Women’s History Month: Recognizing UDC women who educate, inspire, advance and advocate

Myrtilla Miner is the founder of Normal School for Colored Girls, one of UDC’s predecessor institutions, and her efforts laid the foundation for today. Women at UDC are continuing to honor her legacy by inspiring, educating, advocating, and advancing other women. For this Women’s History Month, we honor Miner. We also recognize that our university is filled with pioneers, leaders and supportive women, and we want to honor them. So, we asked a few women at UDC to name others at the university who inspires them.

Image caption: Top Row L-R: Fendian Pollock, Nethmi Amarasinghe, Morgan Peterson, Andoniaina (Mariah) Randriambololona, Cynthia Rollins
Bottom Row L-R: Yah-Zehira Berry, Lauryn Lopez, Anna Schamens, Shontise McKinney, Sofia Bellucco

Third-year-law students Cynthia Rollins and Morgan Peterson agree that UDC David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) Dean and Professor of Law Renee Hutchins has significantly impacted their lives.

“Dean Hutchins is so encouraging. She lifts everyone and wants us all to succeed,” said Peterson.” She has had so much on her plate, yet she still manages to be successful herself,”

Rollins agreed. “She is one of the best professors we have ever had,” she said.

Another third-year law student, Darby Hickey, spoke of a few UDC women who made a difference in her life. “Professor Saleema Snow and Professor Tianna Gibbs have been amazing for coaching and supporting our UDC Law moot court competition teams,” she said. “We have won awards in local and national competitions over the past two months.” Hickey also has a special appreciation for fellow law school students, Jennifer Tindie and Nija Bastfield, who are active in their communities.

Fendian Pollock, a first-year international math student from Jamaica, said UDCDirector of Student Life Melinda Jennings made all the difference in her educational experience. She credits Jennings with helping her get acclimated to the university. “Ms. Jennings is incredibly involved. She is so friendly, and her personality and professionalism have made it easier for me. I aspire to be more like her one day,” said Pollack.

Yen Hannah, a sophomore psychology major, credits Dr. Dhymsy Vixamar-Owens as one of the women at UDC who has motivated her. “I love her work, which has encouraged me,” said Hannah. “Dr. Owens influences her students to work hard both in and out of the classroom.”

Nethmi Amarasinghe, a junior psychology major from Sri Lanka, credits Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Afiya Fredericks as one of her major influences at UDC. “Her research is so important and inspirational,” said Amarasinghe. “I like her as a person, as well.”

Mariah Randriambololona, a senior mechanical engineering student, says that Dr. Kate Klein, chair of the mechanical and engineering department, has always been supportive. “She was the first woman in STEM that I had exposure to,” Randriambololona said. “Dr. Klein helped me gain more confidence in myself, especially as a Black woman in engineering.

Sofia Bellucco, a senior digital media major, is on the UDC women’s tennis team. Bellecco notes that UDC graduate student and fellow player Simoné Pärn, motivates her to be her best. “Sofia has come a long way as a tennis player. She is the No.1 player for both singles and doubles,” said Bellucco. “Simoné also works hard in her goal to work in medical research, and she’s passionate about what she does. Her passion inspires me to reach my own goals.”

For Anna Schamens, a freshman business management majorand Lauryn Lopez, a freshman political science major–both members of the UDC’s women’s lacrosse team–

Erin Looney is the first person who comes to mind. Erin is an adjunct professor in General Education and a communications specialist at UDC David A. Clark Law School. “Erin works tremendously hard in everything she does,” said Schamens. “She has always been there for her students,” added Lopez.

UDC’s head women’s lacrosse coach, Zhane Ruffin, deserves recognition according to freshman chemistry major and team member Yah-Zehira Berry. “Zhane always strives to reach her goals in life and loves what she does,” said Berry. “She is a great coach and student supporter.”

Shontise McKinney, a senior accounting and finance major, honors Dejenee Miller, a UDC biology student. “She’s an international student who hails from Jamaica, and it’s been interesting to learn about her life there and here, and everything she has done for other women,” McKinney said. “Dejenee is a truly selfless person.”

She also honors Shavonne Fraley, a UDC engineering major and president of the A.K.A. Beta Lamba chapter. “She is encouraging to everyone around her. Shavonne is a full-time student, and a mother,” said McKinney. “She has already interned at NASA and will make a great engineer one day.”

These are just a few of the many women at UDC who shape our community and have an enormous impact on others, especially other women around them. Please visit our website to find more examples of how UDC women are making a difference.