Laurier and International Women’s Forum celebrate women in the arts for International Women’s Day

March 3, 2022
For Immediate Release

Waterloo – Wilfrid Laurier University and the International Women’s Forum, an organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership globally, are marking International Women’s Day with a special online event dedicated to celebrating women in the arts.

The free, virtual event will be held March 7 at 11:30 a.m. and is open to the public, but registration is required.

Celebrating Women Leading in the Arts will be moderated by Lois Norris (BBA '90). Norris is the volunteer chair of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Foundation and a member of the Waterloo Chapter of the International Women's Forum. Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s president and vice-chancellor, will deliver a keynote address.

“During these heavy times, art is what allows us to express our emotions, gain inspiration and comfort, and create collective memory,” said MacLatchy. “And it can bring out the joy and laughter we need. I am excited to celebrate these remarkable women artists.”

The panel of speakers will feature three Laurier alumnae who will share their experiences working as artists. The speakers include Melissa Falconer (BA '17), a visual artist and entrepreneur, Nelu Handa (BBA '04), a writer, actor and producer, and Larissa Koniuk (BMus '09), a singer, performer and voice teacher. 

Guests will have the opportunity to network and participate outside of the panel discussion.