A photo exhibition celebrating various successful and impactful women is now on display at the College of DuPage (COD) and offers an exciting opportunity for any currently enrolled COD students: a minimum $600 scholarship for anyone who produces a three-page essay or other creative project. COD’s InterCultural Student Initiatives (ISI) organized the exhibition in honor of Women’s History Month.
These submissions must relate to a quote from an influential woman, whether included in the exhibition or not. A panel will choose the top three submissions. After the final decision is made, the winners will have the scholarship amount put into their COD account.
The exhibition opened March 4 and runs through April 3. Students and faculty can find the full exhibition across from the bookstore in the Student Resource Center (SRC). A wide variety of women are featured in the exhibition, representing different countries, social classes, races, professions and ages. The gallery includes portraits and descriptions of the women and their achievements. Notable highlights include U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, model Gigi Hadid and humanitarian Emtithal “Emi” Mahmoud. COD’s Women in Business Student Club is also honored within the display.
“The exhibit highlights influential women while recognizing their leadership and contributions,” said Elizabeth Gomez de la Casa, manager of ISI.
Students interested in participating in the contest can submit their projects through a QR code found at each end of the photo display. They can also drop them off at the ISI office found in the Student Services Center (SSC) room 1100 or email them to [email protected] or with the subject line “Expressions Contest_ (First and last name with student ID).” Name, student ID and email should be included with each submission, regardless of format. All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on April 8.
ISI encourages students to get creative with their ideas. The official contest details on the ISI website state that submissions may include videos, photography, poems or artwork, along with traditional essays. All entries will be judged based on their individual merit and how well they exemplify the woman and quote chosen. If an entry goes above and beyond, the student behind it has the chance to win even more than the $600 promised. AI-generated submissions of any kind will not be considered.
The photo exhibition not only spotlights accomplished women but also provides students with the opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements through the accompanying competition. The display invites students to engage with the legacies of influential women and encourages students to discover a deeper understanding of the impact different women have had throughout society during Women’s History Month.
For more information on the contest and other ISI events, visit their website. For questions about the exhibit and contest, contact David Swope at [email protected].
