(Pictured: Women at Work Panel w/ guest speakers Dr. Rachel Villanueva & Dr. Chimene Liburd.
In March, Molloy celebrated Women’s History Month through a variety of events organized by the members of GERLL Club (Girls’ Empowerment for Real Life Leadership). Since its founding in 2018, GERLL Club has hosted fundraising events such as the Molloy Fashion Show and Radio Bingo, which have empowered Stanner women while raising money for the new Girls Leadership Scholarship Fund, which will benefit young women entering Molloy in the future.
Guidance Counselor Ms. Kerry Henning is honored to be the moderator of GERLL Club. “The club members and myself were determined to be very involved with Molloy’s Women’s History Month celebration, as well as our Girls Leadership Scholarship Fund. The activities and events that were planned really brought out the best in our school.”
GERLL Club kicked off March by acknowledging all female faculty and staff with a spirited musical video. The club also sponsored an art contest, which was conducted by the Computer Science department. The contest challenged students to create graphic designs depicting women in history or causes for female empowerment. GERLL Club also organized the first ever “Molloy’s Got Talent”, which showcased dazzling performances by students, alumni, and faculty in a virtual setting.
The month concluded with several more high-profile events. “GERLL Club sponsored a Cash Calendar Raffle fundraiser, and we ended the month with a Women At Work Medical Panel, featuring two exceptional, world-class female doctors, who met with students virtually to discuss the medical field and offer advice for their future careers,” said Ms. Henning. “Our students created the event and were well prepared with many questions. Both Dr. Rachel Villanueva and Dr. Chimene Liburd, who grew up in Queens, commented on how exceptionally smart and enthusiastic our students are.”
Molly McGuinness ’22, a member of GERLL Club, found the month-long celebration fulfilling. “A lot of work went into these events. To see them come to life was extremely satisfying. In a school that was once completely dominated by men, it is important for women to be heard and appreciated. With these events, I feel that this mission was accomplished. GERLL Club has made me realize the impact that we can make as women in society.” Keren Elmore ’22 appreciated how the events instilled confidence in girls at Molloy. “Our annual panels allow students to see themselves in careers that they may be underrepresented in and feel empowered to break glass ceilings,” said Keren. “More importantly, we are learning the value of mentoring and sharing our stories. It’s wonderful to achieve success, but sharing your journey with others, even when it’s not always pretty, is so influential. I hope the club continues to encourage girls to fulfill their potential and become leaders.”
Ms. Henning is proud of what GERLL Club achieved during Women’s History Month, and thankful to all who participated, as well as for the tremendous support of Principal Dr. Darius Penikas. “We’ve received great feedback from students, faculty, parents, and alumni,” said Ms. Henning. “On a personal note, I feel that by acknowledging the importance and equality of women in our world and in our Molloy community, we continue to strengthen, empower, and uplift all of our students, faculty and staff, as we strive to continue to make Molloy an exceptional institution.”
