Pawtucket Celebrates International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month on March 7th
PAWTUCKET – For the eleventh year, Pawtucket celebrates the contributions of women in the community and highlights a month-long observance of women in history.
Pawtucket International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month Kick-off Celebration will take place on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, located at 175 Main Street in Pawtucket.
The event is presented by the Pawtucket Women’s History Month Committee, Senator Lori Urso, Sandra Cano, the Office of Mayor Donald Grebien, the Pawtucket School Department, Slater Industrial Archives, and the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
This year’s event, themed “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” will highlight the achievements of women across generations and inspire future leaders.
“Eleven years ago, I envisioned a celebration that would not only honor but also uplift the women shaping our city and state,” said event Co-Chair Sandra Cano. “Today, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for how this event has grown into a cherished tradition.”
The event will begin with an hour of networking, followed by a program that features a dynamic panel discussion between three esteemed Women’s Day honorees and three senior student leaders from Pawtucket’s public high schools.
Honorees for 2025 include Patricia “Patti” DiCenso, Chair of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education and former superintendent of Pawtucket schools; Lydia Perez, a professional drummer and dancer who founded the Puerto Rican Institute for Arts and Advocacy; and Verda Jones, an engineer and nationally-recognized STEAM educator at Charles E. Shea High School.
Student leaders selected by their respective principals are Sahara Silwall, a senior at Charles E. Shea High School, Nalian Dominguez, a senior at William E. Tolman High School, and Jaelyn Batiz, a senior at Jacqueline M. Walsh High School for the Arts.
Pawtucket School Committee member Angeliz Rosa will moderate the panel.
“We are very proud to honor Patti, Lydia, and Verda this year, three exemplary women who have made a tremendous impact in our community,” said Senator Lori Urso, event co-chair. “Our tradition of connecting successful women with senior students has proven effective in inspiring a dialogue that benefits the students as they begin their journeys into adulthood and ultimately the workplace.”
The program will also include remarks from Pawtucket’s women leaders and Mayor Donald R. Grebien, and will close with a poetry reading by Sara Monteiro.
Ten community groups including Women & Infants Hospital, the Economic Progress Institute, YWCA Rhode Island, Horizon Healthcare Partners, and others will be on hand to share resources and information that uplift and support women in our community.
“Now more than ever, we must continue to stand together for women—moving forward as one, educating and inspiring generations to come. This event will remain a powerful platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of incredible women who make a difference every day,” said Cano.
As part of Women’s History Month, the Pawtucket School Department is conducting an essay contest for 5th and 8th-grade students, encouraging young writers to reflect on the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Winners will be recognized at the March meeting of the Pawtucket School Committee. Student art will also be on display in the department’s Main Street location.
Pawtucket’s International Women’s Day celebration is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. The venue is ADA-accessible. Free, off-street parking is available.
