Zonta Club of Fort Collins Host Private Symposium for International Women's Day

During our 100-year centennial celebration exhibit at the Global Village Museum in Fort Collins, Colorado the General Manager of a local theater, Bas Bleu Theater contacted our CAC Chairwoman, Julie Trone, to express interest in a second event at the theater once the exhibit came to a close. She agreed to co-produce 'Engaging Voices'; a Ted Talk-style performance with four prominent women in our community.

The show was held on International Women's Day 2020. Many of our exhibit pieces moved from the museum to the theater to feature in the lobby. Four women shared their personal and professional stories about their journey with women's rights. The speakers included two politicians, one advocate for Native American women's rights, and the director of our local Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy program in Fort Collins.

The intimate nature of the theater elicited a form of private and sacred space where listeners could safely contribute. Julie Trone served as the master of ceremonies and spoke about Zonta International, the local club service projects and women's rights along with welcoming each speaker. At the end of the show each presenter and the founder of the theater, Wendy Ishii, was presented with a yellow rose to signify Rose Day and our commitment to advocating for women's rights.