Honors College and MLK Center) 
4:30-5:30 p.m. | MLK Center, Gatton Student Center

Tuesday, March 19
Seasons of Joy: Women of Color Writing Experience (hosted by Student Success) 
4-6 p.m. | Senate Chamber, Gatton Student Center

Tuesday, March 26
Coretta Scott King Women’s Celebration Dinner (hosted by MLK Center) 
5-7 p.m. | Harris Ballroom, Gatton Student Center
Registration required

Wednesday, March 27
30th Annual Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards Luncheon (hosted by UK Women’s Forum) 
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Grand Ballrooms, Gatton Student Center
Individual tickets will be available here. For group tickets and tables contact tricia.hensley@uky.edu.

"The Color Purple" Movie Screening (hosted by CARES and MLK Center) 
5-8 p.m. | Worsham Cinema, Gatton Student Center

Community Events (hosted by Ziva Voice) 

Saturday, March 9
Mama Tequila Latinx Drag Queen Brunch 
11 a.m. | Mama Tequila (367 W. Short St. #150)

Sunday, March 10
Mecca Dance Workshops (collaboration with Lexington Art League) 
6:30 p.m. | Loudon House (209 Castlewood Drive)
Purchase Tickets: http://www.meccadance.com/ 

Monday, March 11
Women Entrepreneurs Lex 
8:30 a.m. | 1591 Winchester Road #104 

Tuesday, March 12
Love Club Meetup & Support Group for Creatives, Solopreneurs & Creatives 
5 p.m. | Equus Run Vineyards (1280 Moores Mill Road, Midway, Kentucky)

Wednesday, March 13
Lunch with Purpose-Women Leading Kentucky 
Noon | The Signature Club (3256 Lansdowne Drive)
Purchase Tickets: https://womenleadingky.com/ 

​International Women’s Month - Salt & Somatic Yoga 
6-8 p.m. | Centered Holistic Health & Salt Cave (309 N. Ashland Ave. #180-B)
Purchase tickets: https://lexsaltcave.as.me/salt-somaticyoga 

Thursday, March 14
Women’s Business Center Event 
4 p.m. | Central Library (140 E Main St.)

Friday, March 15
International Women’s Exhibition-Gallery Hop 
5 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center ( 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.)

Saturday, March 16
Women at Luigart Art Exhibition 
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Sunday, March 17
Kenwick Table Women’s History Brunch with music by the Univibes (hosted by Gatton College of Business and Economics)
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Kenwick Table (​201 Owsley Ave.)

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.