HERfest celebrates womanhood

Students gathered at the Student Center Betty Tipton Room on Oct. 8 to celebrate womanhood and community. Hosted by the Women’s Center at Eastern, HERfest included activities and food by various women-owned businesses and performances by on- and off-campus organizations.

“It has been incredible to watch an idea that began as a vision three years ago grow into a signature and cherished experience at Eastern,” said Starsheemar Byrum, director of the Women’s Center. “This year, more than 340 students, faculty, administrators, staff, and community members came together to celebrate women in the academy,” she said.  

According to Byrum, collaborating with the Center for Community Engagement made it possible to collect donations from different Willimantic-based community businesses and organizations for Project Hope, a non-profit agency providing comprehensive services for adults experiencing homelessness in the Windham region, and Shawn’s Cupboard, Eastern’s resident food pantry.  

"(HERfest) affirms that women belong fully in the academic space, not just as scholars, but as whole, creatively, and culturally grounded individuals who are eager to access spaces that honor them, their creativity, identities, and leadership,” she said. 

At registration, students were given a passport-like card with three stamps. These stamps were earned by first visiting the event’s photobooth, then writing words of positivity on a message board. 

The last stamp was given by visiting a resource table where female advocates asked questions to start conversations on womanhood and its challenges. Upon receiving all three stamps, attendees were eligible to win a prize.   

Women-owned businesses also had their own activities, with facepainting by Eminence Ink, henna tattoos by Jamilah Henna Creations, and waist-bead tying by Treasure Beads, which caught the students’ attention.  

Guests were able to enjoy food from Antojitos Mexicanos and LC Sweets and Treats, both women-owned businesses.

The event wrapped up with performances by Eastern organizations United Voices of Praise, East Harmonies, Dancers of ACT, Modern Movement, the Organization of Latin-American Students, and J’Quo.   

A highlight of the event was the #CREATEDbyHER exhibit, which showcased various artworks by Eastern students and staff, focusing on the portrayal of all aspects of womanhood.  

Curated by senior art and communications major Lissie Craig, the gallery included a wide variety of media. From paintings to digital photography, those sharing their art at the event included but were not limited to women.  

“I included some male artists because I think everybody should be part of the conversation discussing female empowerment,” said Craig. “By inviting them to contribute to the dialogue, we are asserting that men and women are allies and not enemies. ... It gives (men) the opportunity to understand the female experience.”