The Women in Science after-school forum was moderated by Heights High science teacher O'Dasha Johnson. Panel members are: Rebecca Blice, Isharon Reynolds, Susan Fleischer, Elizabeth Shaw, Linda Elonen-Wright, Sheronica James and Margot Damaser, (L-R).
March 20, 2017 -- Heights High celebrated Women’s History Month in March with two forums with local women and announcements about women’s contributions to the world.
Two after school Wednesdays with Women forums featured local women in two male dominated fields: politics and science. The purpose of the forums were to inform students about opportunities in politics and science and to encourage students to consider pursuing a career in one of these areas.
On March 8, Cleveland Heights Mayor Cheryl Stephens, Shaker Heights City Council member Julianna Senturia and Moms Demand Action Ohio Membership Chair Laura Lewis talked to students about their roles and answered questions from students. The panelist emphasized the importance of staying informed, speaking out when witnessing something wrong, voting and selecting an issue to target their energy and action. The event was moderated by PTA Officer Malia Lewis.
On March 15, seven current and retired women in scienc- related careers discussed their job responsibilities, difficulties facing women in traditionally male careers, the many paths that lead to success, the importance of written and oral communication and overcoming obstacles. The panel participants were:
- Rebecca Blice, Nottingham Spirk, engineer
- Margot Damaser, Cleveland Clinic and Veterans' Administration, medical research
- Susan Fleischer, University Hospitals Homecare Services, pharmacist
- Sheronica James, Cleveland Clinic, medical research
- Isharon Reynolds, Metro Health, nurse
- Elizabeth Shaw, First Energy, engineer, retired
- Linda Elonen-Wright, NASA Glenn Research Center
Heights High science teacher O’Dasha Johnson moderated the discussion.
PTA provided refreshments.
The March daily announcements included short features highlighting notable women and legislation, including Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Annie J. Easley, Amelia Earhart, Title Nine, Rachael Carson and Wangari Maathai.
The Women’s History Month committee included: staff members Donna Feldman, Joy Henderson, Lisa Hunt and Ditte Wolin and PTA Treasurer Malia Lewis.