Baltimore, MD – March 14, 2025 – International Women’s Day may have passed, but the movement is just getting started. As Women’s History Month continues, Monument Women’s Creative Alliance (MWCA) is reflecting on the impact of its sold-out 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Soirée which took place on Friday, March 7, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Red Emma’s Cafe and Bookstore. The evening brought together Baltimore’s women leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers for powerful storytelling, connection, and action.
Founded by Rachel McFadden and Hazel Geary, MWCA has grown into a thriving community of women creatives, professionals, and leaders dedicated to uplifting one another. Their signature International Women’s Day event has become a must-attend gathering for those committed to advancing gender equity and leadership opportunities for women.
From the moment Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. She opened the evening with an unforgettable message on resilience, self-advocacy, and the power of knowing when to say ‘F you’—a lesson every woman leader learns in her journey. She shared three defining ‘F You Moments’ from her career, illustrating how women can stand firm, push back, and claim their space in leadership.
“I knew we were in for an epic event when Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller kicked off the night telling us about the importance of knowing when to say ‘F you’ as a woman,” said Nancy Lord, MWCA supporter and attendee. “Maryland is so lucky to have leaders like Aruna Miller and Governor Wes Moore at the helm!”
The 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Soirée featured an outstanding panel of Baltimore’s most influential women leaders, each sharing their expertise on innovation, leadership, and breaking barriers:
- Mary Ann Scully, Dean of Loyola’s School of Business, who champions values-based leadership and ethical business innovation.
- Brittany Young, Founder of B-360, who is revolutionizing STEM education and creating career pathways for underrepresented youth.
- Julie Filderman, Senior Marketing Leader at United Way, who is driving transformational corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Glenda Lezeau, our dynamic moderator, kept the discussion lively—and even brought her signature dance moves to the stage!
- Comedian Liz Savage provided a perfect balance of humor and empowerment, proving that celebrating progress should also be joyful.
For many attendees, the night was about more than just conversation—it was about commitment to action.
“This wasn’t just an inspiring evening—it was a catalyst for action,” said Mivette Garcia, Vice President of the Collegiate Association of Startup Entrepreneurs at Morgan State University. “Surrounded by women who are actively creating real change, I left feeling more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward and accelerating action.”
Nancy Lord summed up the event’s impact best: “MWCA is such a vibrant and valuable community—not just for me, but for our hundreds of members, our city, and our state. And it’s all thanks to the vision of co-founders Rachel McFadden and Hazel Geary.”
Faye Rivkin, a dedicated MWCA member and repeat attendee, shared her excitement about the event: “I have been to all 3 of the MWCA International Women’s Day events. I buy a ticket certain that Hazel, Rachel, and the entire MWCA board will hold a spectacular, engaging, fun event. And this year’s was no different. From Lt. Governor Aruna Miller as the surprise speaker, the conversations between the 3 fabulous panelists and the dancing MC, to yummy food, seeing old friends and meeting new ones…I mean, what more could you ask for? Can’t wait for next year!”
While the 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Soirée was an undeniable success, MWCA’s mission doesn’t end when the event does.
As Women’s History Month continues, MWCA remains committed to creating opportunities for women to connect, lead, and amplify their voices. Ongoing programming includes leadership workshops, networking events, and community initiatives aimed at supporting women in creative industries, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.
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