Montgomery County Council proclaims March as Women’s History Month, spotlights students and educators

Council President Kate Stewart opened the March session of the Montgomery County Council by presenting a proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month and celebrating women’s leadership in county government, education and business.

Stewart noted that this is the first time a majority-women council has had a woman as president and thanked the many local women leaders and county department heads in attendance. She introduced Dr. Anne Kademian, executive director of the Universities at Shady Grove, and several Shady Grove students who joined the council to receive the proclamation.

Dr. Kademian urged the county to center student experience in higher-education pathways and described the Universities at Shady Grove as a unique multi-university campus that aims to retain local talent. “We want students to graduate and stay in the region,” Kademian said, emphasizing partnerships with Montgomery College and county public schools.

Students who spoke described internships, leadership programs and efforts to connect students with employers. Brianna Guevar Benitez said her roles at the Smith School of Business and with the Social Equity Leadership Conference have deepened her interest in public service; Mariana Tom and Luluwa Shehmelak described work on social-equity initiatives and data-visualization projects at USG.

The council read the formal proclamation, which cites national and local women’s leaders and notes the council’s commitment to advancing pay equity and inclusion. President Stewart closed the segment by thanking central staff for organizing the event and moving the meeting into its business agenda.