High school, college-aged women can get advice

MURFREESBORO -- Female high school and college students are invited to jumpstart their futures at MTSU as part of a celebration of National Women's History Month.

The American Association of University Women in Murfreesboro and the organization's MTSU student chapter will co-host a panel discussion, "Notes to My College Self: Advice for Navigating Your Path to Success," from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, in Room 101 of the Sam Ingram Building, located at 2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd.

Panelists include Dr. Dawn McCormack, assistant dean of the MTSU College of Liberal Arts and a professor of history; Dr. Ronda Henderson, associate professor, MTSU Department of Business Communication and Entrepreneurship; Karen Alea Ford, an author and director of The Writer's Loft, an MTSU creative writing certificate program; and Collier Andress Smith, a member of the Murfreesboro School Board.

The panel will provide female high school and college students real-world advice on preparing for a career, facing gender bias in the workplace and understanding pay inequity, among other issues.

"Raising awareness of these issues and arming young women with facts and strategies to deal with these issues is an important step in breaking down these barriers to their future success," said Dr. Ayne Cantrell, head of communications for AAUW of Murfreesboro and president-elect of AAUW of Tennessee.

This event is free and open to the public. A free public reception will follow the panel discussion.