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I’m honored to be asked to moderate a panel of amazing women for Women’s History month. March celebrates women’s history and legacy. It’s a month where we collectively acknowledge women’s wonderful contributions to the world. Aurora Theatre values women’s leadership and we want you to join us on a panel like no other in Gwinnett County. The Era of Empowered Women Panel will feature and acknowledge women of influence in different fields of Gwinnett and Atlanta Metro. Bring your mom, daughter, sister, or best friend, and join us in conversation. I will be asking questions from this esteemed panel, but you will also get a chance to ask your questions as well. Below is a brief bio about each woman on the panel and myself. I had to include myself as one of these amazing women.
![](https://goodmorninggwinnett.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Laurie-BALLANCE.jpg)
![](https://goodmorninggwinnett.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Jennifer-Fero.jpg)
![](https://goodmorninggwinnett.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Melissa-Laramie.jpg)
- LAURA BALLANCE has grown a reputation for creative thinking, development and innovation within the arts community, was named Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning in Duluth in April 2020.
- Jennifer Fero received a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Western Oregon University in 1997, master’s degree in Education Policy Foundations and Administration from Portland State University in 2003, and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Mercer University in 2015.
- MELISSA LARAMIE is passionate about education and equity, Melissa has more than 22 years of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations. Melissa joined Gwinnett County Public Schools in April 2022, where she serves as the district’s first Chief Engagement Officer.
- DENISE SANTOS is an actress and Producer Denise Santos is a Miami, Florida native with parents from South America. A fluent Spanish and English speaker, being bilingual created many opportunities for her to work on a variety of productions. She is best known for her roles on Long Slow Exhale (Paramount), MacGyver (CBS), The Resident (Fox), and Family Blood (Netflix).
![](https://goodmorninggwinnett.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Denise-Santos.jpg)
Come Out & Be Empowered!
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For those of you who don’t know me, I host the Good Morning Gwinnett Show Monday-Thursday at 10am est. I’m also the Chief NoiseMaker at Noise Media Network, which is a media and marketing company. We help small businesses leverage the power of streaming media to help them create brand awareness for their business. We provide affordable solutions to fit the budget for any entrepreneur who needs help with exposure and setting up platforms to get more leads in the door.
This History Of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month is a month-long celebration observed in March to honor the contributions of women in history and contemporary society. The event began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 when the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned a “Women’s History Week” celebration. The event was so successful that it became a national event the following year when President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women’s History Week for March 2-8, 1980.
In 1987, the National Women’s History Project lobbied Congress to designate the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. The following year, Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every president has issued annual proclamations recognizing March as Women’s History Month.
The month of March was chosen because it marks International Women’s Day on March 8th. The theme for Women’s History Month changes every year, reflecting the evolving role of women in society. It is an opportunity to celebrate the significant role of women in history and acknowledge their accomplishments in various fields such as science, politics, education, arts, and social movements.
Women’s History Month is an important reminder of the progress that has been made towards gender equality and the work that still needs to be done. It serves as a call to action for all to continue the fight for women’s rights and to create a more equitable society for all.