International Women’s Day: Immigration’s Impact on us

Join a fascinating panel discussion featuring women immigrants who have made a positive difference in Rochester.

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

*Event is free, but Registration is required. Please register by clicking “Get Tickets”

American Association of University Women, Rochester Global Connections, and The Rochester (NY) Chapter of the Links, Inc.are co-hosting the event to bring awareness about the accomplishments of women immigrants and the importance of diversity and gender parity.

Following the panel discussion and break out sessions, there will be a reception with refreshments and appetizers. Please read more details about the event below:

Schedule of Events:

5:00PM Registration* & Poster Exhibits

5:30PM Welcome and panelist introductions

6:00PM Panelist presentations & dialogue (break out sessions)

7:15-8:00PM Reception with refreshments and appetizers, including cash bar.

*Pre-registration is required. Event is free, but seating is limited.

About the panelists

Mara Ahmed, Artist and Filmmaker
Originally from Pakistan, Mara worked in finance in Rochester until 2004, when she resigned from her job in order to focus on art and film. Mara uses creative mediums to raise awareness about issues regarding Islamophobia, diversity, diversity education and cultural competence. Mara’s films have been broadcast on PBS and shown at film festivals around the world. Her artwork is being presently exhibited at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

Caridad Sosa-Blackwell, Freelance Consultant and Research Associate
Caridad was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the U.S. in the late 1960’s. Caridad believes in giving a voice to individuals that do not have one, by advocating for social justice, human rights causes, and community mobilization that has led to addressing structural racism and in the hopes of breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Caridad has 25+ years of professional and volunteer work experience in workforce and program development, human services, education, clinical healthcare, grant writing, and reviewer. She currently serves on the Board of Diectors for Refugees Helping Refugees and Leadership Rochester.

Princesse Nabintu-Kabaya, Care Manager, Catholic Charities USA
Princesse and her family survived a massacre in their home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and arrived in the U.S. as refugees. Her sister, Sandra Uwiringiyimana, wrote a memoir about their experience titled How Dare the Sun Rise. Princesse and her family share the story of how they survived the massacre, immigrated to the U.S, and overcame trauma through art and activism. Princesse is the co-currator of a multimedia traveling exhibit Survivors featured at the Visual Studies Workshop and Women in the World Summit. Princesse currently lives and works as a Care Manager at Catholic Charities USA in Rochester, NY.