Google Code for Remarketing Tag - Bloom
Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. At SCS, we are proud to highlight the women who make up our community—leaders, learners, and changemakers. Through unique learning opportunities, we continue to champion equity in education and the workplace. Join us in recognizing their contributions and exploring ways to support and uplift women everywhere.
Carola Weil, Dean of Continuing Studies
Dean Carola Weil emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of women while acknowledging the barriers that still exist. As a leader in higher education, she actively advocates for the rights, health, and safety of women, encouraging them to reach for the stars.
“By ensuring that gender equality is not a nice-to-have add-on but a must-have for success in all walks of life, we can accelerate action toward gender equality.”
She has long been committed to advancing women in leadership, having co-founded Women In International Security (WIIS) in the 1980s. Carola has also been involved with the International Women’s Forum and the Women’s Caucus of the International Studies Association.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to take a break from the everyday and think about all the different ways in which those who identify as women enrich our lives, to acknowledge their contributions and the support of our allies. It also is a day to remember that we still have a long way to go.”
She is committed to making gender equality a fundamental priority, fully integrating it into policies, programs, and success metrics rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Lucia Chimienti, Student Records Supervisor
Lucia views International Women’s Day as a commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and empowerment in all areas of life, while recognizing the very real challenges that women continue to face.
“I contribute to empowering women by advocating for equal opportunities, supporting women in leadership, and fostering an environment where their voices are heard and valued.”
By championing gender equity year-round, she strives to create meaningful progress and ensure every woman has the chance to succeed.
“By leading by example and fostering an equitable workplace, we can help drive meaningful progress toward gender equality.”
Maha Daoud, Faculty Lecturer, Administration and Governance Domain
“My mother and grandmother have influenced my views on the power of education. Their belief in education as a tool for empowerment is a testament to the lasting impact of strong role models.”
Maha contributes to advancing women’s rights and gender equality through mentoring, fostering discussions on pay equity, and using landmark cases like Meiorin to highlight the impact of legal decisions on workplace policies.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strides made towards gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve it. It's interesting that it reminds me of Habib Bourguiba. Bourguiba, the first President of Tunisia, was known for his progressive policies, especially regarding women's rights.”
Through education and advocacy, Maha empowers future leaders to champion fair and inclusive practices.
Sonia Di Maulo, Course Lecturer
Sonia contributes to this year’s theme “Accelerate Action” through her work as instructor in our  course which equips women with the skills to break barriers.
“This role not only fuels my passion for gender equity but also creates meaningful, community-driven opportunities for women to unlock their potential.”
Her book, The Apple in the Orchard, and Take the Leap! program further champion self-discovery and leadership. Committed to fostering gender equity through education and partnerships, Sonia accelerates action by expanding her leadership programs globally, encouraging curiosity, and building supportive ecosystems for women to thrive.
“One thing is constant. The importance of experimentation and curiosity to try something new. This is a critical mindset that will accelerate action.”
Nadège Firsova, Academic Director, Administration and Governance Domain
Nadège is a proud member of the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC), an organization dedicated to advancing and supporting women in leadership roles in Canadian universities.
“I believe empowerment happens in everyday moments—offering encouragement, amplifying voices, and standing in solidarity with women facing challenges.”
She empowers women by advocating for equal opportunities and fostering an environment where their voices are heard, and perspectives are valued—encouraging confidence, resilience, and the pursuit of ambitions without limitations.
“From mentors and colleagues to friends and family, I’m fortunate to have incredibly talented women on my team who inspire me daily.”
Cynthia Gervais, Faculty Lecturer and Academic Program Coordinator, Administration and Governance Domain
As a senior policy advisor and international human rights diplomat, Cynthia has spent nearly 30 years advancing women’s rights through strategic, behind-the-scenes advocacy.
“I take pride in driving positive change—one senior manager, one policy advisor, one lawmaker at a time.”
To Cynthia, International Women’s Day is both a celebration of progress and a call to action. Through her efforts at 91ÉçÇř, she works on launching the , one of three courses focused on mastering substantive civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues.
“I aim to shed light on achievements, effective practices, and ongoing efforts that drive the institutional changes necessary for systemic inclusion—fostering gender equality and women's leadership.”
Marie-Claude Loignon, Business Process Manager
Marie-Claude is a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, deeply influenced by her upbringing and professional experiences.
“I was raised by a strong woman who instilled in her four daughters the importance of fighting for women’s rights.”
She spent the first eight years of her career supporting low-income single mothers in regaining financial independence. Marie-Claude continues to champion women’s empowerment by speaking out against gender-based injustices and advocating for policies that advance equity.
“It is more crucial than ever to strongly advocate for gender equality, actively challenge gender stereotypes, support and respect women’s reproductive rights and bodily autonomy and take decisive action to prevent and address gender-based violence.”
Resources
The following resources are based on recommendations from SCS staff and faculty.