Event Archives
Our events and programs are shaped by the voices, needs, and aspirations of our community. As we continue building toward the future, this archive honors the work that has come before—celebrating the moments, movements, and milestones that have brought us here. Explore past events below to see how our collective efforts have laid the foundation for what’s next.
Rebirth: From Trauma to Growth
This workshop consisted of a healing circle for students to express their feelings about trauma and to support and empower their personal growth moving forward. Participants were given space to 1) honor, acknowledge, embrace, and understand their grief/trauma, 2) understand how their grief/trauma has shaped and honed their personal growth, 3) take away a new perspective about the future of their healing and personal growth. The workshop centered on storytelling, interconnecting experiences, and validating experiences.
Film Screening: Call Her Ganda
To honor the memory of Jennifer Laude, a Filipina trans woman who was murdered by an off-duty Marine, GABRIELA Santa Cruz and the Women’s Center screened the film Call Her Ganda at the Cardiff House. This film follows grassroots activists as they demand accountability and protest against the extreme violence and discrimination that trans women face around the globe. On the 10th anniversary of Laude’s death, we discussed how imperial violence affects women in the Philippines and abroad.
Zine Event: Collage and Cookies
In honor of our 40th year celebration zine, we hosted a series of zine-centered events. At our Collage and Cookies event, we experimented with collage-making while enjoying delicious cookies.
Dance and Tea
Dance and Tea was a celebration of the vibrant dance community we’ve cultivated on campus. We explored the stigmas surrounding dance, shared personal stories, enjoyed great music, and wrapped up the evening with a dance battle— all while sipping tea and snacking on charcuterie board snacks.
Zine Event: Ekphrastic Poetry
As a part of our zine event series, our Ekphrastic Poetry event invited participants to write poetry inspired by drawings, paintings, and other artworks, all created by women.
Zine Event: Collage and Cuisine
For our third zine event, we hosted Collage and Cuisine, where attendees were invited to create collages in a cozy, artistic space while enjoying delicious Italian food.
Zine Event: Colors and Pastels
For our final zine event, Colors and Pastels offered a cozy evening of collage-making, oil pastels, and watercolor painting. Attendees took a relaxing break from classes and enjoyed Thai food and a movie.
Trans Makeup Skill Share
The Women’s Center and the Cantú Queer Center teamed up to host the Trans Makeup Skill Share, an inclusive, hands-on event where artists of all skill levels to came together to teach, learn, and experiment with makeup. Participants had the opportunity to try new techniques, share tips, and take home free makeup supplies.
Still Rising: 40 Years of the Women’s Center
In honor of our 40th anniversary, our Still Rising: 40 Years of the Women’s Center event honored four decades of community, activism, and empowerment. The event featured tote bag painting, zine sharing, and a gallery walk showcasing archival documents and photos that reflect our rich history and continued impact.
Cap it Off
Our Cap it Off event celebrated the achievements of our graduating community by offering a creative space to decorate graduation caps. Graduates expressed their journeys, identities, and dreams through art, making each cap a personal reflection of their accomplishments and future goals.
