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International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. 

For this year’s IWD, March 8, we asked the University of Dayton campus community to nominate a woman who inspires them. Below are a few of their stories. 

Olive Ekoh, MBA student and HRC Graduate Assistant 

I choose Dr. Satang Nabaneh because she stands as a remarkable advocate for democracy, human rights, and governance, making her an exceptional candidate for International Women's Day recognition. Her impactful involvement in projects resonates globally, which is evident through her fostering of discussions on critical issues concerning people of African descent.  She has hosted significant conferences, like the SPHR 2023 (Social Practice of Human Rights 2023). Through her leadership, she has brought together diverse voices from Africa and the international community within the USA.

However, Dr. Nabaneh's influence extends beyond conferences; she has made notable contributions to various human rights issues, demonstrating her commitment through insightful writings that educate others on the challenges faced in Africa. Moreover, her initiative to engage partners in Africa and Latin America for summer fellowships has allowed UD students to immerse themselves in these regions, and it showcases her dedication to shaping future leaders. Dr. Nabaneh embodies the University of Dayton's core values of serving God and humanity. 

Dr. Gloria Falcao Dodd, researcher for the International Marian Research Institute and adjunct faculty member in Religious Studies

I nominate The Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the perfect disciple of Christ who believed God's Word to conceive Christ first in her mind and then in her body to become the Mother of God. She questioned God with faith seeking understanding. Her faith in Christ and love for Him and her neighbor has prompted her to mediate between Jesus and us, as seen at Cana. Her love gave her the courage to follow Christ even to the foot of the cross where her motherhood of all beloved disciples was proclaimed by Christ. These are just some of the reasons why I am inspired by Mary's faith, intellect, love, courage, and generosity.

April Mescher, Senior Director for Strategic Partnerships and Marketing in the Center for Leadership

Madeline Weiler is Senior Associate Director of Leadership Programs in the Center for Leadership, and she is an inspiration for her unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusivity.  Madeline's work in the community is a testament to her dedication to creating a more equitable society. She works with Femme Aid Collaborative, ensuring menstrual equality in Dayton as the Director of Education and Community Engagement, and was nominated and graduated from the Dayton YWCA’s Sojourn Program in 2023. She has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives at the Center for Leadership, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. Her commitment to herself is equally inspiring, as she continually seeks to grow and learn as a curious leader. Madeline's pursuit of education is commendable, as she is working towards earning her EdD. at the University of Dayton. Her passion for making a positive impact in the world is truly motivating, and she serves as a role model for all who aspire to make a difference. She will be in the history books!

Aidan Garland, undergraduate student

I nominate Liesl Carter, third year student in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Energy and Systems Management. At the University of Dayton, she is involved in Diversity Peer Educators, the Outdoor Adventure Club, Epsilon Tau Pi, Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers, and the Multicultural Programming Council. Liesl is one of the most open, honest, and real people out there. I have had a number of meaningful conversations with her where I've learned so much about society, and how as Christ followers we're called to love others. She is a powerful leader, with enough uniqueness in her personality to set her apart while always remaining inclusive and ready to help others. She's truly one of the most kind, driven, amazing people I know!

Molly Savage, graduate student

My mom, Maureen Foote, is my inspiration. Her most recent hobby has been learning how to raise and care for butterflies. She has planted milkweed all around our backyard, and when she finds a caterpillar eating the leaves, she keeps it so it can grow and become a chrysalis. She began giving chrysalises away to friends who were grieving the loss of a loved one or going through a difficult moment in life. As my mom would say, butterflies are the symbol of the Resurrection, allowing us to visibly witness death to new life. 

Two years ago, my mom woke up without any feeling below her torso or ability to move her legs. She was eventually diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). CIDP is actually treatable – and within a week of receiving infusions, my mom went from being completely immobile to standing on her own and even walking about the house. It felt miraculous. 

The fascinating thing about a caterpillar is that its tissue actually disintegrates within the chrysalis before becoming a butterfly. Then, new life emerges. My mom also experienced this sense of new life with the gift of her diagnosis and treatment. While it took much persistence and hard work, she definitely does not take this new life for granted (and even shows off with a bow when she stands up from a chair sometimes).

I have learned that sometimes life gets really messy or uncomfortable or scary before things start getting better. But my mom has taught me that no matter how bad anything gets, there is always hope.

Julie M. Fisher, staff

Ever since I was a little girl, I have looked up to Jane Goodall.  We used to watch her tv specials, read articles about her in National Geographic and have admired her strength, knowledge and love of the chimpanzees and other animals living not only in Tanzania, but the rest of the world as well.  She instills in us that we must take care of our planet and its inhabitants.  Jane Goodall has been a powerful voice for conservation -- traveling the world and speaking about chimps and environmental crises that we need to be aware of and urging us to step up on behalf of all living things and the planet.  

Maria Graziano and Sophie Nation, undergraduate students

We are tour guides and student service representatives for UD and Cheryl Johnson works at the desk in the admissions office. Since the first day we began working in Admissions, she has been a smiling face through everything. She makes the work environment such a welcoming environment to be in. She goes above and beyond to make students feel comfortable and cared about. I (Sophie) worked three jobs this summer, and Cheryl would often come visit me at my other job (a farm about 20 minutes away from campus) to buy fresh produce and even just to come see me. Seeing her take that extra step and making such an effort to make the students feel loved and appreciated is so inspiring. Cheryl has even visited students when they have been in the hospital before. She is such a strong and caring person who truly cares for what she does and it radiates through her work ethic and who she is as a person. From leading prayers over all of us at the Student Ambassador holiday events to talking about puppies every shift, Cheryl has truly made every single student that has walked through the doors of UD’s admission building feel loved and cared for. She makes everyone feel welcome and is clearly a loyal and loving member of the University of Dayton. She is inspiring to us!