UNF honors Women’s History Month with celebration event featuring Dr. Olenda E. Johnson
The Women's Center at the University of North Florida, 
in partnership with other campus groups, will recognize national Women’s History Month through a series of engaging events and programs in March.
2021 marks the 34th anniversary of both the inaugural Presidential Proclamation of Women’s History Month and the founding of the UNF Women’s Center. This year’s national theme, “Refusing to be Silenced,” encapsulates the spirit of both momentous occasions.
Events include the signature Women’s History Month Celebration featuring a keynote from Dr. Olenda E. Johnson, professor of strategic leadership and leader development at the U.S. Naval War College, taking place virtually at noon on Wednesday, March 3.
The Women’s History Month Celebration is an annual Women’s Center and Department of Diversity Initiatives event that provides a vehicle to honor women, their accomplishments and their contributions to society. During the event, scholarships and awards are presented to students, faculty and staff who actively provide advocacy, leadership and service in enhancing gender equity and supporting the advancement of women.
“I am elated to welcome Dr. Johnson as this year’s speaker,” said Dr. Sheila Spivey, Department of Diversity Initiatives senior director. “I had the pleasure and honor of hearing her speak at a women’s conference and was immediately captivated by her oratory gifts. She is a pioneer and highly regarded leadership scholar who is making ‘herstory’ daily. I know her address will include a powerful and motivating charge for our attendees.”
As a lead contributor in the U.S. Naval War College’s College of Leadership and Ethics, Johnson advises Navy senior leaders, develops strategy, teaches highly regarded courses, and facilitates team efforts. In her primary role, she leads her team in providing executive-level leader development for Two-Star Navy admirals, Marine generals, and senior government executives as well as supports leader development endeavors for other military units.
Johnson is the recipient of multiple honors and awards including the Army Commander’s
Medal for Public Service and the University of North Carolina (UNC) Board of Governors’
Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest teaching honor bestowed upon faculty in the UNC
system. Most recently, the Muhammad Ali Center honored Johnson as one of its Daughters of Greatness for her commitment to advancing opportunities for others.
Register online for the free Zoom celebration. For additional event questions, contact Jess Harris, UNF's Women Center specialist, via email or by calling (904) 620-2528.
View the full list of events on the UNF Women’s History Month Calendar.