Misericordia University Celebrates Women’s History Month with Engaging, Impactful Programming

University Hosts Month-Long Series Highlighting Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Impact

DALLAS, PA – Misericordia University successfully concluded its 2026 Women’s History Month celebration with a dynamic series of events recognizing the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women across professions and communities.

Throughout March, the university hosted a variety of programs that encouraged education, reflection, and engagement around themes of leadership, advocacy, and social responsibility.

A featured event of the month was the Women in Leadership Panel, which brought together regional leaders from a range of fields to share their professional experiences and perspectives. Panelists included Sister Deirdre Mullan, RSM, director of the Mercy Office at the United Nations; Dr. Maria Montoro Edwards, president and CEO of Maternal and Family Health Services; Lori Chaffers, president and CEO of Outreach – Center for Community Resources; and Mary Griffin Cummings, Esquire, president and CEO of Outreach. The discussion highlighted leadership across global advocacy, healthcare, community services, and legal and financial sectors, offering attendees insight into the challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership roles.

Another highlight was “Beyond Charity: How I Changed the System to Create Food Security,” presented by Clancy Harrison, founder of the Food Dignity® Movement. Held in Lemmond Theater, the presentation explored systemic approaches to addressing food insecurity and emphasized the need for more equitable and sustainable solutions. Through storytelling, data, and real-world examples, the program examined how traditional models can unintentionally reinforce stigma while offering pathways toward meaningful systems change.

Additional programming throughout the month included educational sessions, discussions, and campus events that connected academic perspectives with real-world impact, reinforcing the university’s mission of service and community engagement.

Women’s History Month events were made possible through the collaboration of multiple campus partners, including the Psychology Department, Social Work Department, Mission, Ministry and Service Office, the College of Health Sciences and Education, and the Women’s History Month Planning Committee.

All events were free and open to the public, underscoring Misericordia University’s commitment to accessibility, lifelong learning, and community connection.