By Mia Gutierrez, March 17, 2026
International Women’s month is a time that brings awareness and thanks to all women for all they have done and overcame.
Terri Gomez, Cal Poly Pomona’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said she has faced numerous challenges as a woman building her career.
“Being the first or only woman of color at table has been a common experience,” Gomez said. “I often find myself doubting why I am there. And then I remember all of the wealth of experience I bring to the discussion. I remember that I have worked very hard to earn my spot. I remind myself of the importance of speaking up and honoring all the women who came before me and made my success possible.”
The experience of doubt and the feeling of having to work twice as hard because of her gender is a shared experience among many women such as Gomez.
“We need to honor all of the beauty, talent, brilliance, courage and differences that women from all over the globe bring as change makers and leaders,” Gomez said.
Diane Gonzalez, the chief of staff and operations at the provost office, is another woman on campus who said she persevered to get where she is today and gives a lot of credit to the women she surrounds herself with.
“My journey to this role has been shaped by hard work, perseverance and the encouragement of the women who have touched my life,” Gonzalez said. “I would not be here without their belief in me, their mentorship and their willingness to open doors. Their guidance has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my commitment to support and uplift others along the way.”
She strives to be a role model to the women around her and transfer the lessons she’s learned from her mentors as she pursed her career.
“I try to lead with integrity and consistency. I do my best not to take comments personally, to avoid making assumptions, and to always stay true to my word,” Gonzalez said. “I also encourage other women to continuously enhance their skills and seek mentors who will guide and challenge them on their journey.”
International Women’s Day, which took place March 8 as part of International Women’s History Month, also highlights the youth and young women, celebrating growth and every milestone and accomplishment they experience along the way.
Bella Moreno, an accounting student and the new president of Kappa Delta sorority on campus, finds unity and strength in the women she surrounds herself with, which she said makes this year’s International Women’s Day a little more special.
“Being in a sorority has shown me the impact of women supporting women, and when we uplift each other we become the best versions of ourselves,” Moreno said. “Having this leadership position means creating a space where women feel safe to lead, grow and to step fully into who they are.”
Having an environment of inclusivity and positive female influences can impact and uplift women in a positive way like it did for Moreno. She expressed the value of women being heard and seen within their community.
“International Women’s Day matters because it reminds us that our strength is not accidental, but it is built, inherited and shared,” Moreno said.
