This past March, Shippensburg University held several events honoring International Women’s Day. The annual Gero Awards recognized women across campus whose leadership and advocacy efforts have led to measurable change. The event was presented by the Center for Global Education and co-sponsored by Women’s and Gender Studies, the PAGE Center, the Office of Inclusion, Belonging and Social Equity and the Commission on Human Understanding. Of the many women recognized at the event, Maria Luiza (Malu) Takashahi and Samantha (Sammy) Lerario were presented with awards.
Maria Luiza (Malu) Takashahi
Takahashi, a graduate student in the master’s in public administration program and a graduate assistant for the Global Education Center, received the Gero Legacy Award for her work advancing gender and menstrual equity on campus.
An international student and a member of the SUSSI Board of Directors, Takahashi felt called to advocate for women after witnessing menstrual inequity during her undergraduate years in her home country, Brazil. From there, she started to study how colleges can make menstrual products accessible to students.
Her campus work at Ship began as a part of the first four-member Peer Educator team at the PAGE Center, where each student researched a specific equity-related topic. That initiative, she said, “helped promote education, awareness and remove stigma on equity topics.” The peer-education then empowered students to advocate for themselves and others.
Takahashi described the campaign to secure free menstrual products for the university as a combined effort by faculty, staff and students, noting the contributions of social work students and other groups across the university.
Furthermore, Takahashi was selected for Women Emerging, a global leadership program that seeks to “diversify and redefine global leadership” through training and development. Nominated by Interim Provost Nicole Hill and selected by Diana Rogers-Adkison, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, Takahashi was one of two students selected to represent PASSHE, and one of three from a U.S. higher education institution
Looking ahead, Takahashi is committed to continuing to advocate for women and gender equality and is grateful to everyone who has facilitated her success. “Behind every achievement, there’s an entire team responsible for the support,” she said.
Samantha (Sammy) Lerario
Lerario, CJM major with a concentration in public relations, was recognized for her leadership in Ship athletics and community programming, and credits her role on the Tau Kappa executive board with shaping her approach to leadership and women’s empowerment. She said that serving on the board taught her “the importance of leading with intention, as well as creating a supportive and inclusive environment for female student-athletes at Shippensburg.”
On March 29, she led Tau Kappa’s signature Project Prom, an annual event that provides affordable prom dresses to the community. This year, Project Prom raised $600, with all proceeds donated to the B.E.E. Tough Foundation. “Project Prom is especially meaningful to me because it gives back in multiple ways: it supports young women in our community, contributes to an incredible cause and brings student-athletes together to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Lerario said.
For National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Tau Kappa ran a social media campaign where members shared their experiences as female student-athletes. Lerario said the campaign highlighted honest perspectives and reassured athletes that they have a strong support system available to them at Ship. “I loved this campaign because I felt that it truly captured what it’s like to be a female in sports, and showed younger women on campus that they’re not alone in what they’re going through,” she said. Lerario also added that the campaign allowed members to “use their platform to uplift and support other women in a positive way.”
Beyond her contributions to the campus community, Lerario also volunteers with the Community Cares Family Shelter, organizing events and offering direct support to families in need. “Through organizing events, I’ve learned the importance of simply showing up, being present and creating a welcoming environment for those going through difficult times,” she said, noting that the experience strengthened her commitment to serving women and the greater community.
Lerario acknowledged mentors who have helped her grow and develop as an individual. “I want to give a special shoutout to Miranda Fisher, who nominated me for the Gero Award and has been such an important mentor in helping me grow as a leader,” she said, also thanking the Tau Kappa executive board and its members for their support.
The Gero Awards highlight both individual and collaborative efforts that lead to positive change and gender equity. Student recipients such as Takahashi and Lerario represent the work that continues to be done to increase access to menstrual products, community outreach and programs that uplift female athletes.
To learn more about the Gero Awards and this year’s recipients, visit The Slate.
